PenCom, ICPC partner to enforce pension compliance

Barbara Bako, Abuja.

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have formalised a partnership to recover unremitted pension contributions and strengthen compliance across the country’s pension system.

At the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Abuja on Tuesday, the Director-General of PenCom, Omolola Oloworaran, said the agreement would ensure the prompt transfer of recovered funds into retirement savings accounts and hold defaulting employers accountable.

“To ensure efficiency, both institutions have designated focal officers: the director of operations for ICPC and the director of surveillance for PenCom to drive information sharing, investigation and enforcement with speed and precision,” she said.

Oloworaran described the collaboration as a turning point in the protection of workers’ retirement benefits and in promoting transparency within pension fund management.

“This ceremony goes far beyond the signing of a document. It signifies a shared moral and institutional commitment, a partnership rooted in our collective resolve to strengthen integrity, transparency and judicious management of pension fund assets,” she stated.

She noted that the pension scheme rests on public trust, adding that it was the joint responsibility of regulators and anti-corruption bodies to ensure that the system remains credible.

“Our duty, both as regulators and as anti-corruption enforcers, is to ensure that this trust is never broken. Every naira deducted by employers must be remitted, and every contribution must be properly accounted for,” Oloworaran said.

According to her, unremitted pension liabilities and unapplied deductions under the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) remain key issues undermining the scheme.

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“These lapses are not mere administrative oversights, they threaten the livelihood and security of Nigerian workers. This is why today’s MoU matters. It provides a clear and coordinated framework to address these challenges,” she added.

The PenCom chief commended the ICPC for embracing the initiative, saying the collaboration underscores both agencies’ shared resolve to entrench integrity in public administration.

“Together, we are demonstrating that public institutions can and must work in concert for the good of the Nigerian people. This partnership is not the end, but a new beginning, one that will deepen transparency, rebuild trust and safeguard the future of millions of Nigerian workers,” she said.

ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, pledged that the commission would ensure offenders face the law and that workers receive their full retirement benefits.

Represented by the Secretary of the Commission, Clifford Oparaodu, Mr Aliyu said the ICPC would blend public enlightenment with enforcement to ensure employers understand their obligations.

“We will not disappoint you; we will work with PenCom to recover unremitted funds and ensure that every Nigerian worker enjoys the fruit of their labour,” he said.

He praised PenCom for initiating the collaboration and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to full cooperation, particularly in curbing violations within the private sector.