Awabah has been officially licensed by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) as the first Accredited Pension Agent (APA) to enroll contributors under the Personal Pension Plan (PPP).
PenCom announced this milestone on its official X account (formerly Twitter) on Friday, February 6, 2026.
This achievement marks a significant step in expanding pension coverage for self-employed individuals and informal sector workers in Nigeria.
What Are Accredited Pension Agents?
Accredited Pension Agents, like Awabah, are corporate entities license by PenCom to work with self-employed individuals and informal sector workers. They operate under Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
PenCom’s Vision for the Personal Pension Plan
PenCom explains the Personal Pension Plan (PPP) is design for individuals outside formal employment structures. This includes artisans, traders, freelancers, consultants, and professionals such as lawyers, doctors, and accountants.
Awabah’s role as the first APA is to facilitate the marketing and registration of participant. For the PPP, helping to expand pension coverage across Nigeria’s workforce.
Additionally, Awabah is an approved Payment Solution Service Provider (PSSP). It offers a secure, free, and real-time digital platform. That allows employers to make pension contributions and payment schedules to any Pension Fund Administrator in Nigeria.
Broader Initiatives by PenCom
PenCom’s decision to license Awabah as the first APA is part of a broader effort to improve compliance and accountability in the pension system. In December 2025, the Commission also certified pension recovery agents to strengthen Nigeria’s social contract with its workers.
These recovery agents are tasked with reclaiming N32.27 billion from defaulting employers. Which includes N15.87 billion in unpaid pension contributions and N16.40 billion in penalties. The recoveries cover defaults recorded between June 2012 and September 2025.
Through these initiatives, PenCom aims to achieve two key goals: expanding pension coverage and ensuring that contributors’ funds are protected and properly managed.
