NAMA Disclaims Pension Neglect Allegations, Demands Retraction Over ‘Misleading’ Report
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has strongly refuted allegations that more than 1,000 of its retirees are owed pension benefits, describing a recent newspaper report on the issue as misleading, inaccurate and lacking proper context.
In a statement issued on Thursday, NAMA said the publication titled “Unpaid Pension: Over 1,000 NAMA Retirees Seek FG’s Intervention” failed to reflect the legal and administrative realities surrounding pension administration within the agency.
According to NAMA, the report created the false impression that the agency was unwilling to meet its obligations to retirees, insisting that retiree welfare remains a top priority under the leadership of the Managing Director, Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar.
The agency disclosed that it had commissioned a comprehensive actuarial assessment covering pension adjustments for 2007, 2010, 2019 and 2024. It said the exercise had been completed and implementation of the report was already underway through established administrative procedures.
NAMA further stated that it has maintained regular engagement with retiree representatives and other stakeholders. It noted that at a meeting held on June 10, 2026, both parties agreed to seek clarification from the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) on certain technical issues requiring regulatory interpretation.
The agency said it subsequently forwarded the necessary correspondence to PENCOM and is awaiting an official response.
Addressing claims of unpaid pension liabilities, NAMA maintained that accrued pension rights for employees who transitioned from the Defined Benefit Scheme to the Contributory Pension Scheme in June 2004 had been fully settled in line with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act.
It explained that the funds were transferred directly into the Retirement Savings Accounts of affected staff, who continue to receive monthly benefits through their Pension Fund Administrators and annuity providers.
Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Dr. Abdullahi Musa, said the claim that over 1,000 retirees remain unpaid was not supported by the facts available to the agency.
He warned that inaccurate reporting on such sensitive matters could create unnecessary anxiety among retirees, undermine efforts toward resolving outstanding pension-related issues, and damage the reputation of public institutions.
NAMA therefore called on the newspaper to immediately retract the publication and issue a public apology, arguing that the report misled the public and unfairly tarnished the image of the agency.
The agency reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and the welfare of its retirees, pledging to continue constructive engagement with PENCOM and recognised retiree representatives to ensure that all pension matters are resolved lawfully, fairly and sustainably.
