The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, PTAD, has sought the collaboration of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on knowledge sharing and forensic analysis of documents to combat pension fraud.
This request was made in Abuja on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 by the Executive Secretary of PTAD, Tolulope Odunaiya while on a Courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede at the Commission’s corporate headquarters.
Dele Oyewale the commission’s spokesperson in a signed statement made available to journalists disclosed that Odunaiya emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation between the two agencies to address challenges in the pension industry.
She proposed continuous engagements to exchange knowledge on new developments within the pension sector and the challenges the Directorate encounters in tackling pension fraud.
“In addition to this, Mr. Chairman, the Directorate would also like to recommend that both our organizations continue to hold knowledge-sharing engagements to update the EFCC on new developments in the pension industry and the challenges that PTAD faces, to ultimately improve our ability to address pension fraud issues”
“The Directorate also requires EFCC’s expertise in the forensic analysis of documents to ascertain genuineness and authenticity. In particular, our interest is specifically in regard to eligibility documents submitted by pensioners for verification,” she said.
The Executive Secretary appreciated the long standing relationship between PTAD and the EFCC, while calling for strengthened collaboration to enhance the fight against corruption in the pension industry.
“PTAD and the EFCC enjoy an existing beneficial relationship, and we have held engagements in the past focused on addressing matters of mutual concern, including preventing pension fraud and promoting transparency and good governance. It is, therefore, very important that I express PTAD’s appreciation for the relationship our agencies enjoy and all the support that the EFCC has extended to the Directorate over the years. It is my hope that we can continue to strengthen this relationship,” she said.
In his response, Olukoyede welcomed the proposal, affirming the Commission’s readiness to collaborate with PTAD to eliminate pension fraud.
“On our part, we are always ready to identify with PTAD and we are also ready to build on that relationship to strengthen it. We appreciate what you are doing in the transition arrangement, and you are also aware that we have always been supporting you way back in the area of investigation and in the recovery of money, among others. In fact, one of our biggest investigations we have ever carried out under pension management was the one we did for PTAD and some of the cases are still in court, so we will continue to work together,” he said.
The EFCC Chairman further noted the Commission’s interest in forging alliances with agencies committed to reform and transparency, noting that such partnerships are essential to advancing the nation’s economic interests.
“I keep telling people that the task Mr. President has given us is to use the instruments of our work to promote and stimulate the economy, and there is no doubt that one of the tasks you are also doing is contributing positively to the economy. So, we will not hesitate to collaborate and build synergy with you and take it to the next level,” he said.
