Why We Approved E-verification For Military Pensioners — FG

The Chairman of the Military Pensions Board (MPB), AVM Paul Irumheson, announced that the Federal Government has approved an electronic verification system for military pensioners to ensure efficiency in pension administration.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Friday, Irumheson stated that the nationwide electronic verification exercise aims to streamline military pension administration and eliminate issues of impersonation.

He explained that the board adopted this system to reduce the risks and costs associated with traveling for verification, especially given the advanced age of many pensioners.

“You may recall that on February 15, I briefed this honorable press about the board’s plan to transition from physical to electronic verification for our military retirees,” he said. “The reasons include the security risks of traveling, the old age of some of our pensioners, and the high cost of transportation, particularly for those living abroad.”

Irumheson reported that a pilot test was conducted from February 15 to March 1, with only 15 out of 2,000 pensioners failing the process. He noted that observations from the pilot have been used to improve the system.

He also mentioned that the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, have approved the commencement of the verification exercise for military pensioners.

The chairman assured that there would be sufficient public awareness efforts to help pensioners navigate the new system with ease.

He urged military pensioners to participate in the electronic verification exercise, warning that those who do not will cease to receive their pensions.

“I hereby declare the Electronic Verification Exercise officially open on a full scale for all our retired pensioners for a period of three months from July 1 to September 30,” he announced. “Finally, the Board advises all pensioners to take an active part in this exercise. Those that fail to participate will not receive their pensions going forward.”