FCTA releases N864m benefits to 299 retirees

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has released the sum of N864 million as accrued rights benefits to two hundred and ninety-nine of its retired staff.
According to the Director, FCT Pension Department, Mr. Rotimi Ajayi, the beneficiaries also include the Next of kins of deceased staff.
Ajayi, who made this disclosure in a chat with the Abuja Digest, a publication of the FCT Administration, in his Office, at Area 3, Garki I District, Abuja, said this followed the approval of the sum of N864 million by the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike.
He noted that the FCT Administration has maintained its pacesetter position in the payment of monthly pensions to pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme with the prompt payment of pension.
He added that sequel to the payment of Accrued Right Benefits; Clearance letters are currently being issued to the retirees and Next –of-kin to enable them to process their benefits with the Pension Fund Administrators (PFA).
According to him, the FCT Pension Department operates a strict first Come first Served approach to the processing of accrued Rights Benefits for payment.
Also, the Director added that the Department had processed all files that reached the Department in or before March 2024 and the attendant clearance letters were available for collection.
He, therefore, encouraged all retirees and Next –of kin yet to collect their letters to come to the FCT Pension Department and do so.
Equally, he explained that the FCT Administration under the leadership of Nyesom Wike prioritizes the welfare of FCT pensioners and the Next of kin of FCTA staff as evidenced by the prompt granting of approval of pensions.
He noted that the onus is, therefore, on retirees to work in concert with the FCT Administration by ensuring that all necessary processes and documentation are promptly concluded guaranteeing the timely payment of their retirement benefits.
Furthermore, the Director revealed that the FCT Pension Department is presently processing another batch of accrued Right Benefits for Payment to retirees and deceased staff of the FCT.