The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has announced a hardline stance against organisations failing to remit pension contributions, warning that any entity without a valid Pension Clearance Certificate (PCC) will be blacklisted by November 30, 2025.
This declaration came from PenCom’s Director-General, Omolola Oloworaran, during the commission’s second-quarter media briefing held in Lagos on Wednesday.
“We are drawing the red line. Pension compliance is no longer optional it is existential,” Oloworaran stated. “Effective immediately, PenCom has launched an uncompromising compliance drive to enforce the Pension Reform Act of 2014.”
No PCC, No Pension Business
Under the new compliance framework, every organization whether public or private, large or small must possess a valid PCC to continue any business dealings involving pension funds.
Oloworaran emphasized that all Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and custodians have received formal directives to verify PCC status for all vendors, service providers, investment counterparties, and even shareholders and parent companies affiliated with the pension ecosystem.
“By November 30, any organisation that fails to obtain or renew their PCC will be blacklisted and barred from all pension-related transactions with entities regulated by PenCom,” she warned.
This sweeping policy is expected to affect not just corporate vendors and service firms, but also banks, investment firms, and institutional stakeholders across the pension industry.
Zero Tolerance for Default
Oloworaran described the move as a signal of zero tolerance for non-compliance, adding that failure to fulfil pension obligations will no longer be overlooked or treated with leniency.
“Only those who value the future of their employees will be allowed to remain in the system and enjoy the benefits that come with it,” she said. “We’re building a stricter, more sustainable pension system anchored on accountability and transparency.”
Push for Transparency and Industry Reform
This latest development follows the rollout of a new pension contribution remittance system introduced by PenCom in May 2025, designed to enhance transparency and real-time tracking of remittances. The Commission had earlier set June 1 as the deadline for adoption by all employers.
According to Oloworaran, the new system is a key part of broader reforms aimed at restructuring Nigeria’s pension architecture and ensuring greater inclusivity, security, and economic sustainability.
“We are committed to building a pension industry that not only secures retirements but also supports national development. Compliance is the foundation on which that future must rest,” she added.
