The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has announced the launch of a new self-service online platform from February 1, enabling Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders to update their personal data without visiting their Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).
In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, the commission said the platform, developed in collaboration with PFAs, is designed to address long-standing data gaps that have delayed pension verification exercises and the payment of benefits.
PenCom said the platform, known as the Data Recapture Self-Service Platform (PENCAP), is targeted at RSA holders who joined the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) on or before July 1, 2019, and who have yet to complete the mandatory data recapture exercise. According to the commission, the system will make the process faster, easier and fully online, while significantly improving service delivery and access to pension benefits.
The commission explained that PENCAP allows RSA holders to remotely update and validate their personal records, eliminating the need for physical visits to PFA offices. It stressed that accurate and up-to-date data is critical to the efficient management of retirement savings under the CPS.
PenCom noted that inconsistencies in legacy records and incomplete documentation have, over time, posed challenges during verification and benefit processing.
“PENCAP provides a proactive solution by offering contributors a secure and convenient channel to recapture their data, thereby improving the quality and reliability of contributor records across PFAs,” the commission said.
It added that the platform would support faster benefit processing, smoother verification exercises and an improved overall service experience for RSA holders. PenCom recalled that the direct data recapture exercise, which began in August 2019 for both active contributors and retirees, has recorded slow progress.
The commission said the exercise aligns with the Federal Government’s directive requiring all data-generating organisations to harmonise their databases with that of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). It added that the use of the National Identification Number (NIN) as a unique identifier is central to building a credible and reliable database of RSA holders.
“In that regard, PenCom designed, developed and deployed an Enhanced Contributor Registration System (ECRS), which has been integrated with the NIMC database to authenticate individuals registering under the CPS and existing RSA holders who are yet to complete data recapture,” the statement said.
PenCom explained that the previous physical recapture method required RSA holders to visit their PFAs, but this approach had failed to deliver the desired results, with many eligible contributors still yet to complete the process more than six years after its introduction.
According to the commission, the new recapture process is entirely online and requires a phone, computer or similar device equipped with a camera and internet access. “RSA holders can access the portal at https://pensionrecap.pencom.gov.ng/ and create a secure user profile using a personal email address,” it said.
It added that contributors would complete an online form, upload supporting documents where required, undergo biometric verification through live facial capture and provide a digital signature to confirm the authenticity of their submissions.
PenCom said that upon submission, the contributor’s PFA would review the application within a defined processing period.
“RSA holders will receive email notifications acknowledging receipt and providing updates on approval or rejection, including reasons where applicable. This ensures transparency and accountability,” the commission said.
The commission stated that the rollout of PENCAP is expected to accelerate the data recapture process and encourage wider participation by RSA holders due to its convenience.
It noted that completion of the exercise is mandatory for participation in the Retiree Enrolment and Verification Exercise, as well as for accessing key pension services, including retirement benefit processing, use of RSA balances for mortgage equity, withdrawals due to temporary job loss, and the transfer of RSAs between PFAs.
PenCom warned that eligible RSA holders who fail to complete the data recapture exercise would be unable to access these services.
“The deployment of PENCAP aligns with our commitment to innovation, transparency and operational efficiency in the pension industry,” the commission said.
It added that RSA holders who prefer physical data recapture may still visit their PFA offices, noting that the self-service platform is intended to complement, rather than replace, existing service channels.
