PenCom to commit N300bn into infrastructure investment
By Rosemary Iwunze
LAGOS — The National Pension Commission (PenCom) announced a target of N300 billion in capital commitments aimed at enhancing infrastructure investments across Nigeria. Actual asset deployments are expected to commence in the second quarter of 2027.
During a media briefing following the Pension Industry Leaders Council (PILC) meeting last week, PenCom Director-General Omolola Oloworaran revealed that pension fund operators have already committed N241 billion under an infrastructure framework developed in collaboration with FSD Africa.
“As of today, pension funds have committed a total of N241 billion, and we anticipate reaching nearly N300 billion shortly as we finalize all commitments,” Oloworaran stated. She added that the timetable for these investments is in place, with significant funding for infrastructure projects set to begin in mid-2027. She emphasized that this initiative represents a critical advancement for the pension sector, allowing operators to pursue long-term inflation hedges and inflation-adjusted returns for contributors.
“This is the first step we are taking as an industry, and it marks the beginning of our commitment to this sector,” Oloworaran said. “Mobilizing capital from the pension industry will enhance infrastructure in the country, providing long-term investment opportunities that protect against inflation.”
In addition to its infrastructure goals, the PenCom chief announced the approval of an independent global benchmark maturity assessment for the Nigerian pension industry, designed to align operators with international best practices. This initiative aims to improve corporate governance, market compliance, and operational standards within the sector.
Furthermore, Oloworaran indicated that PenCom and industry leaders are formalizing the Pension Transformation Agenda 2030 (Pensions 2030) to streamline ongoing reforms and establish strategic goals for the coming decade.
