The pension industry has initiated plans to establish an investment consortium aimed at addressing the country’s significant infrastructure deficit.
Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, disclosed this during a press briefing in Lagos following the inaugural meeting of the Pension Industry Leadership Council (PILC).
She explained that the Council is proposing the mobilisation of pension assets for infrastructure financing, with the goal of channeling funds into viable national projects while maintaining strong risk management and ensuring sustainable returns.
Oloworaran noted that increased infrastructure investment would help close critical gaps in the economy, boost job creation, enhance productivity, and deliver long-term value for pension contributors.
“It is essential to direct pension funds into infrastructure, develop bankable investment pipelines, support national growth, and safeguard returns,” she said.
According to her, an Investment and Financial Markets Committee has been established to design structured investment vehicles for infrastructure funding. These frameworks are being carefully developed to minimise risks to pension assets while enabling participation in large-scale projects. Implementation will begin once the frameworks are finalised, with a strong focus on capital preservation.
Speaking on the launch of PILC, Oloworaran described it as the start of a new era for the pension industry—one driven by stronger leadership, collaboration, and unity.
She added that the initiative signals a shift in the role of pension funds from passive investment to active participation in economic development, leveraging one of the country’s largest pools of savings capital.
This transition, she said, will require stronger oversight from Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), greater influence in corporate governance, and a more proactive role in shaping market outcomes.
Oloworaran emphasised that the ultimate objective is to build a resilient and efficient pension system that serves contributors effectively while unlocking large-scale infrastructure investment.
