The Chairman of the Delta State Bureau of Pensions, Sir Edwin Ogidi Gbegbaje, has provided insights into the ongoing issue of pension backlogs that have been troubling retirees in the state.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by journalists from the Indigenous Correspondents’ Chapel of the Delta State NUJ, Sir Gbegbaje addressed the concerns raised by pensioners who have experienced delays in receiving their payments. He clarified that the backlog is not a recent development but rather a long-standing issue rooted in the history of the Contributory Pension Scheme, primarily due to inadequate funding.
“The backlog didn’t start yesterday,” Gbegbaje emphasized, explaining that the challenge has been worse over time. “When you have a backlog and you are trying to clear it, the process can only be speed up with adequate funding. If the funds available are insufficient, clearing the backlog will inevitably take a longer time.”
Sir Gbegbaje reassured pensioners that the Bureau is working diligently to compile accurate data and figures while actively engaging with the state government to find solutions for clearing the arrears. “If we had the necessary funds in due time, we would have cleared all the arrears. Under my watch, we will not deliberately delay anyone’s pension processing. The issue has always been inadequate funding,” he stated.
Expressing his empathy, Sir Gbegbaje acknowledged the severe challenges faced by retirees, many of whom are in poor health. “I feel the plight, misery, discomfort, distress, and difficulty our retirees are facing. I am only fortunate that I retired as a Permanent Secretary; otherwise, I would have joined the queue too,” he remarked. He assured that while all issues cannot be resolved immediately, deliberate efforts are being made to ensure that pensioners do not suffer unnecessarily.
The Chairman also commended the current administration under Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for its compassion towards pensioners, expressing confidence that the government will address the Bureau’s requests concerning pension arrears.
On a related note, Sir Gbegbaje cautioned pensioners against scammers who falsely claim to fast-track their pension payments in exchange for money. He clarified that no payment is required to process legitimate pension entitlements and urged pensioners not to disclose personal information to suspicious callers. He identified one such suspect, James Onoja Pen, who has been contacting pensioners using the phone number 07070764813.
In his comments, Mr. Efenudu Lawson, the Secretary of the State Pension Bureau, added that delays in pension payments are not solely the fault of the government. He explained that the Contributory Pension Scheme, which imposes significant financial demands on the state, is a contributing factor. “The government contributes ten per cent of your salary and sets aside an additional five per cent for those who pass service. The government also supports old retirees not in the new scheme and funds those in universities. At the end of the month, the amount allocated to pensions is substantial, aside from salaries,” he noted.
Mr. Lawson also highlighted that administrative procedures, such as ensuring a retiree’s last salary and name are removed from the payroll, contribute to delays. He emphasized that delays can also be attributed to retirees who fail to promptly submit their retirement documents, particularly those in remote areas who face difficulties accessing the necessary offices.
Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to improving the situation for Delta State pensioners and called for cooperation from all parties involved to ensure timely and efficient pension payments.
