The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has said that it has no relationship with the Association of Pension Desk Practitioners of Nigeria (ASSOPEP).

Abdulqadir Dahiru, Head of Department, Corporate Communications, PenCom, said their attention had been drawn to the false claims of ASSOPEP in resolving pension issues and assisting retirees in securing their retirement benefits as PenCom has no affiliation with the association and had not given them any authorisation of any kind.

“The attention of the National Pension Commission (PenCom or Commission) has been drawn to the illicit activities of the Association of Pension Desk Practitioners of Nigeria (ASSOPEP).

“PenCom, therefore, urges the general public to be cautious of any promise or claim made by ASSOPEP regarding pension and retirement benefits or any other matter relating to the pension industry in Nigeria,” he said.

Mr Dahiru also revealed that Licensed Pension Fund Operators (LPFOs) in charge of undertaking the process and payment of retirement benefits are not involved with ASSOPEP either.

He warned that the commission has strongly advised the people to stay clear and exercise caution as activities of the association are illegal.

According to him, ASSOPEP activities have been reported to law enforcement agencies.

When contacted, an official of ASSOPEP who spoke under condition of anonymity said, “if you check our sites you would see that we have laid no claims of affiliation with PenCom and we would release an official statement on the issue on Tuesday.”