Customs Releases N7.61 Billion Pension Funds to 4,237 Retirees, Adeniyi Reaffirms Commitment to Welfare
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has disbursed N7.61 billion to nine Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) for the payment of retirement benefits to 4,237 retired officers, reinforcing its commitment to the welfare and financial security of former personnel.
The announcement was made by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, during a stakeholders’ dialogue with retired Customs officers held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The engagement provided an opportunity for the Service to address concerns raised by retirees while outlining ongoing efforts to strengthen pension administration and improve post-service welfare.
Speaking at the meeting, Adeniyi disclosed that the approved funds had already been transferred to the designated Pension Fund Administrators for immediate credit into the beneficiaries’ individual Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs). He noted that the prompt release of the funds reflects the Service’s determination to ensure retirees receive their entitlements without unnecessary delays.
According to the distribution presented during the dialogue, Premium Pension Limited recorded the highest number of beneficiaries with 2,268 retirees, followed by Access-ARM Pension Managers, which accounted for 1,223 beneficiaries. Leadway Pensions received funds for 403 retirees, while TrustFund Pensions had 156 beneficiaries. FCMB Pensions catered for 144 retirees, Veritas Glanvills Pensions accounted for 28 beneficiaries, Norrenberger Pensions had 11, and Fidelity Pension Managers received funds for four retirees, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 4,237.
The Comptroller-General described the payment as part of a broader institutional commitment to honouring the sacrifices and years of dedicated service rendered by retired Customs personnel. He stressed that the strength and credibility of any public institution depend not only on its operational performance but also on how it treats officers after retirement.
According to Adeniyi, the Nigeria Customs Service must remain financially stable and strategically positioned to meet both its operational responsibilities and long-term obligations to current and former personnel. He maintained that investing in the welfare of retirees contributes significantly to institutional integrity, staff morale, and public confidence in the Service.
Beyond the financial disbursement, the dialogue focused on improving communication between Customs management and retired officers. Adeniyi acknowledged that many retirees had expressed concerns regarding pension administration, welfare issues, and access to timely information. He explained that the meeting was deliberately convened to provide clarity on these issues and discourage the spread of misinformation.
“I acknowledge the concerns and valuable suggestions raised by our retirees. This dialogue was organised to deepen mutual understanding, strengthen our relationship, and reduce the impact of rumours and unofficial information regarding pension and welfare matters,” the Comptroller-General said.
He assured participants that the Service remains open to regular engagement and constructive feedback, adding that the views of retirees would continue to inform policy decisions affecting their welfare.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resources Development, DCG Tijjani Abe, alongside other members of the Customs Management Team. Senior officials assured participants that issues presented during the dialogue would receive due consideration during both Board and Management deliberations.
The retirees welcomed the initiative, describing the dialogue as a significant step towards rebuilding confidence and improving communication with the Service. They commended the Comptroller-General for creating a platform where retired personnel could interact directly with the leadership and present their concerns without intermediaries.
They also appealed for the engagement to become a regular feature rather than a one-off event, noting that sustained dialogue would foster stronger institutional relationships, improve transparency, and enhance trust between serving officers and those who have already completed their years of service.
The pension payment comes at a time when the Federal Government is pursuing broader reforms aimed at improving the welfare of public sector retirees across Nigeria. Authorities are currently reviewing statutory provisions governing pension administration, including Section 15(4) of the Pension Reform Act 2014, in line with Section 173(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended).
The proposed reforms are expected to strengthen the legal framework guiding pension payments, improve benefit administration, and ensure that retired public servants receive fair and timely entitlements that reflect prevailing economic realities.
For many retired Customs officers, the release of the N7.61 billion represents more than a financial transaction—it signals growing recognition of their years of service and sacrifices to national revenue generation, border security, and trade facilitation. It also reflects ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi to place greater emphasis on institutional accountability, staff welfare, and sustainable pension management.
As pension reforms continue to evolve, stakeholders believe that regular engagement between management and retirees, coupled with prompt payment of benefits, will contribute significantly to restoring confidence in Nigeria’s contributory pension system while reinforcing the Service’s reputation as an institution that values both its serving and retired personnel.
