Pension assets hit N29.43trn in February, increases by N1.39trn

Nigeria’s pension assets rose to N29.43 trillion in February, representing a month-on-month increase of N1.39 trillion.

This is according to data released by the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

The latest figure represents the strongest monthly expansion recorded since the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) over two decades ago, surpassing the previous high of N1.18 trillion posted in January 2024.

PenCom data showed that total assets grew from N28.04 trillion in January, driven largely by fresh inflows and valuation gains, particularly in the equities segment.

Investment in domestic equities rose to N5.41 trillion, underscoring pension funds’ increasing participation in the Nigerian stock market.

However, foreign equity exposure remained relatively low at N261.99 billion, reflecting a cautious stance by fund managers amid global economic uncertainties.

Further breakdown indicated that allocations to non-sovereign debt instruments also increased, with corporate debt securities rising to N2.25 trillion, while investments in state government bonds stood at N368.99 billion.

The data also revealed sustained liquidity within the system, as money market instruments climbed to N2.74 trillion. Fixed deposits and bank acceptances accounted for N2.50 trillion, while commercial paper investments stood at N209.23 billion.

Meanwhile, investments in alternative asset classes remained modest. Infrastructure funds were valued at N300.02 billion, private equity at N258.31 billion, real estate at N169.52 billion, and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) at N77.64 billion.

On fund performance, RSA Fund IV retained its position as the largest contributor to overall asset growth, with total assets of N12.67 trillion, reflecting its concentration of active contributors.

RSA Fund II also accounted for a significant share of total pension assets.

Also, total Retirement Savings Account (RSA) membership rose to over 11.13 million as of February, indicating sustained growth in pension enrolment across the country.