PTAD Verification and Pension Processing: What you should know

If you are a pensioner under the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) or processing retirement and death benefits, here are seven key clarifications you should know.

These clarifications are essential for pensioners and next-of-kin navigating documentation, verification, and benefit processing under PTAD.

•Affidavit after fire incident — is Police Extract required?

If your original documents were destroyed in a fire, an affidavit alone is not sufficient.

You must obtain a Police Extract confirming the incident, Use the Police Extract to secure a valid affidavit; and submit a letter of introduction from the Ministry, Department or Agency (MDA) you retired from.

The letter must be duly signed by the authorised Head of your MDA. Without the Police Extract, PTAD will not process the affidavit.

• Will PTAD accept uncertified photocopies?

If you only have photocopies and not the originals, you must attach an affidavit explaining why the original documents are unavailable, or present a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the original documents.

Uncertified photocopies without explanation or certification may not be accepted. To certify documents, you should take the originals, if available to the issuing authority, or a court registry for certification as a Certified True Copy.

• Can a Power of Attorney represent a pensioner during verification?

No. Pension is personal. A pensioner must be physically present for verification. A Power of Attorney cannot authorise a third party to stand in for verification, even if the pensioner is outside the country.

• What Is a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney is a legal document (usually by deed) where a person known as the Donor authorises another person, known as the Donee, to act on their behalf in specified matters.

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• Features of a Valid Power of Attorney

A valid Power of Attorney must clearly identify the Donor and Done, be in writing and properly signed, sealed, and delivered; Be issued for valuable consideration and for a fixed period; Involve parties with legal capacity; and Be attested or authenticated by a Notary Public or Commissioner for Oaths

It must also be stamped within 40 days of execution, be registered within 60 days of execution; and where attested by a Notary Public, Commissioner for Oaths, Magistrate, or Judge, there is a presumption of authenticity.

. Why is BVN important in pension processing?

The Bank Verification Number (BVN) is critical because it links directly to a pensioner’s bank account; helps confirm identity; ensures the right beneficiary receives payment; and BVN remains one of the strongest safeguards against fraud in pension administration.

. Can pensioners use pension to pay for government housing?

No. Government does not provide accommodation for pensioners. Once a public servant retires and exits government quarters, they are given a period to vacate the property so it can be reassigned to serving officers.