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Police exit from contributory pension huge risk – PenOp

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The Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp), has expressed concerns over proposals from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) to Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS).

The Chief Executive Officer of PenOp, Mr Oguche Agudah, voiced the concern on Tuesday in Abuja during a public hearing on a bill for an act to establish a police pension board.

He said that the CPS operates on a pre-funded model with both employees and employers contributing a mandatory percentage of the employee’s salary.

Agudah said that usually, a minimum of eight per cent from the employee and 10 per cent from the employer, totaling a minimum contribution rate of 18 per cent, is usually gathered.

He said that either party had the latitude to contribute a higher percentage, which allows pension funds to accumulate and be invested for future payouts.

Agudah said that the National Pension Commission (PenCom), as of September, had a total pension assets, under the CPS, that had exceeded ₦20 trillion (approximately $12 billion),

He said that PenCom had ensured that the funds were not solely reliant on government budgets, thus reducing vulnerability to fiscal constraints.

Agudah said that the transitioning to the DBS would not solve the police’s concerns.

“It will, rather, create deeper financial and operational challenges for the country,” he said.

He said that the CPS had proven to be a transparent, sustainable and resilient system for managing pensions, benefiting both retirees and the broader economy.

Agudah said that reverting to the DBS model, which relies on government budgetary allocations, would lead to fiscal unsustainability and delayed payments for pensioners.

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“Moving the police out of the CPS will require a staggering N3.5 trillion annually to fund pensions for approximately 400,000 personnel, in a budget already burdened by deficits. This is simply unsustainable.

“It will also divert resources from other critical needs, including minimum wage adjustments and public services,” he said.

Agudah said that pension funds under the CPS are currently invested in bonds, infrastructure and other critical sectors that contribute to the country economic growth.

He said that unwinding the investments to accommodate a DBS for the police would erode the value of assets and destabilise the financial system.

Agudah said that the CPS currently holds over N21 trillion in assets, and remains a critical component of the country’s economic infrastructure.

He said that maintaining the police within the CPS would ensure long-term sustainability, equity and economic stability.

Agudah said that setting a dangerous precedent was not good.

“If the police exit the CPS, other public sector groups may demand similar transitions, fragmenting the pension system and undermining reform efforts.

“And our key aim and our key goal is to ensure that all pensioners are paid on time, all pensioners have a living pension, and everybody gets their pension on time.

“What we heard at the hearing is actually a joy to us because what we are seeing is that even the sponsor of the bill is on the path that it is not really the CPS that is the problem of the police. It is the welfare.

“So, what we have said is, if your salary is small, your pensions will be small,” he said. (NAN)

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Sterling Bank Eliminates Transfer Fees, Challenges Industry Standards

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Sterling Bank has made a groundbreaking move by eliminating transfer charges on local transactions, aiming to create a more equitable banking experience for Nigerians. The question now arises: will other financial institutions follow this lead?

On April 1, Sterling Bank announced the removal of transfer fees for all local digital transactions, positioning itself as the first major bank in Nigeria to implement such a policy. Initially, the announcement faced skepticism, with many believing it to be an April Fools’ Day joke. However, Sterling has since reaffirmed the policy’s legitimacy and immediate implementation, signaling a significant evolution in the industry’s customer service approach.

Obinna Ukachukwu, the Growth Executive overseeing the Consumer and Business Banking Directorate, stated, “We believe that accessing your own funds should not incur a penalty. This decision transcends financial implications; it reflects our core values.”

With this new policy, Sterling customers can now make free transfers for all local transactions via the bank’s mobile app. This initiative is anticipated to yield considerable savings for individuals and small business owners who frequently engage in transfers.

“We may not be the largest bank in Nigeria, but we are certainly the most audacious,” Ukachukwu declared. “Sterling Bank is committed to the future of Nigeria, and we are backing our fellow citizens with more than just words.”

Sterling Bank has a history of prioritizing customer welfare, having previously offered financial assistance to healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This latest initiative has garnered widespread public support, igniting conversations on social media and prompting calls for other banks to adopt similar practices.

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“We take pride in leading this transformative change,” Ukachukwu concluded. “We hope to inspire others to rethink what customers truly require from their banks, not only in terms of services but also in values.”

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Breaking News: Edo Tribunal Rejects Action Alliance’s Challenge Against Governor Okpebholo

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On Wednesday, the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, convened in Abuja, dismissed the Action Alliance’s (AA) petition aimed at overturning the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi and comprising a three-member panel, determined that the petition, filed by AA and its National Chairman, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, was without merit.

The tribunal concluded that the issues raised in the petition were pre-election matters, falling outside its jurisdiction to adjudicate.

The petitioners claimed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had excluded their legitimate candidate from the governorship election held on September 21, 2024. They argued that, in contradiction to several court rulings, INEC recognized a candidate who had not been validly nominated by the party.

Furthermore, the petitioners contended that INEC’s failure to publish the name of their party’s rightful candidate constituted a significant violation of Section 134(1)(b) of the Electoral Act.

In addition to these claims, they asserted that Governor Okpebholo, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), did not receive the majority of legitimate votes and that the election was tainted by corrupt practices.

As a result, they sought the annulment of the election; however, the tribunal panel denied their request on Wednesday.

The panel upheld all preliminary objections raised against the petition. The respondents, including INEC and Governor Okpebholo, argued that the National Chairman of the AA lacked the standing to file the action, as he did not participate in the gubernatorial election.

They also asserted that the petition was barred by statute, as it involved pre-election issues that exceeded the tribunal’s jurisdiction.

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It is noteworthy that AA’s candidate, Mr. Tom Iseghhi-Okojie, withdrew from the race in favor of Governor Okpebholo just days before the election.

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All set for Niger Delta Sports Festival in Akwa Ibom – Umo

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Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has commended the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for investing in sports for the discovery of talents for the region and the country at large.

The governor gave the commendation at the Monthly State Covenant Service held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, as arrangements have been concluded for official opening ceremony of the Niger Delta Sports Festival at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Eno, therefore, implored citizens and residents in the state to be fully involved in the festival.

He stressed the need for adequate maintenance of facilities recently revamped by the interventionist agency and assured successful hosting of the sports festival.

He promised to provide necessary support to ensure safe stay of all participants and tasked the organisers to leverage the peaceful ambiance of the state and make the competition a memorable one.

According to the organisers, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected in Uyo today (Wednesday) to declare the festival open, with no fewer than 3,000 athletes from the nine states of the Niger Delta to compete for laurels in 17 sporting events.

The competition will be hosted at six venues, including the Godswill Akpabio international stadium and West Itam Sports Centre, while the closing ceremony is billed for April 9.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that contingents from the nine Niger Delta Development states had arrived Uyo for the festival. (NAN)

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