The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has introduced a mobile solution for its “I Am Alive” confirmation initiative, aimed at enhancing the ease of life-status validation for pensioners. This was announced by the executive secretary of PTAD, Tolulope Odunaiya, in a statement issued by the Head of corporate communications, Olugbenga Ajayi in Abuja.
According to the statement, the mobile “I Am Alive” confirmation solution is specifically designed to support pensioners who are unable to validate their life status through facial or fingerprint recognition due to disabilities or health challenges.
Odunaiya explained that affected pensioners can apply for the mobile solution by filling out an online form available on the PTAD website. The application must include the following:
She said once the application is approved by the appropriate authority, a mobile confirmation will be scheduled, during which PTAD representatives will visit the pensioner’s address.
If a physical visit is not feasible, Odunaiya said, a video conference call can be arranged to verify the pensioner’s status. For pensioners living abroad who are not yet verified on the payroll, a certificate of aliveness issued by the Nigerian Embassy or High Commission in their country of residence would be required every six months, she said.
The executive secretary emphasized that the “I Am Alive” confirmation service is completely free. “Under no circumstances will pensioners be charged any fees for using this application or accessing PTAD’s services,” she said.
Odunaiya urged service support staff to demonstrate empathy while assisting pensioners, many of whom may require additional guidance due to limited familiarity with technology. She also clarified that PTAD state offices would not serve as agent centers or provide office-based confirmation services for walk-in pensioners. Instead, state offices will focus on guiding pensioners, resolving inquiries, and escalating unresolved complaints to the headquarters.
The ES called on unions and pension desk officers to act as intermediaries between PTAD and pensioners, assisting with first-line inquiries, complaints resolution, and implementation of the Know-Your-Pensioners (KYP) initiative. This initiative aims to gather credible information about pensioners to improve service delivery.
Pensioners are required to confirm their aliveness on PTAD’s platform every six months or as directed by management to continue receiving their monthly pensions. Those who fail to comply will be removed from the payroll and placed in the “Likely Deceased Pool.” Such pensioners can be reinstated once their aliveness is confirmed.
Odunaiya reiterated PTAD’s commitment to ensuring seamless service delivery while enhancing the welfare of pensioners.
