For many Nigerians, gold has always been a symbol of wealth, beauty and tradition. But in 2025, it is becoming much more than that; it is now rising as one of the most preferred alternative investment assets for Nigerians looking to protect their money from inflation, currency weakness and economic uncertainty.
Global data from the World Gold Council shows that since 1971, gold returns have sat in the same range as equities and have beaten bonds over long periods.
Investment demand for gold has grown on average about 10 per cent per year over the last twenty years, and central banks keep buying record volumes for reserves.
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With the naira coming under pressure in recent years and prices of everyday goods climbing, Nigerians are searching for safer ways to preserve value.
Real estate is expensive, stocks feel unpredictable and cryptocurrency comes with volatility. In the middle of these concerns, gold is standing out as a calm and steady option.
Why Gold Now?
The interest in gold did not happen overnight. It has grown as more Nigerians confront rising inflation, unstable policies and global economic tension.
Gold is a “store of value,” which means its worth tends to hold firm over time. Unlike the naira, it cannot be printed. Unlike many digital assets, it does not collapse suddenly. And unlike real estate, it does not require millions to start.
This is why financial analysts, wealth managers and even young investors are paying attention to gold as an alternative asset that offers stability when everything else feels shaky.
Inflation and Naira Weakness Drive the Shift
One of the strongest reasons Nigerians are turning to gold is the constant pressure on the naira. Over the past few years, the currency has faced repeated depreciation, losing value against major global currencies.
The effect has been felt in daily living. A bag of rice costs more. Bread is more expensive. Fuel prices continue to rise. Families feel the strain.
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When savings lose value quickly, people begin to look for assets that do not follow the same downward trend. Gold has historically acted as a hedge against inflation.
When currency falls, gold tends to rise or remain stable, which makes it a strong alternative investment when saving money in naira feels unsafe.
A Safe Haven in Uncertain Times
Beyond the economy, Nigerians are also reacting to uncertainty in the global space. Changes in government policies, fluctuating interest rates, tighter forex controls and global recession fears all play a role. The world feels unpredictable, and Nigerians want something dependable.
Gold offers that comfort because it is not tied to any single government or policy. It does not rely on the Central Bank for value. It does not shift because of political appointments or policy reversals. It simply keeps its worth based on global demand.
For many Nigerians, that independence makes gold one of the most secure alternative assets available today.
New Awareness and Easy Access
One interesting shift behind Nigeria’s gold movement is how easy investing has become. Years ago, people imagined gold investment only in the form of expensive bars or jewellery kept in a safe. Today, that has changed.
Thanks to digital platforms, fintech innovation and regulated commodity exchanges, Nigerians can now buy gold one gram at a time. They do not need millions. They do not need to store anything in their homes. They can buy digital gold, gold-backed assets or even participate in gold savings plans.
Middle-income earners, professionals, civil servants and even students are entering the gold market because the barriers are lower than ever.
Cultural and Emotional Value
Gold is not a new asset to Nigerians. It has a long cultural history, especially in marriage ceremonies, inheritance and celebrations. Older generations often bought gold jewellery as an investment that could be passed down.
That same confidence is resurfacing in 2025, but now with modern investment options.
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In a world filled with digital scams and unreliable quick-money schemes, many Nigerians feel safer with something they can see, touch and verify. Gold satisfies that need for tangible trust.
Expert Insights from the Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange
The rising interest in gold is also being supported by structured platforms like the Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE), which provides Nigerians with regulated access to the commodity.
Diepreye Kypus, Capacity Building and Training Officer at the LCFE, explained that gold remains one of the most reliable stores of value because it holds its worth even when prices of basic items rise due to inflation. He noted that inflation reduces purchasing power, but gold has a long history of appreciating despite economic pressure.
He pointed to the Eko Gold Coin, launched in July 2022, as one of the most significant developments in Nigeria’s gold market. The coin gives investors access to certified physical gold that trades daily on the exchange. Importantly, it is available per gram, which lowers the entry point for first-time investors.
“When the Eko Gold Coin was launched in 2022, it traded at 42,500 naira per gram; in January 2025, it trades at 88,900 naira per gram. Today, It is trading at N140,000 per gram.” That means the value has more than doubled in a little over two years.
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Kypus encouraged Nigerians to think long term when investing in gold, noting that the metal has consistently shown upward movement over time, adding that gold prices respond to inflation rates, interest rate changes and strong global demand.
He also stressed that trading on the LCFE is done only through registered commodity brokers who manage accounts, transactions and documentation, while the exchange provides a regulated marketplace.
How Nigerians Can Invest in Gold
Gold now exists in several formats, each with its advantages and risks.
Physical gold
People can buy bars, coins or certified jewellery. This gives them a tangible asset they can hold. The downside is storage risk and the possibility of counterfeits if purchased from the wrong place.
Digital gold and gold-backed platforms
These allow Nigerians to buy units of gold without holding the physical metal. Storage is handled by the provider. It is easy to buy and sell, making it ideal for beginners. However, investors must ensure the platform is regulated.
Gold mining stocks and ETFs
Investors who understand the stock market can buy shares in gold mining companies or ETFs that track the price of gold. These offer growth potential but also come with market risks.
Gold savings plans
Some fintech platforms allow users to deposit small amounts regularly, which the platform uses to buy gold gradually. This option is perfect for young earners or people investing on a budget.
A New Path for Nigerian Investors
In 2025, gold is emerging as more than a luxury item. It is becoming a practical alternative investment asset for Nigerians who want to secure their financial future. With inflation rising, the naira fluctuating and uncertainty becoming a global reality, gold offers stability when other assets feel risky.
Whether through small gram purchases, digital platforms or structured products like the Eko Gold Coin, Nigerians are embracing gold not only for wealth but for safety, stability and legacy.
Experts describe gold first as a “store of value” and a hedge, not as a ticket to sudden wealth.
International guidance often suggests a moderate allocation to gold rather than an “all-in” bet, for example, 5 to 15 per cent of investable assets, depending on risk tolerance. For a Nigerian saver, that means something like, ‘Keep some money in cash for emergencies. Keep some in productive assets (business, skills, maybe equities or funds).’ Keep a slice in gold as insurance.
As Kypus and other experts suggest, the best time to invest in gold may have been years ago. The next best time is today.
Sunday Michael Ogwu is a Nigerian journalist and editor of Pinnacle Daily. He is known for his work in business and economic reporting. He has held editorial roles in prominent Nigerian media outlets, where he has focused on economic policy, financial markets, and developmental issues affecting Nigeria and Africa more broadly.
