PenCom, PenOp Assure Pension Contributors Of Safety Of Pension Fund
Contributors to the Micro Pension Plan and those intending to join the plan have been assured of the safety of their contributions.
Speaking at the Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) annual media parley yesterday in Lagos, Executives of PenOp and top officials of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) reiterated the commission’s strict regulation and monitoring of the micro pension scheme.
In his presentation on Micro Pension Plan (MPP), Head of Department, Micro Pension, PenCom, Dauda Ahmed, while emphasizing the safety of pension fund, noted that Micro Pension Plan was based on individual and personalised Retirement Savings Account (RSA) adding that only the RSA holders have access to the balance in the account.
He assured that there was separation of management and custody of the pension funds which ensures that Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) who manage the fund do not have direct access to them as the funds are kept by by the Pension Funds Custodians (PFCs).
According to him, the MPP is based on individual and personalized RSA – Only the RSA holder can access the balance in the RSA. There is a separation of the management and custody of pension funds – whereas the Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) manages the fund, it does not have direct access to the funds which are kept safely by the Pension Fund Custodian (PFC).
“The PFAs invest contributions in accordance with the Regulations and guidelines issued by the Commission, with the objectives of safety and fair returns on investment. Strict Corporate Governance and Disclosure Requirements;
“Pension assets are excluded from litigations and cannot be used to meet the claim of any creditors or be sold, or granted as loan. Pension Protection Fund (PPF) to absorb any systemic losses,” Dauda explained.
Giving further insights he said, there is Annual & Special examinations of operators;
that scheme is strictly regulated and supervised by PenCom; that those fit and proper persons’ with requisite requirements are appointment to top Managements & Directors, adding that there are sanctions and penalties to defaulting Operators.
On the benefits of MPP, Dauda said that it will improve the standard of living of the elderly as it provides a regular stream of benefits at old age; provide access to other incentives; secures financial autonomy and independence of retirees; and that contributions will be passed to the next of kin in case of contributor’s death.
On investment, he said Micro Pension contributions are treated and managed as a separate fund known as the Micro Pension Fund (Fund V) by the PFAs, adding that the main objectives of pension fund investment is to ensure safety and fair returns.
“The investment of the fund/assets of the MPF is in a fund type that guarantees the most stable income for the Micro Pension contributor. Alternatively, the Micro Pension contributor can opt for Fund VI (non-interest fund), he explained.
