PenCom Launches PENCAP, New Self-Service Platform for Pension Data Recapture

By Linda Ike

National Pension Commission (PenCom) has announced the launch of a new self-service online data recapture platform, known as the Data Recapture Self-Service Platform (PENCAP), which will go live on 1 February 2026.

The platform, developed in collaboration with Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), will allow Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders to update their personal records remotely without visiting PFA offices.

According to PenCom, PENCAP is targeted at RSA holders who joined the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) on or before 1 July 2019 and have not yet completed the mandatory data recapture exercise.

The Commission described the initiative as another key step to enhance data integrity, improve service delivery, and modernise pension administration through responsible digitalisation.

PenCom explained that accurate and up-to-date contributor data is critical to efficient pension administration, noting that legacy records and incomplete documentation have created delays and complications during verification and benefit processing.

“PENCAP provides a secure and convenient channel for contributors to recapture their data and resolve existing inconsistencies,” the Commission said, adding that the platform is expected to support faster benefit processing, smoother verification and a better service experience for RSA holders.

The data recapture exercise, which began in August 2019, is in line with the Federal Government’s directive for all data-generating organisations to harmonise their databases with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

PenCom stated that it has already deployed an Enhanced Contributor Registration System (ECRS) integrated with the NIMC database to authenticate the uniqueness of individuals and link RSA records to the National Identification Number (NIN).

Prior to PENCAP, RSA holders were required to visit their PFAs physically to complete the exercise, a process the Commission admitted has not achieved the needed outcome, with many eligible contributors still not recaptured more than six years after the exercise began.

Under the new self-service arrangement, RSA holders will be able to access the portal via https://pensionrecap.pencom.gov.ng using an internet-enabled device with a camera.

Users will create a secure profile with a personal email address, complete the online data recapture form and, where necessary, upload supporting documents to validate changes.

The process also includes biometric verification through live facial capture and the provision of a digital signature.Once submitted, each application will be reviewed by the contributor’s PFA within a defined processing period.

PenCom said RSA holders will receive email notifications acknowledging receipt of their request and providing status updates, including reasons for any rejection.

The Commission noted that this approach is designed to ensure transparency, accountability and continuous communication throughout the process.

PenCom urged all RSA holders who enrolled on or before 1 July 2019 and are yet to be recaptured to take advantage of the new online window.

It stressed that completion of data recapture is required to migrate records onto the ECRS, which uses NIN as the unique identifier, and is essential for participation in the Retiree Enrolment and Verification Exercise and for accessing key pension transactions.

These transactions include processing of retirement benefits, eligibility to use part of RSA balances as equity contribution for residential mortgages, withdrawals due to temporary job loss and the transfer of RSAs between PFAs.

The Commission warned that eligible RSA holders who fail to complete the recapture will not be able to access any of the aforementioned services.

PenCom added that the deployment of PENCAP is aligned with its broader strategic objective of driving innovation, transparency and operational efficiency in the pension industry.

While promoting the self-service option, the Commission clarified that RSA holders who prefer physical recapture can still visit their PFA branches, noting that the new platform is designed to complement, not replace, existing service channels.