Assessment of the Financial Information Disclosures of Pension Fund Administrators in Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigates extent of compliance of Pension Fund Administrators in Nigeria with PENCOM financial information disclosures guidelines with a view to ensuring that there is transparency and accountability in the management of the contributory pension schemes. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were sourced from four hundred (400) respondents that are retirees under the contributory pension scheme through administration of questionnaire while secondary data were gathered from the annual reports of eleven (11) Pension Fund Administrators that were purposively selected based on size of fund under management and number of contributions. Primary data were analysed using descriptive statistics while secondary data were analysed using disclosure index to measure the extent of compliance. The study found that 9 out of the 11 sampled Pension Fund Administrators did not achieve 100% compliance on disclosure of financial information in their annual reports in accordance with PENCOM guidelines. Also, the channels of communication of accounting information to members of contributory pension plans in Nigeria on the performance of the fund under management of the PFAs are not meeting members' information needs. Furthermore, result showed that contributors displayed lack of knowledge of contributory pension schemes investment activities and risks. It was recommended that PENCOM should ensure compliance with the PENCOM financial reporting guidelines by the Pension Fund Administrators to enhance prudency and transparency in the management of contributory pension fund in Nigeria. Although annual reports are used by several users, yet contributors to contributory pension schemes as principals of the PFAs in agency relationship should be given more considerations in the choice of channels of communicating financial information to meet their information need and expectations.