Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Asaba, Nigeria — Delta State retirees have been urged to exercise heightened caution against pension scammers and fraudulent intermediaries as the state government reiterates its commitment to ensuring timely and transparent payment of pension entitlements. The warning comes amid ongoing concerns in Delta and across Nigeria about the exploitation of elderly citizens by unscrupulous actors posing as pension officials or agents, a phenomenon authorities say undermines the welfare of retirees.
Officials from the Delta State Bureau for Pension and the Pensions Board have raised the alarm that scammers continue to target pensioners with false claims, fraudulent payment demands, and promises of expedited processing in exchange for money or personal information. Pension authorities emphasise that genuine pension processing services are handled directly by state institutions and that retirees should never pay fees or give sensitive data to third parties purporting to be able to accelerate payments or resolve pension issues.
In public statements and advisory communications, pension managers made clear that the payment of pension benefits — including both old‑scheme and new Contributory Pension Scheme entitlements — is free of charge and subject to strict procedural requirements that do not involve any form of unofficial charges. Retirees were encouraged to engage directly with designated pension offices in Asaba or through officially recognised channels when seeking assistance, and to immediately report suspicious contact from individuals claiming they can “fast‑track” pension benefits for a fee.
These warnings reflect broader national concerns about fraud targeting senior citizens, a demographic that is often disproportionately affected by scams involving personal finances and retirement savings. While the specific methods vary, common schemes involve fraudulent phone calls, messages, or unsolicited visits from individuals claiming to represent government or pension authorities, all designed to elicit payments or sensitive personal information that can be used for exploitation.
Amid these advisories, the Delta State Government has simultaneously reassured retirees that efforts remain ongoing to make pension payments more reliable, regular, and transparent. Under the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the state has committed significant resources to clearing arrears and meeting pension obligations. In recent months, the government announced the release of ₦10 billion to settle outstanding pension arrears, underlining its resolve to address long‑standing payment backlogs. Authorities have also articulated that monthly pension disbursements — totalling substantial allocations — continue to be prioritised as part of broader social welfare efforts.
The government’s assurance of timely payments forms part of an effort to rebuild trust with retired workers who have, at times, expressed frustration over delays, perceived discrepancies in pension amounts, and challenges with the administration of retirement benefits. Retiree groups have previously voiced concerns and staged protests to draw attention to shortfalls or delays in gratuity and pension funds, particularly where historical arrears are involved.
Pension experts note that pension systems in Nigeria have undergone significant reforms in recent years, most notably the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which aims to ensure sustainability and timeliness of retirement benefits. Under this scheme, contributions from employers and employees are jointly managed, with the objective of reducing delays and improving efficiency in disbursements. Despite these reforms, retirees and advocacy groups across the country have often pointed to administrative bottlenecks and communication gaps as factors contributing to dissatisfaction and vulnerability to scams
In Delta, authorities say they are taking a multifaceted approach to protect pensioners. Pension officials are engaging in periodic sensitisation campaigns to educate retirees about their rights, the official procedures for pension processing, and the risks associated with unauthorised intermediaries. These initiatives aim to empower retirees with the knowledge needed to distinguish legitimate government communications from fraudulent solicitations.
Retirees have also been reminded of practical steps to safeguard their interests: verifying any requests for personal data, cross‑checking communications with official pension offices, and refusing to engage with individuals demanding payments for services that are constitutionally the responsibility of the state. By promoting these precautionary measures, Delta authorities hope to reduce the incidence of financial exploitation and ensure that pensioners receive their entitlements directly and securely.
A spokesperson for the state’s pension authority noted that while the pension payment process can be complex due to the interplay of historical arrears and the ongoing CPS implementation, the government has streamlined administrative processes to minimise delay and ensure compliance with national pension regulations. The representative stressed that the state remains resolute in its efforts to deliver benefits to entitled retirees without undue delay.
Meanwhile, civil society organisations and retiree associations have welcomed the government’s assurances but continue to call for further transparency and accountability in pension management. These groups argue that protecting pensioners from fraud and ensuring equitable payment practices are essential not only for the financial security of retirees but also for fostering public confidence in the pension system as a whole.
As Nigeria grapples with economic challenges and the complexities of pension administration, the experiences of retirees highlight the importance of both institutional vigilance and individual awareness in safeguarding retirement benefits. The Delta State government’s efforts to warn retirees against scammers and guarantee timely payments underscore the need for continued collaboration between authorities, retirees, and oversight institutions to protect vulnerable citizens against exploitation while upholding the integrity of the pension system.
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