What if you could retire not just comfortably, but with the freedom to live the life you’ve always dreamed of without financial worries weighing you down? That was the powerful message from our recent CardinalStone Pensions Webinar on Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs).
The session, hosted by Odigie Osimen (Regional Head, Lagos) and Iyanu Steven (Senior Business Analyst), provided practical insights into how AVCs can transform retirement from a period of survival into a season of freedom.
What Exactly is Additional Voluntary Contribution?
Unlike the mandatory 10% from your employer and 8% from you, AVCs are extra contributions you voluntarily add to your Retirement Savings Account (RSA).
Here’s the advantage: you decide how much, how often (monthly, quarterly, annually), and for how long. It is flexible, empowering, and designed to put control back into your hands.
Why Additional Voluntary Contributions Matter
During the webinar, we introduced participants to several benefits of AVCs:
- Tax savings – additional contributions are deducted before tax, lowering your overall liability.
- Flexibility – you contribute what you want, when you want.
- Increased retirement income – Watch your money grow and compound over time.
- Access when needed – up to 50% can be withdrawn after just one year, while the remaining 50% is used to argument your monthly pension at retirement.
- Financial security – Ensures retirement goes beyond the basics, offering comfort and peace of mind.
One participant captured it best: “I wish I had started AVCs five years ago.”
How to Start
Starting AVCs is simple. Notify your employer in writing of how much (up to one-third of your salary) and how often you would like to contribute. These deductions will be made automatically, alongside your statutory pension.
For traders, artisans, or freelancers, our Micro Pension Plan also makes it possible to contribute daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on what works best.
Why CardinalStone Pensions?
Not all Pension Fund Administrators are equal. At CardinalStone Pensions, we are more than a pension administrator, we are a trusted partner in your financial journey.
- Withdrawals processed within 72 hours and no unnecessary delays.
- Competitive returns – your money grows steadily and securely.
- Transparent processes – clear communication, no hidden charges.
- A brand built on trust – thousands of Nigerians already rely on us.
This is why our clients describe us as “the PFA you can depend on with confidence.”
Watch the Full Webinar
If you missed the live session, you can still catch all the insights by watching the full session on YouTube: