Why PENCOM Compliance Certificate Applications Get Rejected in Nigeria And How to Fix Yours

If you’re applying for a PENCOM compliance certificate in Nigeria and keep facing rejections, this guide is for you.

At our corporate law firm, we regularly assist clients whose applications were denied due to avoidable errors.

Whether you’re bidding for a government contract or need the certificate to renew another license, understanding why PENCOM rejects applications can save you time, money, and stress.

What is a PENCOM Compliance Certificate?

A PENCOM Compliance Certificate is a document issued by the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) confirming that your company has:

• Duly registered with a Pension Fund Administrator (PFA)
• Opened Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) for staff
• Remitted monthly pension contributions as required by the Pension Reform Act, 2014
• Provided Group Life Insurance for employees

It’s a mandatory requirement for bidding on public sector contracts, renewing some regulatory licenses, and showing corporate compliance.

SEE ALSO: How to get SEC license for Digital Asset Companies in Nigeria (2025)

Common Reasons PENCOM Certificates Get Rejected (And How to Fix Them)

1️⃣ Incomplete or Incorrect Employee Data

Issue: PENCOM validates employee details against PFA records. If names, RSA PINs, or PFAs don’t match, your application is rejected.

Fix:

• Ensure every employee has a valid RSA PIN from a registered PFA.
• Cross-check that employee names and PFAs match exactly across all documentation.
• Submit an accurate, up-to-date schedule of employees.
• Keep HR records regularly updated.

2️⃣ Pension Contributions Not Remitted or Irregular

Issue: Failure to remit pension contributions monthly—or pay accrued penalties—violates the law and triggers rejection.

Fix:

• Clear all outstanding contributions and penalties before applying.
• Make timely monthly remittances via approved platforms.
• Maintain a full remittance history (at least 12 months).

3️⃣ Missing or Invalid Documents

Issue: Missing documents such as payment receipts, insurance cover, or contribution schedules will cause an outright rejection.

Fix:

• Pension remittance evidence for 12 months
• Employee pension schedule (with names, PFAs, RSA PINs)
• Valid Group Life Insurance certificate and proof of premium payment

4️⃣ Fewer than 3 Employees

Issue: Companies with fewer than three employees aren’t legally required to register for pensions—and are ineligible for the certificate.

Fix:

• If you’ve recently hired more staff, initiate pension registration for each one.
• Only apply when you meet the minimum 3-employee threshold.

5️⃣ Mismatched Company Information Across Records

Issue: If your RC number, TIN, or company name differs between CAC, PENCOM, or FIRS records, your application will stall or be rejected.

Fix:

• Reconcile your company details across CAC, PENCOM, and tax records.
• If you’ve done a name or structural change, update all regulators accordingly.

6️⃣ Using the Wrong Payment Platform

Issue: PENCOM now mandates remittances through only approved Payment Solution Service Providers (PSSPs). Bank transfers or direct payments will be rejected.

Fix:

• Remit only via PENCOM-approved PSSPs.
• Confirm your PSSP is listed on the official PENCOM website.

7️⃣ Duplicate Contribution Schedules

Issue: Uploading more than one schedule per year—especially during renewals—can create errors in PENCOM’s system and lead to rejections.

Fix:

• Upload only one pension contribution schedule per year.
• Ensure year tags are accurate and no duplicates are present.
• Double-check upload confirmation before proceeding.

SEE ALSO: Understanding The Difference Between Copyright and Trademark Law in Nigeria

How Our Law Firm Helps Nigerian Businesses Stay Compliant

• Preparing and submitting PENCOM compliance applications
• Liaising with PFAs to resolve mismatched records
• Reviewing and correcting rejected applications
• Ensuring your Group Life Insurance documents are valid and up to date
• Offering compliance audits before submission to avoid rejections

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ready to Fix or File Your PENCOM Certificate?

Avoid delays, penalties, and lost contract opportunities. Let our legal and compliance experts guide you.

Let us help you:
• Protect your brand identity
• Avoid rejections and legal risks
• Obtain your certificate smoothly

📞 Phone: 0806 234 8867, 0908 011 9975, 0908 011 9980
📧 Email: info@tcorporatelegaladvisory.com
🌐 Website: www.tcorporatelegaladvisory.com

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Disclaimer

This publication is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance, contact a qualified lawyer.