The National Pension Commission has called on Judges and judicial officers to participate in the newly introduced Personal Pension Plan (PPP) targeted at improving the informal sector in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

Director-General of PenCom, Omolola Oloworaran made the disclosure in Abuja at a workshop for judges of the National Industrial Court (NIC).

Represented by the acting commissioner administration at PenCom, Bello Malabu, the DG noted that the Scheme was introduced to complement the CPS.

“We have a unique pension product recently rebranded by the Commission, the Personal Pension Plan (PPP). This product complements the mandatory CPS by offering greater flexibility and inclusiveness to participants. The PPP is designed to cater for individuals who may not be covered under the mandatory scheme, including professionals, self-employed persons, individuals in non-traditional employment arrangements and those seeking to make voluntary contributions.

“We earnestly encourage your Lordships, and other Honourable Justices and Judges of all Superior Courts in Nigeria who are exempted from the CPS, to consider participating in the PPP as a means of enhancing your retirement security and that of your dependents. As custodians of justice, your welfare is paramount and PenCom remains steadfast in its commitment to working with you to ensure that this objective is fully realized,” the DG said

Also in his address, Hon. Justice Benedict Bakwaph Kanyip, President, National Industrial Court of Nigeria notes that there should be a robust policy to expand Contributory Pension to the Informal Sector and initiate incentives for workers to participate.

Also in a separate event to mark the Customer Service Day Celebration tagged “Mission Possible”, the PenCom DG explained that the recently introduced dollar pension scheme for Nigerians in Diaspora was targeted at driving growth and boosting inclusion.

Represented by Samuel Chigoze Uwandu Acting Commissioner Inspectorate, the DG said the theme also resonates deeply with PenCom’s vision of ensuring that every Nigerian worker in the public, private, or informal sector enjoys a secured and dignified retirement life.

She noted that: “In pursuit of this goal, the Commission recently unveiled a new phase of pension administration known as Pension 2.0. This initiative is a bold step towards modernising and expanding the pension industry, driven by three key principles: innovation, inclusion, and integrity.

“Under Pension 2.0, the Commission has introduced several landmark regulatory instruments. Among these is the Guideline on the Administration of Retirement Savings Accounts in Foreign Currency, which provides a framework for Nigerians working in foreign companies and Nigerians working abroad to participate in the CPS. This innovation ensures that the pension system remains responsive to the realities of a global workforce and supports the inclusion of Nigerians in the diaspora.

Also in her address, Mrs. Ngozi Akinbodewa, head of operations at SERVICOM represented by Duruba Sesugh Desk Officer SERVICOM, charged PenCom to ensure that retirees get their benefits as at when due.