The Lagos State Government has taken a further step to ensure that the aged and retirees do not suffer undue hardship during the restriction order, as it ensured seamless payment of N1.8bn bond arrears to 418 pensioners on Friday, 27th March 2020.
A statement signed by the Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle revealed that the gesture was one of the many put in place by the government to ensure that elderly citizens are not affected by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mrs. Ponnle also disclosed that the usual Bond presentation ceremony did not hold in compliance with the directive against gathering of more than 25 persons in any location, saying, however, that the Lagos State Pension Commission, LASPEC, transferred the Bond Certificates of the 418 pensioners to their respective Pension Fund Administrators (PFA) for the pay-out of accrued rights.
While giving notice that the verification exercise for Lagos State pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme has been postponed, the Commissioner hinted that the Civil Service Pensions Office is exploring alternative verification methods to be announced in due course.
She reiterated that LASPEC offices remain available virtually and advised pensioners with any inquiries to contact the official telephone numbers – +2348023065860; +2348023064050.
The Commissioner implored Pensioners to stay indoors, stay safe and observe the widely publicised social distancing methods, affirming that Lagos State will continue to care for its pensioners.
