Yemisi Izuora
The National Pension Commission (PenCom or Commission) has warned the public and in particular pensioners that the Association of Pension Desk Practitioners of Nigeria (ASSOPEP), is illegal and such they should avoid having any dealing with the body.
The Commission particularly noted that ASSOPEP’s claims of resolving pension issues and assisting retirees in securing their retirement benefits, is fake, and therefore requested the public to note that the claims by ASSOPEP are entirely false as the Association has no affiliation with the pension industry nor authorization of any kind whatsoever from PenCom.
The Commission, however, noted that the Licensed Pension Fund Operators (LPFOs), is the only one statutorily mandated to undertake the processing and payment of retirement benefits, and it has no link with ASSOPEP in any way.
The PenCom, therefore, urged the general public to be cautious of any promise or claim made by ASSOPEP regarding pension and retirement benefits or any other matter relating to the pension industry in Nigeria.
The Commission particularly advised workers, retirees, pension desk officers and everyone approached by the Association with claims of consulting with their Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and PenCom for guidance and assistance in respect of their retirement benefits to exercise caution as any interaction with the Association is at the individual’s own risk.
PenCom said it has already reported the activities of ASSOPEP to law enforcement agencies for appropriate action.