ABUJA, NIGERIA – Pension assets, now running into trillions of naira, are one of Nigeria’s largest pools of long-term domestic capital and must be channelled into productive sectors to help achieve the country’s $1 trillion economy target.

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‎This was the message of the Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) at the 2026 Pension Correspondents Association conference in Abuja.

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‎The Chief Executive Officer of PenOp, Anthonia Ifeanyi-Okoro, represented by Olajumoke Akinwa, Head of Branding and Communications, said the theme of the conference, “The Role of Regulator, Operators in Actualising Nigeria’s $1 Trillion Economy Target,” was both timely and necessary.

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‎”A $1 trillion economy is not an abstract ambition. It is a goal that demands deliberate capital formation, long-term investment, and strong institutions working in step,” she said.

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‎She said pension funds, if properly channelled into infrastructure, housing, energy and other productive sectors, can help finance growth while still protecting the retirement benefits of contributors.

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‎She said the balance lies in the partnership between the regulator and operators.

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‎”The regulator provides the framework, oversight, and confidence that keep the system safe and credible. Operators bring innovation, discipline, and prudent investment decisions that deliver returns and real value to contributors,” she said.

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‎”Neither can succeed alone, and the strength of this partnership will shape how far we go.”

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‎Ifeanyi-Okoro said the $1 trillion ambition cannot rest on the regulator and operators alone. She said it requires the participation of businesses, entrepreneurs, development and investment partners, government institutions, ministries, departments and agencies, and other public and private sector players.

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‎”We must therefore look beyond the traditional boundaries of our industry, build stronger partnerships, unlock new investment opportunities, and create an enabling environment where domestic and international capital can support sustainable economic growth,” she said.

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‎”The $1 trillion ambition belongs to all of us, and its actualisation must be a collective effort.”

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‎She urged participants to speak candidly about what is working, what is not, and what must be done differently, so that the conference ends with practical ideas and a shared commitment to action.