Nigerian pension fund managers have tripled their exposure to infrastructure over the past five years, driven by better project structuring, rising returns, and a more supportive regulatory environment.

Investments in infrastructure funds surged 218 percent in the five years through 2020, hitting N207.58 billion in February 2025, data from the National Pension Commission shows. That’s a 37.6 percent increase this year alone.

Although the amount may pale in comparison to total assets of N23 trillion, pension funds can only invest 5 percent of their assets in infrastructure funds.

Nigeria remains one of five countries globally to still have a limit on infrastructure investments. In all other countries, the infrastructure investment allocation is unconstrained.

The trend points to rising confidence in infrastructure as a hedge against inflation and a source of stable, long-term returns amid market volatility. Analysts at the Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) noted that allocations have grown steadily—from N65.19 billion in 2021 to N207.58 billion in 2025.

“This reflects growing confidence in infrastructure as a long-term asset class,” said Agudah Oguche, chief executive officer at PenOp. “These investments not only diversify pension portfolios but also contribute meaningfully to national development.”

PFAs increased infrastructure fund allocations to N75.02 billion in 2022, N113.49 billion in 2023, and N150.84 billion by end-2024. During this period, several key infrastructure funds attracted sizable inflows, including the Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund (NIDF), which backed projects in power, roads, and transport.

InfraCredit-backed initiatives also gained traction, allowing PFAs to invest in clean energy, logistics, and student housing with enhanced risk mitigation. The Fund for Agricultural Finance in Nigeria (FAFIN) supported rural infrastructure through agri-finance, while Nigerian Real Estate Investment Trusts (NREITs) gave PFAs exposure to affordable housing.

“As pension funds channel more investments into infrastructure bonds, real estate developers will leverage the improved accessibility and services to offer better real estate solutions,” said John Edumoh, CEO of Manroe Realty. “Infrastructure investments fuel improvements in roads, bridges, and utilities, and the real estate market can expect a surge in value with enhanced access to previously underserved areas.”

By February 2025, pension assets climbed further to N23.3 trillion, up from N22.86 trillion a month earlier—an additional N399.5 billion. Of that, N14.5 trillion sits in federal government securities, led by N12.3 trillion in FGN bonds.

Domestic equities took up N2.6 trillion, while money market instruments accounted for N2.2 trillion. Federal Government Securities made up 63 percent of total assets, with the breakdown as follows: FGN Bonds (60.11 percent), Treasury Bills (2.33 percent), and Agency, Sukuk, and Green Bonds (0.55 percent).

Investments in domestic quoted equities stood at N2.05 trillion, or 9.61 percent of total assets—a net increase of N86.52 billion compared to N1.97 trillion in June 2024.

While the proportion remained stable, the rise was buoyed by improved stock valuations. The Nigerian Stock Exchange Pension Index (NSE-PI) appreciated by 6.66 percent in Q3 2024, reversing a 4.37 percent drop in the previous quarter.

Air Peace has rolled out a new boarding system aimed at giving priority to military personnel, passengers requiring wheelchairs or special assistance, and Business Class travellers.

The airline confirmed this in a statement released by its Chairman and CEO, Dr. Allen Onyema, on Tuesday.

In the statement, signed by the airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, Air Peace explained that the new boarding procedure is designed to offer a smoother and more professional travel experience for passengers with special needs, military personnel, and Business Class passengers.

“Under the revised system, boarding will now follow this order: military personnel, passengers requiring wheelchairs or special assistance, and Business Class travellers,” Onyema said.

He emphasized that the move highlights Air Peace’s dedication to improving service standards with care, respect, professionalism, and efficiency.

Onyema further stated that the airline recognizes the significance of both time and comfort for its passengers.

He added, “This new boarding policy aims to reduce congestion, improve orderliness, and give customers a smoother start to their journeys.”

Onyema also noted that the system reflects the airline’s commitment to inclusive, customer-focused service.

By prioritizing military personnel and passengers with mobility needs, the airline shows respect for service and accessibility. Business Class travellers will benefit from quicker boarding to ensure they receive the premium experience they expect and deserve.

“This change is part of our broader effort to build a refreshed service culture,” Onyema concluded.

He reiterated that Air Peace remains committed to delivering excellence at every stage of the travel experience, from check-in to landing.

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Muftwang, has decried the attacks in some communities in his state, saying bandits have taken over 64 communities.

The governor stated this on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

“These communities that have been recently attacked were part of the communities that were attacked in 2023 but they survived it and rebuilt themselves. The Ruwi community that was first attacked lost about 17 people in 2023 but they bounced back to show you the resilience of the people,” the governor said.

Over fifty persons were killed within a week in attacks over five communities that left over three hundred houses burnt by suspected herdsmen.

The Plateau State Government, through the Secretary to the Government Samuel Jatau, also visited some of the affected communities to ascertain the extent of damages and also donate relief materials to affected victims.

Adu expressed the Federal Government’s determination in finding solutions to the incessant attacks and killings.

But the governor said the attacks that have ravaged the North-Central state is not new. He specifically said the state has been experiencing similar incidents for over 10 years but have not gathered national attention

“If these attacks have been going on for close to 10 years, it tells you that there is a deliberate, conscious attempt to clean out populations and to reopen.

“As I am talking to you, there are not less than 64 communities that have been taken over by bandits on the Plateau between Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Governments. They have been taken over, renamed and people are living there conveniently on lands they pushed people away to occupy,” the governor said.