The Executive Secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Tolulope Odunaiya, has announced a policy review of the “I Am Alive” confirmation solution by introducing a mobile version. This initiative aims to support pensioners who cannot validate their life status using facial recognition or fingerprint scans due to disabilities or health challenges.
In a statement by PTAD’s Head of Corporate Communications, Olugbenga Ajayi, the Executive Secretary said: “Pensioners who are unable to validate their status using either facial recognition or fingerprint scans due to disabilities and/or health challenges should apply to PTAD for a Mobile ‘I Am Alive’ confirmation.”
To apply, pensioners must complete an online form available on the PTAD website and attach the following documents: photographs or a video of the pensioner, a medical report, and a Pensioner Verification Slip. Upon approval, PTAD will conduct the Mobile “I Am Alive” confirmation through a scheduled visit to the pensioner’s address. If a physical visit is not feasible, the verification can be conducted via a video conference call with the pensioner.
For diaspora pensioners, verification will involve submitting a Certificate of Aliveness from the Nigerian Embassy or High Commission in their country of residence every six months.
The Executive Secretary reiterated that PTAD’s services are free of charge. “Under no circumstances will a fee for service be charged to pensioners directly or indirectly for using the application to confirm their status of aliveness,” she emphasised.
Service support staff were directed to show empathy when assisting pensioners, considering that many are not technologically savvy and may require gentle guidance. Additionally, state offices will not function as agent centers or provide office-based “I Am Alive” confirmation services for walk-in pensioners. Instead, such activities must be scheduled through PTAD’s Headquarters. State offices will focus on offering guidance, handling inquiries, resolving complaints, and escalating unresolved issues to the Headquarters.
Unions and Pension Desk Officers have been urged to act as intermediaries between PTAD and pensioners. They are expected to handle first-line inquiries, assist with grassroots advocacy, facilitate the adoption of the “I Am Alive” confirmation service, translate guidelines for better understanding, and continuously notify members of their due dates for verification.
Odunaiya also emphasised the importance of implementing Know-Your-Pensioners (KYP) activities to provide PTAD with credible information about pensioners, improving service delivery. This includes helping pensioners understand the “I Am Alive” confirmation process, forwarding complaints, and offering feedback on PTAD’s policy initiatives.
The Executive Secretary reminded all pensioners to complete their “I Am Alive” confirmation on the PTAD platform once every six months, or as determined by management, to continue receiving their monthly pensions. Pensioners who fail to confirm their status within this timeframe will be removed from the payroll and moved to the “Likely Deceased Pool.” Reinstatement will require the pensioner to reconfirm their aliveness.
This policy aims to ensure that pensioners receive uninterrupted support while maintaining the integrity of PTAD’s services.
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