The National Pension Commission (PenCom) plans to direct pension capital toward infrastructure investments to foster market growth, support national development, and protect returns for contributors. PenCom Director-General Omolola Oloworaran shared this at the inaugural First Quarter 2026 Pension Industry Leadership Council (PILC) meeting in Lagos, the first since its September 2025 launch.
Oloworaran emphasized diversifying beyond traditional assets into alternatives like infrastructure to combat inflation, generate jobs, and ensure long-term efficiency for pension fund administrators (PFAs). She highlighted a proposed Nigerian pension industry investment consortium to fund key projects while preserving returns.
Shift to Active Investment Role
Pension funds will transition from passive to active investors, harnessing Nigeria’s largest savings pool to drive economic progress. The PILC, led by PFA managing directors, established committees to advance this:
- Investment and Financial Market Committee: Tackles sustainability issues via advocacy and digital upgrades.
- Innovation, Risk and Sustainability Committee: Enhances cybersecurity, data protection, and risk frameworks.
- Policy, Strategy and Industry Development Committee: Crafts medium-term strategies, policy alignment, research, and performance metrics.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy Committee: Builds trust, expands coverage, boosts compliance, and ensures clear communication.
- Governance and Ethics Committee and Strategy and Risk Committee: Strengthen oversight and coordination.
Gratuity Gains and Compliance Drive
PenCom’s NSITF pension review delivered over 100% monthly payout increases, improving retiree outcomes. The industry now prioritizes economic growth alongside fund safety, with PenCom committing to market expansion and retiree dignity.
Compliance improved last year with doubled recoveries, but gaps remain. Oloworaran announced tougher measures: partnering with labor unions, enforcing the ICPC MOU, and public “naming and shaming” of defaulters to achieve universal employer contributions.
