The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has urged the general public to be aware of the illicit activities of the Association of Pension Desk Practitioners of Nigeria (ASSOPEP), describing the group’s claims as entirely false and having no affiliation with the pension industry.

PenCom described ASSOPEP’s claims of resolving pension issues and assisting retirees in securing their retirement benefits as false.

A disclaimer signed by the Management of PenCom on Friday and made available to the Saturday Tribune states in part: “The attention of the National Pension Commission (PenCom or Commission) has been drawn to the illicit activities of the Association of Pension Desk Practitioners of Nigeria (ASSOPEP).

“PenCom has particularly noted ASSOPEP’s claims of resolving pension issues and assisting retirees in securing their retirement benefits.

“The general public is kindly requested to note that the claims by ASSOPEP are entirely false as the Association has no affiliation with the pension industry nor authorization of any kind whatsoever from PenCom.

“Moreover, Licensed Pension Fund Operators (LPFOs), who are statutorily mandated to undertake the processing and payment of retirement benefits, are not associated with ASSOPEP in any way.

“PenCom, therefore, urges the general public to be cautious of any promise or claim made by ASSOPEP regarding pension and retirement benefits or any other matter relating to the pension industry in Nigeria”.

The Commission especially strongly advised workers, retirees, pension desk officers and everyone approached by the Association with claims of consulting with their Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and PenCom for guidance and assistance in respect of their retirement benefits to exercise caution as any interaction with the Association is at the individual’s own risk.

PenCom said, in the meantime, it has reported the activities of ASSOPEP to law enforcement agencies for appropriate action. (Saturday Tribune)

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