The Executive Secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Tolulope Odunaiya, has announced a new review of the ‘I Am Alive’ confirmation solution.
This was revealed in a recent release signed by Olugbenga Ajayi, Head Corporate Communications PTAD.
According to the Directorate, this update introduces a mobile option to accommodate pensioners who face disabilities or health challenges and are unable to validate their life status using facial or fingerprint recognition.
According to Odunaiya, pensioners who are unable to validate their status due to disabilities or health challenges can apply for the mobile confirmation service by filling out an online form available on the PTAD website. The application should include a picture or video of the pensioner, a medical report, and the pensioner verification slip. Upon approval, a scheduled mobile visit will be arranged to confirm the pensioner’s life status, or if a visit is not feasible, a video conference can be conducted.
For pensioners residing abroad (diaspora pensioners), the policy requires a Certificate of Aliveness from the Nigerian Embassy or High Commission in their country of residence every six months.
Odunaiya emphasised that PTAD services are entirely free, with no charges for pensioners either directly or indirectly. She also urged service staff to show empathy and offer careful, gentle guidance to pensioners, particularly those who may not be familiar with technology. State offices, she added, will no longer operate as agent centres but will assist by guiding pensioners and escalating issues to PTAD headquarters.
The Executive Secretary also called on unions and pension desk officers to act as intermediaries, ensuring pensioners are informed about the process and due dates for confirmation of their aliveness.
Pensioners are reminded to confirm their status every six months, or as determined by PTAD, to remain on the payroll. Failure to do so will result in being moved to the “Likely Deceased Pool” until their status is re-validated.