Access ARM Pensions has urged civil servants to embrace small but consistent voluntary contributions to their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs), describing the habit as a simple and effective way to build long-term financial security.

The call was made by Executive Director, Technical, Mr. Afolabi Folayan, during his keynote address at International Civil Service Conference in Abuja.

Speaking on “Building Financial Resilience for the Nigerian Civil Service of the Future,” Folayan noted the need to rethink retirement planning beyond statutory deductions.

He said: “We must turn concern into strategy. As leaders of the pension ecosystem, our job is to build a system that is not just safe, but smart. Not just secure, but inclusive. Not just mandatory, but meaningful. Civil servants should be able to top up their pensions anytime, even with just N1,000 from their phones. Over time, compound interest takes care of the rest.”

He highlighted core challenges civil servants face when preparing for retirement, including inflation, currency depreciation, inadequate financial literacy, and rising post-retirement obligations. According to him, voluntary top-ups offer a simple yet effective strategy to cushion future economic shocks.

Folayan noted achievements of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which  boasts over N23.3 trillion in assets but said much of the investment is concentrated in government securities, which may yield below inflation in the long run. Recognising that retirement is no longer a passive stage, Folayan underscored the need for pension systems to evolve with  realities of retirees.

He added: “Retirement today is not the quiet twilight it once was. It is dynamic. Retirees are caregivers, business mentors, community leaders etc. They face rising medical costs, family responsibilities, and often still want to contribute- in new ways. Our pension system must meet them where they are, not where they were.

Folayan also called for pension funds and employers to collaborate on more integrated retirement solutions. He proposed creation of financial wellness hubs offering budgeting tools and retirement planning support; health partnerships that provide access to affordable medical care, and accessible mortgage s for civil servants’ income profiles.

He also urged that technology should be leveraged to empower contributors, suggesting mobile-friendly platforms that include pension growth simulators, life-stage guidance tools, biometric login for added security, and real-time transparency on balances, fees, and investment performance.

He concluded: “We stand at crossroads. We can continue with a system that delivers the minimum or we can build one that delivers the dignity every civil servant deserves. A system that rejuvenates trust in public service, innovates for financial inclusion, and accelerates us toward long-term economic resilience.”