Akume inaugurates PenCom Board, charges members on integrity, transparency

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, on Monday inaugurated the new Board of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), charging members to prioritise accountability and transparency in strengthening Nigeria’s pension system.

The inauguration, held at the SGF’s office in Abuja, reaffirms the Federal Government’s resolve under President Bola Tinubu to safeguard retirement savings for federal workers, clear outstanding pension liabilities, and ensure timely payments with dignity, according to a statement issued by Head, Information and Public Relations, Christopher Ugwuegbulam.

Akume emphasised the board’s clear mandate under the Pension Reform Act 2014, urging members to provide strategic direction and oversight without meddling in operations.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume (5th right-front row) flanked by Permanent Secretary GSO Ibrahim Kana (5th left), Director General, National Pension Commission, Omolola Oloworaran (6th left), Chairman, Board of the National Pension Commission, Agbaje Olukayode and other Board Members in a group photograph during the inauguration ceremony held in Abuja.

“Today’s inauguration underscores the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to a pension system that is transparent, resilient and trusted by all. Distinguished Members of the Board, your mandate is very clear. You are to provide strategic direction, policy guidance and effective oversight in accordance with the Pension Reform Act 2014 and other applicable frameworks,” he said.

He warned against compromising governance structures, calling for the highest standards of integrity and sound judgment to restore public trust.

Dr. Opeyemi Agbaje chairs the 15-member board, which includes Hon. Hafiz Ibrahim, (Commissioner, Technical); Samuel Chigozie Uwanda, (Commissioner, Inspectorate); Charles Emukowhate (Commissioner, Finance); and Bello Malabu (Commissioner, Administration).

Other members represent key stakeholders: Abdul Garba (Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office); Aderonke Jaiyesimi (Federal Ministry of Finance); Joseph Ajaero (Nigeria Labour Congress); Tajuddeen Ubayi (Trade Union Congress of Nigeria); Godwin Abumisi (Nigeria Union of Pensioners); Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde (Nigeria Employers Consultative Association); Muhammad Abdullahi (Central Bank of Nigeria); Emomotitmi Agama (Securities and Exchange Commission); Umaru Kwairanga (Nigerian Stock Exchange); and Olusegun Omosehin (National Insurance Commission).

In his response, Agbaje assured full compliance with governance principles. “We assure the Federal Government of our full alignment… particularly in upholding corporate governance, integrity, accountability, and the clear distinction between governance, oversight, and management operations within the Commission,” he said, thanking President Tinubu for the appointment and pledging to use pension funds for national development.

Earlier, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Ibrahim Kana, mni, noted ongoing reforms that have bolstered PenCom’s role in protecting savings for current retirees and future public servants.
PenCom’s Director-General, Omolola Oloworaran, pledged collaboration. She congratulated the board and expressed optimism for “a tenure marked by impact, innovation, and strengthened institutional performance,” while praising Sen. Akume’s leadership.

The event was attended by management staff from the SGF’s office and PenCom.