By Chidi Ugwu
In a bid to promote transparency and accountability, the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to jointly combat corruption in the administration of the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (DBS).
According to a statement signed by Olugbenga Ajayi, Head, Corporate Communications Unit of PTAD and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, the MoU was signed by the Executive Secretary of PTAD, Tolulope Odunaiya, and the Honourable Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN. This legal document provides a framework for collaboration between both institutions in monitoring, investigating, and preventing corrupt practices within the DBS pension system.
In her remarks, PTAD Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya accentuates that “the MOU reflects our shared determination to combat pension corruption within the DBS, uphold integrity, and advance transparency and accountability within our respective mandates, while ensuring the delivery of good governance to every pensioner and stakeholder.”
“By leveraging our combined strengths, we can significantly enhance our capacity to prevent, detect, and prosecute corruption-related offenses in the DBS pension system, which is in line with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda” she stated.
Similarly, the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, further emphasized that joining forces with PTAD is a strong step toward curbing corrupt practices in the administration of the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme. “By combining PTAD’s robust and increasingly digitised database with the investigative and prosecutorial powers of the ICPC, we are creating a seamless and powerful force”.
He also commended the Executive Secretary for her unwavering commitment towards the fight against corruption in the Federal Government Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.
He stated that the partnership underscores the shared mandate of PTAD and ICPC to promote good governance, strengthen accountability, and safeguard Nigerians’ welfare from fraudulent practices.
