The National Pension Commission (PenCom), in collaboration with Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), will on 1 February 2026 launch a self-service online data recapture application known as the Data Recapture Self-Service Platform (PENCAP).
The platform allows Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders to update and validate their personal records remotely, without the need to physically visit their PFAs.
PENCAP is designed specifically for RSA holders who joined the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) on or before 1 July 2019 and are yet to complete the data recapture exercise.
The initiative represents another major step by PenCom to strengthen data integrity, enhance service delivery, and modernise pension administration through responsible digitalisation.
Rationale for the Data Recapture Exercise
Accurate and up-to-date contributor data is fundamental to the efficient administration of retirement savings under the CPS. Over time, data inconsistencies arising from legacy records and incomplete documentation have created challenges during verification and benefit processing.
PENCAP provides a secure and convenient solution by enabling contributors to recapture their data online. By improving the quality and reliability of RSA holder records across PFAs, the platform will support faster benefit processing, smoother verification exercises, and an improved overall service experience.
The Data Recapture Exercise (DRE) commenced in August 2019 for both active contributors and retirees, in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive requiring all data-generating organisations to harmonise their databases with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). The exercise also supports the creation of a credible national database of RSA holders, with the National Identification Number (NIN) serving as the unique identifier.
To achieve this, PenCom developed and deployed the Enhanced Contributor Registration System (ECRS), which is integrated with the NIMC database to authenticate individuals registering under the CPS and existing RSA holders who have not completed recapture.
Prior to the introduction of PENCAP, RSA holders were required to physically visit their PFAs to complete recapture. This approach has not yielded the desired outcome, with many eligible contributors remaining unrecaptured more than six years after the exercise began.
Overview of the Self-Service Process
The recapture process is fully online and requires a mobile 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.
Contributors will complete the online Data Recapture Form and upload supporting documents where required. The process includes biometric verification through live facial capture, as well as the provision of a digital signature to confirm authenticity.
Processing, Validation and Notifications
Upon submission, the contributor’s PFA will review the application and take appropriate action within the stipulated processing timeline. Throughout the process, RSA holders will receive email notifications confirming receipt of their application and providing updates on approval or rejection, including reasons where applicable. This ensures transparency, accountability and continuous communication.
The rollout of PENCAP is expected to significantly accelerate the data recapture process by providing a more convenient alternative, thereby encouraging wider participation among eligible RSA holders.
Importance of Compliance for RSA Holders
RSA holders who enrolled in the CPS on or before 1 July 2019 and have not completed data recapture are required to utilise the platform to update and validate their records. This is essential for migrating their data onto the ECRS, which uniquely identifies contributors using their NIN.
Completion of the data recapture exercise is mandatory for participation in the Retiree Enrolment and Verification Exercise and for accessing key pension services. These include the processing of retirement benefits, use of RSA balances as equity contribution for residential mortgages, temporary loss of employment withdrawals, and the transfer of RSAs between PFAs.
Eligible RSA holders who fail to complete the data recapture exercise will be unable to access these services.
Alignment with PenCom’s Strategic Objectives
The deployment of PENCAP aligns with PenCom’s strategic commitment to innovation, transparency and operational efficiency within Nigeria’s pension industry. By adopting technology-driven solutions, PenCom continues to strengthen public confidence in the CPS and ensure seamless access to retirement benefits.
RSA holders who prefer physical recapture may still visit their respective PFA branches, as the self-service platform is designed to complement existing service channels.
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