By Sola Alabadan
The management of National Pension Commission (PenCom) has reported the Association of Pension Desk Practitioners of Nigeria (ASSOPEP) to the law enforcement agencies, as part of efforts to protect the stakeholders in the Nigerian pension industry.
The Commission stated that its attention was drawn to the illicit activities of the ASSOPEP, claiming to be resolving pension issues and assisting retirees in
securing their retirement benefits.
While cautioning the general public to be wary of the association, PenCom said categorically that the claims by ASSOPEP
are entirely false as the Association has no affiliation with the pension industry nor authorisation of any kind whatsoever from PenCom.
PenCom added that the Licensed Pension Fund Operators (LPFOs), who are statutorily mandated to undertake the processing and payment of retirement benefits, are also not associated with ASSOPEP in any way.
The pension regulator further 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 especially strongly advises 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 warned.
