The National Pension Commission, PenCom, has said the total pension assets was currently over N15.58 trillion.
The commission’s Director-General, Aisha Dahir-Umar, made the announcement yesterday at a workshop for the Labour Writers Association of Nigeria, LAWAN, with the theme “Securing the Future: The Benefits of the Contributory Pension Scheme to Nigerian Workers,” held in Lagos.
The Director-General, who was represented by PenCom’s Head of Communications, Abdulquadri Dahiru, stated that the N15.58 trillion amount was as of March 31, 2023.
She said: “PenCom’s mission is to ensure Nigerian Workers receive their retirement benefits as and when due. The Commission’s meticulous regulation and supervision of the pension industry ensures that Pension Assets and CPS membership continue to grow. The value of Pension Assets stood at N15.58 trillion as of 31 March 2023, while CPS membership was 9.95 million.
“Last year, PenCom launched a policy that allows Retirement Savings Account, RSA, holders to utilise a portion of their retirement savings as equity for residential mortgages. “
help cushion the effect of unforeseen job loss if they cannot secure another employment after four months.
“It is essential to note that this partial withdrawal is not a replacement for retirement benefits but rather a means to offer immediate support during a difficult period. The remaining balance in the RSA continues to grow and accumulate until the RSA holder attain retirement age.
“PenCom is committed to protecting workers’ interests and ensuring employers pay pension contributions as and when due. In that regard, during the first quarter of 2023, N384.28 million, comprising contributions of N193.06 million and penalties of N191.22 million, was recovered from 34 defaulting employers.
“Meanwhile, from the commencement of the recovery of pension contributions owed workers in June 2012 to 31 March 2023, the commission has recovered N24.53 billion (contributions of N12.44 billion and penalties of N12.09 billion) from defaulting employers.”