Akume inaugurates PENCOM Board, charges members on accountability

Business, Politics

ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has inaugurated the Board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), urging members to uphold accountability and transparency in safeguarding the retirement savings of Federal Government workers.

Akume underscored the clarity of their mandate, which includes providing strategic direction, policy guidance, and effective oversight in line with the Pension Reform Act 2014. “Today’s inauguration underscores the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to a pension system that is transparent, resilient, and trusted by all,” he said. He warned against encroaching on operational responsibilities, reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to addressing pension liabilities and ensuring retirees are paid with dignity and timeliness.

The Board, chaired by Dr. Opeyemi Agbaje, includes Hon. Hafiz Muhammad Kawu Ibrahim, OON (Commissioner, Technical); Samuel Chigozie Uwanda, CPA (Commissioner, Inspectorate); Charles Efe Sylvester Emukowhate (Commissioner, Finance); Bello Abubakar Malabu (Commissioner, Administration); Dr. Abdul Sule Usman Garba (Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office); Mrs. Aderonke J. Jaiyesimi (Federal Ministry of Finance); Comrade Joseph Ajaero (Nigeria Labour Congress); Tajuddeen Ubayi (Trade Union Congress of Nigeria); Comrade Godwin Ikechukwu Abumisi (Nigeria Union of Pensioners); Adewale Smatt‑Oyerinde (Nigeria Employers Consultative Association); Dr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi (Central Bank of Nigeria); Dr. Emomotitmi Agama (Securities and Exchange Commission); Dr. Umaru Kwairanga (Nigerian Stock Exchange); and Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin (National Insurance Commission).

Speaking on behalf of the Board, Dr Agbaje assured alignment with governance principles, pledging integrity, accountability, and a clear distinction between oversight and management. He thanked President Tinubu for the appointment and emphasised leveraging pension funds as a catalyst for national development.

Earlier, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, noted that reforms have strengthened PenCom as a key institution safeguarding retirement savings, impacting both current retirees and serving public servants.