by Dennis Isong
When Kunle moved back to Nigeria after years of working abroad, he was torn between several
investment choices. Friends encouraged him to put money into a new tech startup, others
insisted on cryptocurrency, while his uncle swore by trading foreign exchange. But Kunle
remembered how his father’s only surviving investment—two plots of land in Lagos bought in
the 1980s—had multiplied in value far beyond any bank deposit or business venture. That
realization shaped his decision, and today, he doesn’t regret it.
This simple story reflects a truth many Nigerians already know but sometimes forget: real estate
remains one of the most dependable ways to grow and preserve wealth. The question is why. In
this article, we will explore Why Real Estate Is Still the Safest Investment in Nigeria,
breaking it down into key aspects that make property ownership a timeless choice, no matter
the economic climate.
1. Land Never Disappears, It Only Appreciates
One of the most unique qualities of real estate is permanence. Unlike businesses that can
collapse overnight, or digital investments that can vanish with a market crash, land and property
are tangible assets. No matter what happens in Nigeria’s economy, the land will remain.
In Lagos, for example, areas that were once regarded as “far” or “undeveloped” have now
transformed into prime real estate. Take Lekki as a case study. Two decades ago, land there
was sold for peanuts compared to today. Those who bought early are now enjoying values that
have multiplied many times over. This consistent appreciation of land and property values is
why many wealthy Nigerians—whether they made their fortune from oil, politics, or
business—end up pouring their money into real estate. They know it will stand the test of time.
It’s true that markets can slow down, and not every area appreciates at the same rate, but the
overall trend has always favored real estate. Property prices may fluctuate slightly in the short
term, but in the long run, they continue to rise, making land one of the most stable
wealth-building tools in Nigeria.
2. Protection Against Inflation and Currency Fluctuations
Nigeria’s economy has its fair share of ups and downs. Inflation eats into savings, and the
naira’s value against the dollar continues to fall. In times like these, people who keep their
money in bank accounts often watch its purchasing power weaken.
But real estate provides a shield. A piece of land bought today will not lose value just because
the naira dropped tomorrow. Instead, as prices of goods and services rise, so does the value of
property. This is why many Nigerians in the diaspora who earn in dollars or pounds prefer to
secure land or houses back home. It is a way of ensuring that their money is converted into
something lasting that grows in value, regardless of the exchange rate.
Even within Nigeria, families that invested in properties decades ago now realize that those
assets have become their strongest defense against inflation. Unlike cars or gadgets that
depreciate over time, houses and land appreciate, ensuring that wealth is not just protected but
also multiplied.
3. Real Estate Provides Tangible Security and Legacy
Another reason Why Real Estate Is Still the Safest Investment in Nigeria lies in its physical
presence. You can touch it, live in it, rent it out, or pass it on to your children. In a country where
trust in financial systems can be shaky, people find comfort in owning something they can see
and control.
Families often rely on real estate as a form of inheritance. A father may not leave millions in
cash to his children, but a plot of land in Lagos or a block of flats in Ibadan can sustain
generations. The sense of permanence attached to property ownership is what makes it more
reassuring than stocks, bonds, or even businesses that may collapse due to poor management.
Beyond legacy, real estate also provides immediate personal security. Having a home of your
own shields you from the uncertainty of rising rent prices or sudden eviction notices. For
landlords, rental income provides a steady cash flow that supports daily needs and future
investments. This combination of financial returns and peace of mind explains why Nigerians
view property ownership not just as an investment, but as a necessity.
4. Flexibility of Use and Wealth Creation Opportunities
One thing that sets real estate apart from other investments is its flexibility. A single property can
serve multiple purposes over time. A plot of land in Lagos could begin as farmland, later
converted into residential housing, and eventually developed into commercial spaces like
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