Tolulope Odunaiya, the Executive Secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), has clarified the agency’s position on former Nigeria Airways staff. Specifically, she addressed their inclusion on the federal pension payroll.
The clarification came during a strategic meeting on Tuesday with the Association of Airways Retired Workers of Nigeria (AARWN). This dialogue aimed to resolve lingering concerns regarding the welfare of workers from the defunct national carrier.
The Push for Pension Payroll Inclusion
The primary goal of the meeting was the association’s request for official onboarding. Representatives sought to have their members included in the PTAD pension payroll system immediately.
The delegation was led by AARWN Chairman, Mr. Onuh Stephen, and Mr. Ahmed Sulu Gambari. They presented the collective demands of the retirees. Furthermore, they looked for a resolution to their long-standing exclusion from certain federal pension benefits.
Statutory Limitations on New Onboarding
In her response, Odunaiya acknowledged the validity of these concerns. She expressed deep empathy for the retirees. She also reiterated PTAD’s commitment to the dignity and welfare of all pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).
However, the Executive Secretary emphasized that the Directorate must follow strict legal guidelines. She explained that PTAD does not have the independent authority to verify or onboard new groups of pensioners without formal government directives.
Consequently, the Directorate cannot unilaterally expand the payroll to include the Airways retirees at this time. PTAD acts as an administrative body, meaning it requires an explicit mandate from higher authorities to act.
Key Operational Challenges:
- Legal Authority: PTAD requires a formal directive from the Ministry of Aviation or Finance.
- Verification Mandate: The Directorate cannot begin the physical verification process without legal approval.
- Funding Approval: New additions to the payroll require specific budgetary allocations from the Federal Government.
The Recommended Path Forward
To resolve the current impasse, Odunaiya advised the association to shift its focus. She urged them to engage with the government bodies that hold the power to authorize such a move.
Specifically, she encouraged the union to sustain its advocacy with the relevant ministries. Securing a formal mandate from these higher authorities is a necessary legal prerequisite. Once PTAD receives this mandate, it can officially begin the verification and onboarding of former Nigeria Airways staff.
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