The Federal Government has directed all treasury-funded Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to enforce full compliance with the ongoing pension verification and enrolment exercise, following reports of low participation by eligible civil servants.
The directive comes as the National Pension Commission (PenCom) warned that failure to participate could delay the payment of accrued pension benefits for affected workers at retirement.
Scope of the Exercise
The nationwide exercise targets civil servants employed before June 30, 2004, who are entitled to accrued rights under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). It commenced on February 2, 2026, and is scheduled to end on July 31, 2026.
In a circular issued on April 27, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, instructed MDAs to urgently upload details of eligible staff and ensure they complete the verification process. She stressed that the exercise is critical for determining the Federal Government’s outstanding pension liabilities and making adequate budgetary provisions for settlement.
Digital Platform to Drive Process
To improve efficiency and eliminate bottlenecks associated with manual systems, PenCom has deployed a digital platform, the Contributions and Bond Redemption Application (COBRA), for the exercise. The system enables real-time data capture, biometric verification and validation of employment records, aimed at enhancing accuracy and preventing delays in pension processing.
PenCom said the platform represents a significant upgrade from previous enrolment processes, which were often plagued by incomplete records and administrative delays.
Legacy Pension Burden
The verification exercise is part of broader efforts to address pension obligations carried over from the defunct Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), which was replaced by the CPS in 2004. Under the Pension Reform Act 2014, affected employees are entitled to accrued pension rights representing benefits earned prior to the reform. Funding for these liabilities is provided through the Retirement Benefits Bond Redemption Fund managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Phased Rollout
PenCom said the exercise is being implemented in phases to ensure smooth coordination and avoid system congestion. The first phase, which ended in March, covered workers due to retire between 2027 and 2029, while the ongoing second phase, running until July 31, targets those retiring from 2030 onwards.
Risk of Delayed Benefits
Despite these arrangements, participation has remained below expectations, prompting concerns within government circles. Officials warned that workers who fail to complete the verification risk complications in the computation and payment of their pension benefits.
MDAs have been directed to work through Pension Desk Officers to mobilise staff, while affected employees are required to visit their Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) with relevant documents to finalise enrolment. PenCom maintained that timely participation would enable accurate computation of accrued rights and ensure seamless access to retirement benefits.
With the deadline fast approaching, the Federal Government is now intensifying awareness efforts, as attention shifts to how quickly MDAs can close the enrolment gap and avert disruptions in pension payments.
