The pension industry has commenced moves to establish an investment consortium aimed at bridging the huge infrastructural gap in the country.
Director General of the National Pension Commission, PenCom, Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, disclosed this yesterday at a press briefing in Lagos after the first Pension Industry Leadership Council (PILC) meeting.
Oloworaran disclosed that PILC is proposing mobilising pension assets for infrastructure financing to channel funds into viable national projects while ensuring robust risk management and sustainable returns.
Oloworaran emphasised that increased investment in infrastructure would help close critical gaps in the economy, stimulate job creation, improve productivity, and ultimately deliver stronger long-term value for pension contributors.
She said: “It is critical to channel pension capital into infrastructure, create bankable investment pipelines, support national development, and preserve returns.
“The Investment and Financial Markets Committee has been set up to develop structured investment vehicles for infrastructure financing. These structures are being carefully designed to minimize risk exposure for pension funds while enabling participation in large-scale national projects. Implementation will follow once frameworks are finalised, with strong emphasis on risk management and capital preservation.”
Speaking on the coming on board of PILC, Oloworaran said: “The inauguration of this Council marks the beginning of a new phase for the pension industry, one defined by leadership, coordination, and unity.”
She noted that the Council affirms a fundamental shift in the role of pension funds. “Pension funds will no longer be passive investors. They will become active drivers of economic development, leveraging one of the largest pools of savings capital in the country,” she said.
According to her, this transition will require stronger stewardship from Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), enhanced influence in corporate governance, and a more assertive role in shaping market outcomes.
She emphasised that the overarching goal is to build a resilient system. “Our objective is clear, to build a market that works efficiently and sustainably for all pension contributors. We also recognise the importance of unlocking infrastructure investment at scale.”
