The Lagos State Government has trained about 400 officers in the Unified Local Government Service who are approaching retirement, as part of efforts to prepare them for a seamless transition from active service to life after retirement.

The training took place during the 2026 Pre-Retirement Sensitisation Workshop held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Local Government Establishments and Training, Ms. Toyin Ogunlana, said the initiative reflects the government's commitment to improving the welfare of public servants by equipping them with the knowledge, skills and resources required for a fulfilling retirement.

She described retirement as a major milestone that should be viewed as the beginning of a new phase of life rather than the end of a career, stressing the importance of adequate preparation and informed decision-making.

According to her, many public servants face uncertainty as retirement approaches due to limited knowledge of pension administration, financial planning, healthcare management and post-retirement opportunities.

She explained that the workshop was designed to address these challenges by providing participants with practical guidance on retirement planning, pension processes, financial management and healthcare considerations.

Speaking on the theme, “Retirement Ready: Ensuring a Seamless Transition from Service to Pension,” Ogunlana urged participants to embrace early planning and develop sustainable post-retirement plans that would guarantee financial security and emotional well-being.

In his goodwill message, the Director-General of the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Mr. Babalola Obilana, represented by the Head of Technical Department, Mrs. Morenike Makinde, commended the organisers for sustaining the annual sensitisation programme.

He advised participants to familiarise themselves with the Contributory Pension Scheme, maintain accurate retirement records and engage regularly with their Pension Fund Administrators to avoid delays in accessing retirement benefits.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, Mrs. Bukonla Durodola, encouraged participants to see retirement as an opportunity for continued productivity and personal growth.

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, urged participants to maximise the benefits of the workshop by engaging resource persons and taking advantage of the retirement documentation clinic incorporated into the programme.

Participants received expert guidance on retirement documentation, pension administration and strategies for avoiding common challenges associated with accessing retirement benefits. Representatives of Pension Fund Administrators and pension professionals also participated in interactive sessions to provide practical advice and answer questions from attendees.