Nigeria’s pension assets increased by N289.4 billion in August 2026, reaching N31.80 trillion as the industry continued its recovery after a decline recorded in June.
Data from the National Pension Commission (PenCom) showed that total pension assets rose from N31.51 trillion at the end of July to N31.80 trillion by August 31, representing a monthly increase of about 0.9 percent. The total was valued at about $23.87 billion based on an exchange rate of N1,332.44 to the dollar. (Businessday NG)
The latest growth follows a stronger increase of N813.3 billion in July, after pension assets dropped by N623.6 billion in June.
The pension industry’s contributor base also continued to expand, with Retirement Savings Account (RSA) membership reaching 11.39 million contributors as of August.
Fund III leads asset growth
Several major pension fund categories recorded increases during the month.
Fund I assets grew by N14.4 billion, while Fund II gained N11.9 billion. Fund III recorded the largest increase among the main funds, rising by N105.4 billion, while Fund IV added N98.2 billion.
Fund V increased by N28.2 billion, while Fund VI gained N10.6 billion. Retiree Fund VI also rose by N21.1 billion.
Existing schemes recorded an additional N14.4 billion, although Closed Pension Fund Administrators saw their assets fall slightly by about N1.2 billion.
Fund III remained the largest pool, with its net asset value increasing from N13.35 trillion to N13.45 trillion. Fund IV also grew from N8.00 trillion to N8.10 trillion.
Government securities remain dominant
Federal Government securities continued to account for the largest share of pension investments, with N17.80 trillion invested in the asset class.
Domestic ordinary shares accounted for N6.32 trillion, while corporate debt securities stood at N2.21 trillion. Money market instruments represented N3.27 trillion.
Pension funds also had N344.6 billion invested in infrastructure funds, N267 billion in private equity and N132.8 billion in direct real estate investments. Real Estate Investment Trusts accounted for another N148.6 billion.
The figures highlight the growing size of Nigeria’s pension pool as fund managers gradually expand investments beyond traditional government securities. (Businessday NG)
With pension assets now above N31 trillion and RSA membership exceeding 11 million, the industry remains an increasingly significant source of long-term capital for Nigeria’s financial system.
