Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this new scheme?
- How does it work?
- What will happen to the contribution?
- What does “fully funded” mean?
- What is a Pension Fund Administrator?
- What is a Pension Assets Custodian?
- What minimum financial resources must a Pension Assets Custodian possess?
- How do I know which PFA to choose?
- What is the difference between a PFA and a custodian?
- Are pension contributions paid to the PFA?
- How about individual accounts?
- Can I switch PFAs?
- What happens to my account when I change jobs?
- How much will I need to contribute?
- How much will my employer contribute?
- Will this lead to a decrease in my salary?
- Will this involve everyone that works?
- How does this differ from the existing scheme?
- What is the difference between the defined benefit scheme and the defined contributory scheme?
- How will I benefit?
- Who is the regulator, and what is its role?
- How can I be sure that my contributions are safe?
- How can I keep track of my investments?
- When will I have access to this money?
- Can I withdraw any portion of it?
- What happens to the balance?
- What is programmed withdrawal?
- What is an annuity?
- What is the retirement age in the act?
- What is the minimum period required by an employee to qualify for pension under the act?
- What happens if a PFA fails?
- Who can I complain to if I am not satisfied?
- What is the role of the government?
- How will the economy benefit?
- What happens to the retirement benefits of an employee who is already under a pension scheme existing before the commencement of the Pension Reform Act 2004?
- What will happen to existing private sector pensioners?
- Will private sector schemes continue to exist?
- What is a closed PFA?
- What if my scheme has less than N500,000,000 pension fund assets? Can I still keep it?
- Is the scheme optional?
- Will gratuity be paid under the new scheme?
- Will inflation and devaluation not erode the value of the contributions?
- What is the minimum value of pension guaranteed by the new scheme?
- What is the guarantee that the accruals in the scheme will be well managed and not diverted to other ends?
- Some persons consider that the composition of the proposed national pension commission is dominated by government appointees. Is there adequate provision for good representation of all stakeholders on the commission?
- Transparency, accountability and good governance are prerequisites for a thriving and effective administration of pension funds. Does the act reflect the application of these principles?
- Why establish independent PFAs rather than allow existing financial institutions with proven experience in pension funds management to apply for licence from the commission?
- How is NSITF affected?
- How can I make additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) to my RSA?
- Is it possible to issue post dated personal cheques for the credit of my AVC?
- How can I access my account online?
- I have logged on to your website, but I can not access my account after filling in my account number and PIN.
- How can I change my Password to my own confidential Code?
- I am a Federal Government Employee. How come I have Nil Balance while some of my colleagues’ account has been credited?
- Can I know why these Validation Documents are required?
- How do I forward these validation Documents to you?
- We want to make payment on behalf of some of our employees who registered with you. What is your Account number?
- How can I update my profile/data with PenCom?
- I just received my Statement of Account but my account is not credited or showing NIL balance. What is happening?
- What do you mean by Schedule of Contributions?
- Can I withdraw part of my Contributions for my Business?
- I have been retired from the Federal Public Service. I need to withdraw my pension contributions. How can I get my money?
- What is this new scheme?
The new scheme is a contributory, fully funded, privately managed pension scheme that is based on individual accounts. It ensures that everyone who has worked receives his retirement benefits as and when due.
- How does it work?
An employee contributes a percentage of his salary and the employer contributes a percentage of the employee’s salary towards the retirement benefits of the employee.
- What will happen to the contribution?
The total contribution will be paid out by the employer directly to a Pension Assets Custodian (PAC) and will be managed and invested by the Pension Fund Administrator (PFA), of the employee’s choice.
- What does “fully funded” mean?
It means that the amount contributed by the employer and employee is actually paid to a Custodian and invested by the Pension Fund Administrator. This gives the employee immediate ownership of his/her pension benefits.
- What is a Pension Fund Administrator?
A Pension Fund Administrator is an entity licensed by the National Pension Commission (Commission) and charged with the responsibility of managing and investing the pension funds. Each employee is free to choose a PFA.
- What is a Pension Assets Custodian?
The Pension Assets Custodian is an entity licensed by the National Pension Commission to hold pension assets in safe custody.
- What minimum financial resources must a Pension Assets Custodian possess?
An applicant Custodian must be a licensed financial institution with a minimum net worth of N5,000,000,000 unimpaired by losses and has a total assets of N125,000,000,000 or is wholly owned by a licensed financial institution with similar financial resources. This is to ensure the safety of the funds considering the huge amount of funds to be warehoused by the Custodians.
- How do I know which PFA to choose?
The Commission will have a schedule of all licensed PFAs, which will be made available to the public.
- What is the difference between a PFA and a custodian?
The PFA manages the pension funds and decides which kind of investments to make while the Custodian holds the pension funds assets and acts to the order of the PFA.
- Are pension contributions paid to the PFA?
No. The employer sends his contribution as well as the employee’s contribution directly to the Custodian.
- How about individual accounts?
This is similar to a bank account. Every contributor will open Retirement Savings Account (RSA) with a Pension Fund Administrator of his choice. The PFA will be required to issue a statement of account at least once every quarter.
- Can I switch PFAs?
Yes. The employee has the freedom to, not more than once a year, transfer his/her Retirement Savings Account (RSA) from one PFA to another.
- What happens to my account when I change jobs?
Nothing happens. The accounts are portable and will remain with you for life. You simply notify your new employer of the PFA that manages your account and thereafter your contributions will be sent to its Custodian.
- How much will I need to contribute?
A minimum of seven and a half percent of your monthly basic salary, housing and transport allowances except for the Military which requires two and one half percent.
- How much will my employer contribute?
A minimum of seven and a half percent of your monthly basic salary, housing and transport allowances except for the Military which is twelve and one half percent. However, the employer may elect to bear the full burden of the scheme provided that the total contribution shall not be less than fifteen percent of the monthly basic salary, housing and transport allowances of the employee.
- Will this lead to a decrease in my salary?
No. You just save a part of your pay towards your old age and the employer contributes his portion.
- Will this involve everyone that works?
Yes, with the exception of existing pensioners, those who have 3 years or less to retire as well as categories of persons under S.291 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria. Employees in the private sector who are in employment in an organisation in which there are five or more employees are also covered.
- How does this differ from the existing scheme?
The existing scheme in the public service is one of Defined Benefits. Pension payments are not regular and in some cases never made. The new scheme is a Defined Contribution Scheme, which ensures that pension payments are made monthly, just like salaries thereby making it more sustainable.
- What is the difference between the defined benefit scheme and the defined contributory scheme?
Whereas the Defined Benefit pegs the amount a retiree could receive, the new scheme, based on Defined Contribution (DC), is a function of the level of an employee and employer’s contribution in addition to returns on investment. Under the DC, the pension is immediately funded as funds exist from the outset and payments will be made as and when due.
- How will I benefit?
You have the assurance that your old age is well catered for and that in the event of death your family will have something to fall back on.
- Who is the regulator, and what is its role?
The National Pension Commission is charged with the regulation and supervision of the pension schemes as well as the powers to formulate, direct and oversee the overall policy on pension matters in Nigeria.
- How can I be sure that my contributions are safe?
All those administering or holding pension funds will be properly licensed and continually regulated and supervised by the Commission. The Commission is empowered to sanction and if need be prosecute defaulting operators.
- How can I keep track of my investments?
Pension Fund Administrators will issue regular statements to employees. You can equally track the progress of your investment online.
- When will I have access to this money?
Upon either retirement or at the age of 50, whichever falls later.
- Can I withdraw any portion of it?
Yes, upon the later of either retirement or reaching the age of 50, and then only to the extent that what is left is sufficient to guarantee that at least 50% of your last salary will be paid to you monthly through an annuity or a programmed withdrawal. If an employee retires before the age of 50 years in accordance with the terms and conditions of his employment, he or she may withdraw a lump sum of money not more than 25% of the amount standing to his credit of RSA provided that such withdrawals shall only be made after six months of retirement and the retired employee does not secure another employment.
- What happens to the balance?
The balance is used to procure an annuity or fund a programmed withdrawal.
- What is programmed withdrawal?
A programmed withdrawal is the method by which the employee collects his accumulated benefits in periodic sums for the length of an estimated life span.
- What is an annuity?
An annuity is an income purchased from a licensed life insurance company approved by the Commission with monthly or quarterly payments during the lifetime of a retiree
- What is the retirement age in the act?
The Act did not stipulate a Retirement Age. That is entirely dependant on each employee’s terms and conditions of service.
- What is the minimum period required by an employee to qualify for pension under the act?
There is no minimum period required to qualify for pension as each employee has his individualized Retirement Savings Account. Withdrawal from the account is, however, limited to retirement according to an employee’s condition of service or attainment of the age of 50.
- What happens if a PFA fails?
Your savings will not be affected as the Pension Fund Custodian keeps the funds. Moreover, Pension Funds will be invested in a diversified portfolio of investments including Government Securities, Stocks and Real Estate.
- Who can I complain to if I am not satisfied?
The National Pension Commission.
- What is the role of the government?
The government has set up a specialist Regulator of pension schemes and appointed the members of the board of the Regulator. Government will not temper with the savings, as it will not have access to them. In fact, the Government shall be primarily concerned with ensuring the safety of the savings through the establishment of the Commission.
- How will the economy benefit?
There will be a huge pool of long-term funds available for investments, which will form a foundation for economic development.
- What happens to the retirement benefits of an employee who is already under a pension scheme existing before the commencement of the Pension Reform Act 2004?
Employee’s right to accrued pension for past service is guaranteed by the Act. In the case of the Public Service of the Federation and Federal Capital Territory where the Scheme is unfunded, the right shall be acknowledged through a Federal Government Retirement Bond which shall be redeemed upon the retirement of the employee. In anticipation of the redemption of the Bond, the Federal Government shall establish a Retirement Benefits Bond Redemption Fund at the Central Bank of Nigeria into which it shall pay 5% of the total monthly wage payable to its employees on a monthly basis. However, in the case of funded schemes and the private sector, employers shall credit the Retirements Savings Accounts of its employees with any funds to which each employee is entitled to and in the event of deficiency, the shortfall shall become a debt and treated with same priority as salaries owed. The employer shall also issue a written acknowledgement of the debt and take steps to meet the shortfall.
- What will happen to existing private sector pensioners?
Pension Boards in Private Sector already in existence will continue to administer their pensions and the Commission will supervise them. Departments have also been created to carry out the functions of the relevant Pension Boards or offices in the Public Service to ensure regular and prompt payment of pension benefits.
- Will private sector schemes continue to exist?
Yes, if they can show that the schemes are fully funded at all times and any shortfall is made up within 90 days. The pension funds and assets must be segregated from the assets of the Employer/Company and held by a licensed Custodian. The employer must have also effectively managed pension fund assets for at least 5 years before the commencement of the Act, and have met certain criteria set by the Commission.
- What is a closed PFA?
It is similar a licensed PFA, except that it is for a particular pension scheme. Employers managing pension fund assets of N500,000,000 and above may apply to the Commission for a closed PFA license to enable them administer their own schemes.
- What if my scheme has less than N500,000,000 pension fund assets?
Can I still keep it? Yes, you can still maintain the scheme but it will have to be administered by a PFA.
- Is the scheme optional?
Not for those contemplated by the law. It is only those that are exempted by law that have a choice as to whether or not to join.
- Will gratuity be paid under the new scheme?
Yes, but under different arrangement. A retiree can draw a lump sum from the balance of his Retirement Savings Account provided the balance after the withdrawal could provide an annuity or fund monthly payments that would not be less than 50% of his monthly pay as at the date of his retirement. The employer may pay gratuity over and above the Scheme payments.
- Will inflation and devaluation not erode the value of the contributions?
The job of the PFAs is to administer the contributions and invest in such a manner that will safely ensure reasonable returns. Furthermore, the Commission would ensure prudent management of pension assets through supervision and regulation. In addition, the different layers of compensation provided would outperform such erosions if they occur.
- What is the minimum value of pension guaranteed by the new scheme?
The value of the minimum pension guarantee is to be determined from time to time by Commission.
- What is the guarantee that the accruals in the scheme will be well managed and not diverted to other ends?
The functions of the PFA and Custodian are so clearly delineated that it is difficult for either to misuse the pension funds and assets to the detriment of the contributor. Further more, the Commission would be unrelenting in protecting contributors’ fund through effective regulation and supervision of the PFAs and Custodians.
- Some persons consider that the composition of the proposed national pension commission is dominated by government appointees. Is there adequate provision for good representation of all stakeholders on the commission?
Yes. In addition to the government representatives, other stakeholders such as Labour, the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, and the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association are also members of the Commission.
- Transparency, accountability and good governance are prerequisites for a thriving and effective administration of pension funds. Does the act reflect the application of these principles?
Yes. The new scheme entrenches the principles of good governance. The scheme would be regulated and supervised by an independent Commission and would be managed by private sector operators. An employee can choose who manages his Retirement Savings Account including receiving a statement of his account quarterly with details of contributions made and returns on investment.
- Why establish independent PFAs rather than allow existing financial institutions with proven experience in pension funds management to apply for licence from the commission?
The safety of the pension funds is paramount. It is, therefore, imperative that the operators are single purpose vehicles dealing with pension funds management and investment only. It also ensures that the PFAs do not mix pension matters with other businesses, as this will hinder effective regulation and supervision.
- How is NSITF affected?
NSITF shall establish a PFA, which will manage Pension Funds and will continue to provide services other than pension to the nation. It will also be regulated and supervised by the Commission. NATIONAL PENSION COMMISSION JULY 2004
- How can I make additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) to my RSA?
The Additional Voluntary Contributions can only be done through your Employer and are deductible from your salary only. You are to communicate whatever percentage to be remitted alongside your RSA remittances.
- Is it possible to issue post dated personal cheques for the credit of my AVC?
No, it is not possible as all contributions for the credit of your account must come through your Employer.
- How can I access my account online?
Log on to our website www.crusaderpensions.com. Click on the e-Pensions Tab. Type in your Account Number (this is obtainable on your Statement of Account. Type in your PIN in the Password Field. Click on log in.
- I have logged on to your website, but I can not access my account after filling in my account number and PIN?
Your PIN should be typed in Capital Letters i.e. PEN…. If you still cannot access, please try later.
- How can I change my Password to my own confidential Code?
To change your Password, Log on to our website www.crusaderpensions.com. Click on the profile tab, Fill in the blank spaces, Click on update, Click on logout (The logout button is displayed at the top right corner of the Screen). Repeat the first step of accessing account online-but this time using your new Password.
- I am a Federal Government Employee. How come I have Nil Balance while some of my colleagues’ account has been credited?
The National Pension Commission (PenCom) is responsible for making remittances on behalf of Federal Government Employees. However; these remittances are being done in batches and yours may be one of those yet to be reconciled. Please make sure you send in your validation documents, including copies of your last pay-slip, employment letter and promotion letter.
- Can I know why these Validation Documents are required?
The documents are required to help PenCom confirm your details and remit your contributions.
- How do I forward these validation Documents to you?
You can either forward these documents to our postal address, PMB 80174, Victoria Island Lagos or our Head Office, 42, Adeola Hopewell Street, Victoria Island or to any of our branches closest to you.
- We want to make payment on behalf of some of our employees who registered with you. What is your Account number?
Our Account number with our Pensions Fund Custodian, First Pension Custodian Limited is 4682030001953 while the account name is FPCNL-RE-CPL Contribution.
- How can I update my profile/data with PenCom?
To update your details with PenCom, log on to www.pencom.gov.ng. Click on the tab that asks if you have registered with any PFA. Click on the update tab, and then enter your details.
- I just received my Statement of Account but my account is not credited or showing NIL balance. What is happening?
Your employer is yet to make payment on your behalf. Or if it had made payment, it has not submitted a Schedule of Contributions showing the beneficiaries. Or the Schedule of Contributions submitted is not in the specified format, or contains errors or beneficiary-details without PIN or contains names or PINs that differ from those provided by the Contributors in our database.
- What do you mean by Schedule of Contributions? The Schedule of Contributions contains details of the employees’ names, Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) (very important) and contribution amounts remitted, which are then credited into their individual Retirement Savings Account. A Schedule without PIN for one of the Employees is not valid for processing and causes delay in processing the contributions of others with PINs.
- Can I withdraw part of my Contributions for my Business?
No, your pension contribution is available when you retire. It cannot be withdrawn as capital for your business.
- I have been retired from the Federal Public Service. I need to withdraw my pension contributions. How can I get my money?
You cannot withdraw from your RSA as we have been advised that the entitlements of all Federal Government Public Service Employees who are affected in the restructuring exercise are to be paid by the Accountant General of the Federation.
