PREMIUM PENSION APPOINTS BITRUS KWAJI AS CHARMAN, NENADI USMAN, GARBA MAKARFI & MANSUR ALIERO AS DIRECTORS

By Ngozi Onyeakusi—The Board of Premium Pension Limited has announced a few changes at the corporate level, which includes the appointment of Gen. Bitrus Kwaji (Rtd) OON as its new Chairman effective September 2023. This followed the retirement of the erstwhile Chairman Mr. Ibrahim Alhassan Babayo who held the position since 2020. Similarly, Senator Nenadi Esther Usman, DCG Garba Bala Makarfi (Rtd) and Dr. Mansur Aleiro have joined the Board of the Company as Non-Executive Directors.

General Kwaji (Rtd) an accountant by profession is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and Strayer University Washington DC, USA, among others. Until his retirement from the Nigerian Army in 2014, General Kwaji, was the Group Managing Director, Nigerian Army Welfare Ltd/Gte, a non-profit organization, registered by the Nigerian Army under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. During his over thirty (30) years career in the Nigerian Army, he held several positions, including Deputy Defense Attaché Finance, Washington DC, General Manager (Investments) Nigerian Army Welfare Scheme, Commandant Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration as well as Chairman, Military Pensions Board.

 

Gen. Kwaji, is a distinguished Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (FCNA), also holds a Master of Science in Business Administration from Strayer University in Washington DC, USA, Precedent to enhancing excellent performance as a member of the Diplomatic Corps during his tour of duty as Deputy Defense Attaché Finance in Washington DC, USA.

 

Until his appointment as Chairman, Board of Directors, he chaired the Board Audit Committee, Finance and General Purpose Committee that had oversight over the development of the Company’s Strategic Plan and is responsible for periodic review as well as monitoring the implementation of the Plan. It is these wide-ranging experiences, garnered over the years, deep understanding of the business as well as the Strategic Plan of the Company that he is bringing to bear on his new assignment as the Chairman of the Board of Premium Pension Limited.

 

Dr. Nenadi Esther Usman is a distinguished and accomplished leader and respected public personality with a diverse and impressive background. She holds a Doctorate Degree in Geography from the famous Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and a Master’s Degree in Strategy and Security Management as well as expertise in Administration and taxation respectively. She has exhibited a lifelong commitment to education, leadership, and public service. She served as the Minister of Finance in the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, where she played a pivotal role in shaping economic policies and strategies for Nigeria, meant to bolster economic development of the nation.

Mr. Garba Bala Makarfi is a highly accomplished professional with a rich educational background and extensive experience in leadership roles. He holds a Diploma in Library Science and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Library and Information Science, both earned from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria demonstrating his commitment to continuous penchant for scholarship. Mr. Makarfi’s professional journey is marked by a series of notable achievements and training experiences that have enhanced his expertise and leadership abilities.

 

Notable among his trainings are participation in the first Nigerian Business Investment Forum and Exhibition of Modern Nigeria Product in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a Professional Development workshop in Canada, and the Transformation Initiatives Leadership training in Canada. These experiences have equipped him with a global perspective and valuable insights into business and leadership. His distinguished career within the Nigerian Customs Service highlights his rise through the ranks, holding positions such as Superintendent, Chief Superintendent, Assistant Controller of Customs, and Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) in charge of Finance, Administration, and Technical Services.

Dr. Muhammadu Mansur Aliero is a consummate academician and an entrepreneur with a strong educational foundation, distinguished academic career spanning various institutions and degrees. He attended Usman Danfodio University Sokoto. He completed his PhD and Msc degrees in year 2018 and 2012 respectively at University Putra Malaysia. Dr. Aliero’s academic achievements, professional expertise, and commitment to ongoing learning underscore his dedication to contributing to the fields of education, Business and enterprise GIS. His extensive training and memberships in professional organizations reflect his continuous pursuit of excellence and knowledge in his chosen career. In his quest for knowledge, Dr. Mansur attended notable international conferences in Tunisia, Malaysia, Indonesia and China among others.

Premium Pension is one of the leading Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) in Nigeria with over N1trillion Assets under Management (AuM), a feat achieved by the Company last year without any business combination.