Updated: PTAD Unveils ‘I am Alive’ Digital Solution For Pensioners
PTAD Executive Secretary, Dr. Chioma Ejikeme
The Pension Transition Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), has launched a digital solution called ‘I am Alive’ for pensioners aimed at eliminating the menace of ghost pensioners in Nigeria’s pension industry.
PTAD Executive Secretary, Dr. Chioma Ejikeme, while speaking in Abuja during a press conference marking the unveiling of the project, said the initiative would be used to biometrically capture pensioners on any smart phone to confirm that they are still alive and eligible for payments.
She explained that the scheme would facilitate easier, faster and more friendly verification for the senior citizens as well as enable the Directorate to eliminate deceased beneficiaries from its database to conserve funds to pay those alive. “I am Alive” Confirmation Solutions is a web-based software designed to enable our pensioners easily confirm their lives from the comfort of their homes or neighbourhood, using either a smartphone or a computer system.
According to her “The “I AM Alive” Confirmation Solution is a web-based software designed to enable our pensioners, to easily confirm their aliveness from the comfort of their homes or neighbourhood, using either a smartphone or a computer system.
“This solution takes the pensioner through a three-step confirmation process that ends with a text message response. The confirmation process consists of: 1. Identification process: a. Enter your pensioner’s number; b. Enter your bank account number 2. Take your photo (it will be validated with the existing picture in the PTAD database) and 3. Perform the aliveness validation by moving your face to follow the moving object on the screen.
“Kindly note that Pensioners’ BVN, ATM Card details and ATM Card PIN ARE NOT REQUIRED for the confirmation process and we warn our Pensioners to BEWARE of Fraudsters.”
She said “The Directorate has decided to deploy the application in phases, starting with Fifty Thousand (50,000) pensioners cut across the four operational departments and the six geo-political zones, selected to participate in this pilot phase. On the successful implementation of this pilot phase, we will deploy the application on a full scale at predetermined intervals on a continuous basis for all verified pensioners on the payroll.
“Kindly be informed that pensioners who are part of this pilot phase have been notified by PTAD via SMS. Pensioners who did not receive the SMS, should kindly note that they are not part of the pilot phase, and would not be able to gain access to the platform to confirm their aliveness at this time. All Pensioners will be duly informed when the application is deployed on a full scale and is available for all pensioners.
“We wish to use this opportunity to assure our esteemed pensioners that the “I Am Alive” confirmation solution was designed with their utmost welfare in mind leveraging on accuracy, reliability, user friendliness and convenience. We had promised that the era of bringing out our aged pensioners for field verification is over, and we stand by our promise.
“Be rest assured that nobody can tamper with your pension payment through the “I Am Alive” platform. If somebody with a smartphone or computer system in your neighbourhood helps you to confirm your aliveness, the person cannot steal your money. All we need is a confirmation that you are still alive so that we can continue to pay your pension.”
PTAD boss said in the coming weeks, the Directorate intend to carry out massive awareness campaign on this, to sensitise the pensioners and the general public, adding that “As always, we are ready and available to answer any questions you might have on the ‘I Am Alive’.”
She reassured pensioners and Next of Kin that PTAD is working hard and will continue to do so to clear any accrued arrears, while ensuring that monthly pensions are paid promptly.
