The National Pension Commission don reveal say only seven states and the Federal Capital Territory fully dey implement pension reform laws, despite the widespread adoption of contributory pension schemes across Nigeria.
PenCom Director-General, Omolola Oloworaran, disclose this during a consultative meeting for heads of service from states wey never fully adopt or implement the Contributory Pension Scheme. The meeting happen for Abuja on Thursday.
According to Oloworaran, 30 states and FCT don already pass laws for contributory pension scheme, while six other states still get pension reform bills wey never pass through their state assemblies.
However, she lament say 23 states still dey operate pension laws wey either inactive or partially implemented, leaving many civil servants uncertain about their retirement future.
“Out of the 36 states wey get pension reform laws, only seven states and FCT fully dey implement them,” she talk.
Furthermore, the PenCom boss explain say pension reform no be ordinary policy matter, but constitutional responsibility wey government must obey under Section 210 of the 1999 Constitution.
She say the old pension structure fail because e create uncertainty and huge financial burdens for government, while the contributory pension scheme was introduced to ensure transparency, accountability and sustainability.
According to her, the major challenge for many states now no be passing pension laws again, but proper implementation through regular remittance and funding of pension contributions.
“The real challenge na discipline for execution. States need to remit pension contributions regularly and fund accrued pension rights properly,” she added.
Meanwhile, Oloworaran urge heads of service to see pension reform as part of their legacy, warning say failure to implement the laws go continue to put workers’ retirement future at risk.
She also reveal say President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approve and release ₦758 billion in 2025 to clear pension liabilities at the federal level, adding say the Federal Government currently no longer owes outstanding pension debts.
In addition, PenCom launch a new reform programme tagged “Pension Revolution 2.0,” aimed at improving retiree welfare, expanding pension coverage and boosting investment performance through technology-driven service delivery.
Also speaking during the event, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, describe the meeting as timely and important.
She say pension reform na issue of dignity, justice and trust in government institutions, stressing say workers deserve assurance that their retirement benefits go remain secure after years of service.
According to PenCom figures, Nigeria pension assets rise to ₦28.04 trillion as of January 2026, showing strong growth in the country’s pension industry.
