Pension assets rise by N1.16 trillion in one month
Nigerian pension assets increased to 25.79 trillion naira in July from 24.62 trillion naira the previous month as government securities attracted more retirement savings. The National Pension Commission reported 10.83 million active contributors by July, reflecting confidence in regulated fund administrators who allocated most holdings to federal bonds and treasury bills.
Conservative funds posted modest gains while corporate debt and infrastructure investments diversified portfolios within approved risk limits. Commission Director General Omolola Oloworaran said officials plan to raise caps on alternative investments beyond the current 5% ceiling because inflation erodes fixed-income returns.
Assets climbed to 25.9 trillion naira by August with 10.88 million registered members. Federal securities accounted for 62 percent of the 24.11 trillion naira portfolio through May, while private equity and infrastructure accounted for just 3 percent of total funds.
Oloworaran said traditional bonds no longer provide adequate protection against volatility and declining purchasing power for retirees. Regulators are finalizing changes that would allow pension managers to allocate more capital toward private equity and domestic infrastructure projects.
