He questioned why the current policy which requires biometrics and facial imaging must be performed only in Nigeria, noting that Nigerian passports are processed in the diaspora regularly.
A senior citizen, Gabriel Olatunde Gbayisimore, is facing a tough situation with the suspension of his pension payment by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) since May 2024.
Lamenting the suspension of his pension payment and difficulties Nigerian pensioners have often been subjected to in order to get their pensions paid, Gbayisomore narrated that his pension was suspended because he could not physically complete biometrics and facial imaging and obtain a Revalidation Number.
He told SaharaReporters that the current Pension Transitional Arrangement doesn't provide for Federal Government pensioners in the diaspora any opportunity to process the biometrics and facial imaging required for revalidation of "I am Alive" policy.
"Rather, the policy requires that all such pensioners should go back to Nigeria for these simple processes.
In view of my inability to physically complete both and obtain a Revalidation Number, pension payment has been suspended since May 2024," he lamented.
He questioned why the current policy which requires biometrics and facial imaging must be performed only in Nigeria, noting that Nigerian passports are processed in the diaspora regularly.
Noting that pensioners are aging citizens, Gbayisomore said that instead of making them suffer unnecessarily, PTAD should engage a corporate team to accomplish these processes in some cities in the diaspora.
"Pensioners are aging rapidly and many of them are dealing with physical and medical issues. They need urgent review of the policy on biometrics and facial imaging," he said, adding that the government shouldn't use it as a ploy to deny pensioners the peanuts paid as pensions.
He, however, appealed to PTAD to lift the suspension and payment of arrears his pensions, insisting that he is still alive.
Meanwhile, PTAD recently said it had been working to improve the pension administration process, ensuring that eligible pensioners receive their payments.
PTAD recently introduced measures to facilitate the "I am Alive" confirmation process for diaspora pensioners.
It noted that people can now obtain an Aliveness Certificate through the Nigerian Embassy, which must be updated every six months to continue receiving their pension.
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