PenCom Launches Online Platform for Pension Data Update
By Patience Ikpeme
The National Pension Commission (PenCom), working with Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), has announced that it will launch a new online platform on February 1, 2026, to allow pension contributors to update their personal records without going to any office.
The platform, called the Data Recapture Self-Service Platform, also known as PENCAP, is designed for Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders who joined the Contributory Pension Scheme on or before July 1, 2019, and have not yet updated their data. Through the new system, contributors can use their phones or computers to complete the process from anywhere with internet access.
PenCom explained that correct and up-to-date records are very important for the smooth running of the pension system, especially when people are ready to access their retirement benefits. The commission said some old records and missing information have caused delays in the past when contributors try to verify their details or receive payments.
“PENCAP provides a secure and convenient way for contributors to update their information, which will improve the quality of records across all PFAs and make benefit processing faster and easier,” the commission said.
The data recapture exercise started in August 2019 for both workers and retirees. It follows a Federal Government directive that all organisations collecting personal data must link their records with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) using the National Identification Number (NIN) as a unique identifier.
To meet this requirement, PenCom created the Enhanced Contributor Registration System, which is connected to the NIMC database. This system checks and confirms the identity of people registering for pensions and those who already have RSAs but have not yet updated their records.
Until now, contributors were required to visit their PFAs in person to complete the recapture process. PenCom said this method has not delivered the expected results, as many eligible RSA holders have still not updated their data even after more than six years.
With the new online option, contributors will visit the portal at pensionrecap.pencom.gov.ng and create a secure profile using their personal email address. They will then fill out the data recapture form and upload any documents needed to support the changes they want to make.
The process also includes a live facial capture using the camera on their device and a digital signature to confirm that the information provided is genuine.
After submission, the contributor’s PFA will review the request within a set time. RSA holders will receive email messages to confirm that their application has been received and to inform them if it is approved or rejected, including the reasons for any rejection.
PenCom said the aim is to make the exercise faster and easier, encouraging more people to take part because they no longer need to travel to PFA offices.
“By offering a self-service option, we expect more RSA holders to complete their data recapture, as the process is now more convenient and accessible,” the commission said.
The commission also warned that completing the data recapture is very important for those who joined the pension scheme on or before July 1, 2019. Without it, contributors will not be able to move their records into the Enhanced Contributor Registration System, which uses the NIN to identify each person.
PenCom said failure to complete the process will prevent RSA holders from taking part in important pension activities. These include enrolling for retirement and verification exercises, receiving retirement benefits, using part of their pension savings as equity for a home mortgage, accessing benefits in case of temporary job loss, and transferring their accounts from one PFA to another.
The commission said the launch of PENCAP fits into its wider plan to use technology to improve transparency, efficiency, and public trust in the pension system.
“Through responsible use of digital tools, we are working to make pension services easier to access and to strengthen confidence in the Contributory Pension Scheme,” PenCom said.
For contributors who still prefer to complete the process in person, PenCom noted that PFA offices will remain open to provide physical data recapture services, adding that the online platform is meant to work alongside existing channels, not replace them.
