The Nigerian pension industry kicked off 2026 with a powerful surge, as total pension fund assets climbed by N580 bn in January alone.
This 2.2 per cent growth trajectory pushed the nation’s total pension valuation from N27.45 tn in December 2025 to a staggering N28.03 tn.
According to the latest monthly report released by the National Pension Commission, the industry also saw a significant influx of new participants.
Approximately 400,000 new workers from both the public and private sectors enrolled in the Contributory Pension Scheme, bringing the total number of Retirement Savings Account holders to 11.08 million.
The report highlights a continued preference among fund operators for “safe-haven” investments, with Federal Government of Nigeria securities absorbing 60 per cent of total assets.
A breakdown of the N28.03 tn portfolio reveals a heavy leaning toward government-backed instruments, including FGN Securities: N16.6 tn (Total), FGN Bonds: N15.6 tn, Treasury Bills: N894 bn, Money Market Instruments: N2.75 tn and Corporate Debt Securities: N2.23 tn.
Industry analysts suggest that improved acceptance of the scheme among employers is the primary driver for the 400,000-member jump in January.
