The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the National Pension Commission have recovered over N3bn in unremitted pension contributions from defaulting employers as both agencies intensified efforts to enforce compliance with the Pension Reform Act 2014.The recovery was disclosed in a statement issued by the National Pension Commission on Wednesday, which said the funds had been fully remitted into the Retirement Savings Accounts of affected employees.According to the commission, the recovery was achieved through a joint ICPC-PenCom enforcement initiative designed to address pension contribution defaults and protect workers’ retirement savings.It stated, “The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the National Pension Commission have recovered over N3bn in unremitted pension contributions from employers.”

PenCom explained that the recovered funds were obtained from defaulting employers in the electricity sector and credited to the respective Retirement Savings Accounts of affected workers in line with the Pension Reform Act 2014.“The recovered funds, obtained from defaulting employers in the electricity sector, have been fully remitted into the respective Retirement Savings Accounts of affected employees in accordance with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act 2014,” the statement read.The commission said the development demonstrated the effectiveness of its partnership with the ICPC in ensuring compliance with pension laws and compelling employers to fulfil their statutory obligations.

It said, “The recovery demonstrates the effectiveness of the partnership between PenCom and ICPC in enforcing compliance with the PRA 2014 and ensuring that employers fulfil their statutory pension obligations.”PenCom recalled that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the ICPC in October 2025 to strengthen collaboration in the recovery of unremitted pension contributions, the investigation of pension-related infractions, and the enforcement of compliance with the Pension Reform Act 2014.

The commission added that the ICPC was currently investigating several private-sector employers referred by PenCom for alleged non-compliance with the Act, expressing optimism that further recoveries would be made as the investigations progressed.“The ICPC is currently investigating several private-sector employers referred by PenCom for non-compliance with the PRA 2014. With the ongoing collaboration, additional recoveries would be achieved as the investigations progress,” it stated.PenCom reiterated that the Pension Reform Act requires employers to deduct and remit pension contributions into employees’ Retirement Savings Accounts within seven working days after salaries are paid.It warned that employers who fail to comply risk sanctions.“Failure to comply with this requirement constitutes a violation of the law and attracts sanctions, including the recovery of outstanding contributions, penalties and, where necessary, prosecution,” the statement said.

The commission urged employers, particularly those in the private sector, to regularise outstanding pension remittances and comply fully with the provisions of the Act to avoid regulatory and enforcement action.It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting workers’ retirement savings, promoting compliance with the Contributory Pension Scheme, and ensuring that pension contributions deducted from employees are promptly remitted into their Retirement Savings Accounts.The PUNCH recently reported that the National Pension Commission intensified its enforcement drive to ensure nationwide compliance with the Contributory Pension Scheme by launching a specialised, high-level monitoring platform targeting non-compliant subnational governments.The initiative is part of an ongoing strategy to deepen pension reform at the subnational level and secure a sustainable retirement future for public servants across the states of the federation.

PUNCH

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), on Wednesday morning, arrested former Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.Security sources said Nnaji, who resigned last October under controversial circumstances, was arrested by DSS officers on request by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and handed him to the Anti-Graft Agency.The sources further notes that the ICPC had extended several invitations to the former minister following petitions on how he managed his Ministry, and therefore contacted the DSS to assist in arresting him.

In a strategic cabinet reshuffle, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has redeployed the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Hon. Abdulmalik Gajam, to head the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology. Stepping into Gajam’s former role is Professor Yahaya Zakari, who was officially sworn in as a member of the State Executive Council on Monday, June 29.

The announcement was made by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, who confirmed that the changes take immediate effect. Governor Lawal urged both appointees to approach their new assignments with renewed vigor, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to advancing the administration’s flagship “Rescue Agenda.”

The cabinet shake-up comes on the heels of a high-level Executive Council meeting, where members gathered to review ongoing projects, assess policy implementation, and chart strategic pathways for accelerated development across Zamfara. The weekly sessions, a hallmark of Governor Lawal’s governance style, continue to serve as a critical platform for ensuring accountability, tracking progress, and fine-tuning initiatives designed to uplift the lives of citizens.

With these latest appointments, the administration signals its intent to keep key ministries agile and results-driven, reinforcing its pledge to deliver impactful governance throughout the state.