PenCom Introduces Health Coverage For Vulnerable Retirees

As part of efforts to improve post-retirement welfare and address rising healthcare challenges among ageing Nigerians, the management of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) has introduced a health and wellness policy targeted at low-income retirees.

The initiative is designed to support about 30,000 retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), helping to cushion the burden of increasing healthcare costs, particularly for pensioners facing financial hardship.

This announcement followed discussions at the 2nd Pension Industry Leadership Council Session held in Lagos, where stakeholders reviewed reforms aimed at strengthening the pension sector’s contribution to economic growth and social stability.

Howevwr, speaking to Journalists, the director-general of PenCom, Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, disclosed that premium payments required to activate coverage for the first batch of beneficiaries are currently being finalised.

She said the initiative represents a strategic expansion of PenCom’s mandate, moving beyond income replacement to broader social protection, including healthcare security for retirees.

Oloworaran added that while coverage activation is imminent, a formal public launch will be held to enhance awareness and ensure effective stakeholder engagement.

The commission also stated that implementation of the scheme has already commenced, with coverage set to begin in April.

The programme is expected to provide much-needed healthcare support to some of the most vulnerable retirees across the country.