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Chuks Udo Okonta
The British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter has reiterated United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s transition to more strategic deployment of long-term capital.
He made the submission at the National Pension Commission (PenCom) and the Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSD Africa) sensitisation Workshop on Alternative Asset Investments taking place from June 26–27, 2025 at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos
According to him, “Nigeria’s pension industry represents a tremendous pool of long-term capital and stands as a testament to the country’s progress,” Baxter noted. “However, a significant portion of these funds remain invested in conventional instruments, creating a compelling case for broader portfolio diversification into high-impact sectors.”
He emphasized that infrastructure, clean energy and logistics are becoming increasingly attractive, underpinned by reforms and growing investor confidence—offering promising avenues for long-term investment.
The former chairman of the Chilean Pension Regulator, Guillermo Larraín, at the event, gave series of compelling case studies that drew from Chile’s experience in deploying pension assets into infrastructure, real estate, and private equity.
His sessions explored the regulatory consequences and practical realities of alternative investments, providing participants with tested frameworks and practical tools for implementation within the Nigerian context.
The landmark event brought together Chairpersons of the Investment Strategy and Risk Management Committees of Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), CEOs, regulators, and key capital market players.
PenCom’s Director General, Omolola Oloworaran, emphasized the fiduciary responsibility of investment committee leaders to think independently, act transparently, and embrace dynamic strategies that reflect today’s economic realities.
“This workshop is more than a knowledge-sharing platform—it is a call to action,” she stated. “To secure better outcomes for contributors, we must be bold, data-driven, and forward-looking in exploring alternative investment vehicles.”
This expertly curated list of speakers ensured that participants were not only informed but also inspired to rethink conventional investment strategies and embrace innovative, diversified, and risk-balanced approaches in line with global best practices.
As Nigeria navigates global market volatility, this initiative signals a transformative step towards building a more resilient and future-proof pension industry—one that not only safeguards retirement savings but also powers inclusive national development.
