Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has paid out N7.61 billion to nine Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) to cover the pension benefits of 4,237 retired Customs officers. The move highlights the agency’s continued commitment to supporting the welfare of its former personnel after years of service.
The announcement was made by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, during a meeting with retired Customs officers held on Tuesday. He explained that the money had already been transferred to the various Pension Fund Administrators, which will now pay the funds directly into the Retirement Savings Accounts of the beneficiaries.
According to the breakdown presented during the meeting, Premium Pension will handle payments for the highest number of retirees, with 2,268 beneficiaries. Access-ARM Pension Managers will pay 1,223 retired officers, while Leadway Pensions will process payments for 403 retirees. TrustFund Pensions is responsible for 156 beneficiaries, FCMB Pensions will pay 144 retirees, Veritas Glanvills Pensions will handle 28 beneficiaries, Norrenberger Pensions will process payments for 11 retirees, and Fidelity Pension Managers will pay four retired officers. Altogether, the payments will benefit 4,237 former Customs personnel.
Adeniyi said the payment reflects the Service’s determination to fulfill its responsibilities to officers who devoted many years to protecting the nation and supporting Customs operations. He stressed that retired officers deserve to enjoy the benefits they earned through their dedication and hard work.
He also noted that the Nigeria Customs Service must remain financially stable to continue meeting its obligations to both active and retired officers. According to him, the strength and reputation of the institution depend not only on its daily operations but also on how it treats those who have served it faithfully.
The Comptroller-General assured the retirees that the Service would continue to organize regular meetings and discussions with them. He explained that these engagements are meant to improve communication, listen to their concerns, and prevent the spread of false information or rumors.
Adeniyi acknowledged the issues raised by the retired officers during the meeting and promised that their suggestions would be taken seriously. He said the dialogue was organized to strengthen understanding between the Customs Service and its retired personnel while building a more transparent relationship.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resources Development, DCG Tijjani Abe, along with other members of the Customs Management Team. They assured the retirees that all concerns discussed during the session would be carefully reviewed by the Customs Board and management for possible action.
The retired officers praised the Comptroller-General and the management for creating an opportunity for direct interaction. They encouraged the Service to continue holding such meetings regularly, saying consistent engagement would strengthen trust and improve relations between serving and retired officers.
The latest pension payment comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to improve Nigeria’s pension system. Recent reforms, including updates to the Pension Reform Act 2014 and relevant constitutional provisions, are aimed at ensuring pension administration becomes more effective, transparent, and beneficial for retired public servants across the country.
