The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has granted Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) a ‘one-off’ special approval to invest pension fund assets in the proposed Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals FZE.
The approval was disclosed in a circular signed by the Director of the Surveillance Department at the Commission, A. M. Saleem. PenCom said the approval takes immediate effect.
According to the commission, the decision followed a careful evaluation of the strategic investment opportunity and the economic impact of the proposed IPO on both the pension industry and the wider Nigerian economy.
“The Commission has carefully evaluated the strategic investment opportunity and the economic impact of the proposed Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals FZE (DPRP) on the pension industry and the wider economy.
“In light of these considerations, the Commission has reviewed the request for a special dispensation that would permit Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) to invest pension fund assets in the IPO,” the circular stated.
PenCom said it considered the refinery’s strategic importance, strong business fundamentals, economic benefits, and growth potential before approving the request.
It also noted that the track record of Dangote Industries Limited, the majority shareholder in DPRP, influenced the decision.
“In reaching its decision, the Commission considered DPRP’s strategic importance, strong fundamentals, wide-ranging economic benefits, and growth potential. The Commission also took into account the record of Dangote Industries Limited, DPRP’s majority shareholder,” PenCom stated.
According to the circular, the commission granted a special dispensation from Section 6.2.7.1 (iii) of the Revised Regulation on Investment of Pension Fund Assets.
The approval waives the existing requirements relating to the company’s years of existence, profitability, and dividend payment history, while maintaining other regulatory safeguards.
“Accordingly, the Commission hereby grants a special dispensation from Section 6.2.7.1 (iii) of the Revised Regulation on Investment of Pension Fund Assets.
“This dispensation involves waiving the applicable existence, profitability, and dividend requirements without prejudice to other extant regulatory safeguards,” it stated.
PenCom, however, directed PFAs to ensure that any investment made under the dispensation aligns with their internal investment policies, risk management frameworks, and fiduciary responsibilities to contributors and retirees.
The commission further clarified that the regulatory forbearance is exceptional, one-off, and strictly limited to the IPO of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals FZE.
“The regulatory forbearance granted under this Circular is exceptional, one-off, and strictly case-specific to the Initial Public Offering of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals FZE.
“It shall not constitute an automatic precedent for future Initial Public Offerings or other investment transactions,” PenCom said.
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—AIICO Insurance Plc has reinforced its position as a leading player in Nigeria’s insurance and financial services sector, following a successful Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on June 5, 2026.
During the meeting, shareholders commended the company’s strong financial performance and approved all resolutions presented.
In a robust show of confidence in the company’s growth trajectory and strategic direction, shareholders approved the payment of a dividend of 12 kobo per share, amounting to a total payout of ₦4,392,633,121.44.
The meeting also marked a significant evolution in the company’s governance structure with the appointment of three accomplished professionals to the Board as Non-Executive Directors.
Tunde Mabawonku joins as a Non-Executive Director, bringing over two decades of experience across banking, finance, strategy, and corporate services, with a strong background in digital and retail financial services.
Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani, HCIB, also appointed as a Non-Executive Director, contributes deep expertise in capital markets, energy finance, and risk governance, with extensive experience operating across multi-jurisdictional environments.
Sadiq Mohammed joins as an Independent Non-Executive Director, offering over three decades of leadership across asset management, pensions, infrastructure, and investment advisory, alongside significant boardroom experience.
Collectively, these appointments further strengthen the depth, diversity, and strategic capability of AIICO’s Board, positioning the company for sustained growth and enhanced governance.
In addition, Mr. Olalekan Akinyanmi was announced as the new Chairman of the Board, succeeding Mr. Kundan Sainani. Mr. Akinyanmi is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LEKOIL Nigeria Limited, an Africa-focused oil exploration and production company.
With over 30 years of experience in the global energy sector, he has led significant capital raises and landmark projects, bringing strong leadership and strategic insight to his new role as Chairman.
Commenting on the outcomes of the AGM, the MD/CEO, Mr. Babatunde Fajemirokun, stated that the company is deeply grateful to its shareholders and investors for their continued confidence and support.
He noted that their trust remains a strong validation of AIICO’s strategic direction and business progress.
He emphasized that strengthening the Board reflects a deliberate commitment to robust governance, disciplined oversight, and long-term value creation.
With the depth of experience and diversity now represented at the Board level, the company is well-positioned to enhance its decision-making and sustain its market leadership.
He added that as the company continues to evolve as a financial services group, the focus remains on building a resilient, forward-looking institution that consistently delivers sustainable value to all stakeholders.
AIICO Insurance is a leading composite insurer in Nigeria, with a 63-year record of accomplishment in delivering quality service to its clients. Founded in 1963, AIICO provides life and general insurance, health insurance, and investment management services to create and protect wealth for individuals, families, and corporate customers.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has commenced a fresh operation targeting vehicles with illegal tinted windows, concealed number plates and improper registration across Abuja.
FCT Commissioner of Police Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi disclosed the development during a media briefing on Friday.
He said security reports indicated that criminal suspects often use such vehicles to avoid identification and carry out unlawful activities.
According to the police chief, cases of kidnapping and the notorious “one-chance” robberies have been linked to vehicles operating with hidden identities.
Sanusi noted that tinted windows and covered registration plates make it difficult for security agencies to track offenders and investigate crimes.
He stated that enforcement teams have already been deployed across the territory to ensure compliance with existing regulations.
The commissioner clarified that the exercise is aimed at motorists violating the law and not those with valid approvals for tinted glass.
He revealed that more than 30 vehicles have so far been impounded for breaching the regulations and that offenders would face prosecution.
Sanusi urged residents to report suspicious persons, vehicles and activities, stressing that the operation is part of broader efforts to improve security and curb crime in the nation’s capital.