In the wake of Umar Mairami’s retirement as the President of the Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) and Managing Director/CEO of Premium Pensions, a leadership void emerged within the association. This prompted the election of a new president to guide PenOp through its ongoing efforts to enhance the pension industry in Nigeria.
The election process recently concluded with Christopher Bajowa, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FCMB Pension Limited, emerging as the newly elected President of PenOp. Bajowa will serve out the remaining term of his predecessor, which is set to expire in March 2026.
Bajowa’s election was met with unanimous approval from his peers within the industry. In his acceptance speech, he expressed a deep commitment to upholding the core values of the pension sector, with a particular emphasis on prioritizing the interests of Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders. He also reaffirmed his dedication to ensuring that the pension industry continues to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic development. Grateful for the trust placed in him by his colleagues, Bajowa vowed to maintain the high standards associated with his new role.
Oguche Agudah, Chief Executive Officer of PenOp, lauded the seamless transition, attributing it to the strong governance practices and leadership culture within the association. Agudah highlighted that this smooth handover reflects the collective dedication of pension operators to ensuring that the benefits of the pension industry reach all Nigerians.
As the pension industry celebrates its 20th anniversary, it stands as a significant contributor to various aspects of Nigeria’s economy, from public fiscal management to the equity market and infrastructure development. Under Bajowa’s leadership, the industry is poised to continue its positive impact in the years ahead.
