PTAD DDeepens Media Collaboration, Trains Pension Correspondents On Mandate, Operations

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, PTAD, strengthened its engagement with the media as it hosted pension correspondents and online editors to a one day workshop aimed at improving reportage of issues relating to pension administration under the Defined Benefit Scheme, DBS.
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‎Declaring the workshop open in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of PTAD, Tolulope Odunaiya, said the training was organised to ensure that journalists covering the pension sector are well informed about the agency’s mandate, operations and future plans. She emphasised that accurate reporting is essential to sustaining public confidence in the pension system.
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‎Odunaiya expressed appreciation to the media for what she described as years of robust support and collaboration. According to her, the positive and consistent reportage by pension correspondents has played a significant role in shaping public perception of PTAD’s work and improving transparency in pension management.
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‎She noted that PTAD has, over the years, worked diligently to change the narrative of pension administration in Nigeria. Under the Defined Benefit Scheme, she said, the Directorate has prioritised timely payments, verification of pensioners, and the resolution of inherited challenges that previously created distrust in the system.
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‎The Executive Secretary stressed that the media remains a critical partner in achieving PTAD’s mandate, especially given the sensitivity of pension issues. She said pensioners depend heavily on accurate information, making it vital for reporters to understand PTAD’s processes, departments, and responsibilities.
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‎Odunaiya added that the workshop would expose journalists to the legal framework establishing PTAD, its operational structure, and its strategic initiatives for sustaining the welfare of pensioners. She said such knowledge will enable the media to provide the public with well-rounded and factual reports.
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‎According to her, one of PTAD’s goals is to correct misrepresentations, address public concerns transparently, and ensure that pensioners and stakeholders understand the reforms and progress recorded within the DBS. She said misinformation often creates panic among retirees, making clarity a priority for the Directorate.
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‎She assured participants that PTAD remains committed to deepening the already strong relationship it shares with the media. Strengthened collaboration, she said, would help sustain reforms and support the Directorate’s continuous efforts to improve pension administration nationwide.
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‎Odunaiya also encouraged participants to see the workshop as an opportunity to learn, unlearn and re-learn, noting that the constantly evolving pension landscape requires stakeholders, including journalists to stay updated and open to new information.
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‎She concluded by welcoming all attendees and expressing optimism that the workshop would enhance knowledge, promote accuracy in reporting, and foster renewed synergy between PTAD and the media in protecting the welfare of pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme.
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‎PR/Umbwanko Baba/Ene Idoko