Senator Akume charges inaugurated Pencom Board members to refrain from interference in daily operational matters of the Commission.

By Afolabi Oyekunle

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume has charged the newly inaugurated members of the Board of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) to refrain from interference in the Commission operation matters.

Akume made the call while inaugurating the Board  members in Abuja.

According to him, any interference in operational matters would weaken accountability and undermine Pencom institutional effectiveness.

He drew a firm line between governance and administration. He told the members that while the Board is responsible for oversight, Management must be allowed to handle day-to-day operations. 

 He  charged members of the Board to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance and safeguard over ₦28 trillion in pension assets under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

 Senator George Akume, said that PenCom remains a critical pillar of Nigeria’s financial sector, entrusted with the retirement savings of millions of Nigerians.

 He said the event demonstrates government’s commitment to a pension system that is transparent, resilient, and trusted.

Members in a group photograph.

The SGF described the Board’s role as one of “national importance,” as members are expected to provide strategic direction, policy guidance, and effective oversight in line with the Pension Reform Act 2014 (PRA) and other relevant frameworks.

 On the scale of responsibility before the new Board, the SGF said that the pension industry has grown significantly, with assets now exceeding ₦28 trillion and millions of contributors depending on the CPS for financial security in retirement. 

He therefore called for zero tolerance for misconduct, urging the Board to prioritise strong internal controls, robust risk management, and transparency in decision-making.

“The actions of the Board must reinforce public confidence in the pension system and assure contributors that their savings are safe, secure, and well managed,” he said.

Reaffirming government’s commitment to the sector, the SGF said that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains resolute in meeting pension obligations. 

He noted that steps have been taken to address outstanding liabilities and restore confidence, with a focus on ensuring that retirees receive their benefits with dignity, certainty, and timeliness.

 He is confident that members would deliver exemplary leadership, disciplined governance, and sustained commitment to the Nigerian people.

Speaking on behalf of members, the Chairman of the PenCom Board, Agbaje Opeyemi Olukayode, expressed appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding the Board members worthy of the national assignment.

Olukayode said the new Board members are fully committed to upholding the ideals articulated by the SGF, particularly in the areas of corporate governance, integrity, strong leadership, and a clear distinction between governance and oversight.

The Chairman pledged the Board’s determination to advance the administration’s agenda by leveraging pension funds as a catalyst for national development, mainly in infrastructure, housing, and other critical sectors of the economy.

Also speaking, the Director-General of PenCom, Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, expressed appreciation to the SGF for inaugurating the Board and for providing oversight during the period the Commission operated without one. She noted that, prior to the inauguration, the SGF had offered strategic leadership with clarity and purpose, contributing to key achievements recorded since her assumption of office.

The Director-General emphasised her commitment to working collaboratively with the Board, anchored on a shared responsibility to serve the interests of Nigerians. She stressed that every decision of PenCom Board must ultimately deliver tangible benefits to contributors and retirees.

The DG further said the inauguration is timely and significant, as it strengthens governance within PenCom by restoring the Board’s oversight function. She said she looked forward to a productive and collaborative working relationship with the Board.

She reaffirmed that both Management and the Board would continue to deliver on PenCom’s mandate and expressed confidence in a strong partnership with all Board members in advancing the objectives of the pension industry.