The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has unveiled a self-service online data recapture platform, PENCAP, aimed at speeding up and simplifying the data recapture process for Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders under Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
PenCom disclosed that the Data Recapture Self-Service Platform (PENCAP) will go live on February 1, 2026, and is being deployed in collaboration with Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).
The platform enables eligible RSA holders to update and validate their personal records remotely, eliminating the need for physical visits to PFA offices.
According to the Commission, PENCAP targets RSA holders who joined the CPS on or before July 1, 2019 and are yet to complete the mandatory data recapture exercise.
PenCom explained that the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen data integrity, enhance service delivery, and modernise pension administration through responsible digitalisation.
The Commission noted that inaccurate and incomplete legacy records have over time created verification and benefit-processing challenges.
By providing a secure digital channel for data recapture, PENCAP is expected to improve the quality and reliability of contributor records across PFAs, enable faster benefit processing, and enhance overall user experience.
The Data Recapture Exercise (DRE) commenced in August 2019 for both active contributors and retirees, following a Federal Government directive requiring all data-generating organisations to harmonise their databases with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
The exercise is designed to establish a credible and unified pension database using the National Identification Number (NIN) as the unique identifier for all RSA holders.
To support this objective, PenCom developed the Enhanced Contributor Registration System (ECRS), which is integrated with the NIMC database to authenticate the identity and uniqueness of CPS contributors and existing RSA holders who have not completed data recapture.
However, PenCom observed that progress has been slow due to the requirement for physical visits to PFAs, with many eligible RSA holders yet to complete the exercise more than six years after it began.
Under the new self-service arrangement, RSA holders can access the PENCAP official portal, create a secure profile using a personal email address, and complete the online data recapture form.
The process requires access to a phone, computer, or similar device with a camera and internet connectivity for live image capture.
Contributors will also be required to upload supporting documents where necessary, undergo biometric verification through live facial capture, and provide a digital signature to authenticate their submissions.
Upon submission, the relevant PFA reviews the application within a defined processing timeline.
PenCom stated that RSA holders will receive email notifications at every stage of the process, including submission acknowledgement and updates on approval or rejection, with reasons provided where applicable.
This, the Commission said, is designed to promote transparency, accountability, and continuous communication.
The Commission emphasised that compliance with the data recapture exercise is mandatory for eligible RSA holders.
Those who enrolled on or before July 1, 2019 and have not completed recapture are required to update their records via the platform and migrate their data to the ECRS, which uniquely identifies contributors using their NIN.
PenCom warned that failure to complete the data recapture will restrict access to key pension-related services, including participation in the Retiree Enrolment and Verification Exercise, processing of retirement benefits, use of RSA balances as equity contribution for residential mortgages, withdrawal due to temporary job loss, and transfer of RSAs between PFAs.
The Commission added that the launch of PENCAP aligns with its strategic objectives of innovation, transparency, and operational efficiency, while reinforcing public confidence in the CPS.
RSA holders who prefer physical data recapture may still visit PFA branches, as the self-service platform is designed to complement, not replace, existing service channels.
Written by Bimbo Oyetunde