Nigeria, the world’s most populous black nation and renowned giant of Africa, has several lucrative investments. Despite possessing vast natural and human resources, many of Nigeria’s potentials remain untapped and underutilised.
The southern region of Nigeria is rich in oil and other natural resources, while the northern part is blessed with gold and other valuable resources.
Regardless of your financial status and budget, you can have investments in Nigeria and get a good return on your investment. This article explores lucrative investments in Nigeria today that cater to both low-income and high-income earners and foreign investors.
In summary, there is something for everyone in this article. If you missed it, be sure to read this article on Establishing Multiple Income Streams Through Saving and Investing
Reasons to Invest in Nigeria
Before we discuss the ten top investments in Nigeria today, let’s look at why you should be investing in Nigeria in the first place.
The Nigerian government offers numerous incentives to attract investors, such as tax holidays, duty drawbacks, investment allowances, tax exemptions, export development funds, and double taxation reliefs, among others.
In addition, investors from other countries like China and South Africa establish businesses in Nigeria. Nigerians also invest increasingly in their country.
Top Ten Investments in Nigeria Today
In no particular order, here’s a list of ten top investments in Nigeria today. You can start making plans to invest in any of them the minute after reading this post:
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Real Estate
Real estate investment in Nigeria is one of the oldest businesses. From time immemorial, people have needed accommodation, as it is one of the necessities of man. Over the years, it has emerged as a highly profitable venture. People do not just sell lands, build and rent out houses; they also lease event centres, hostels, hotels, and resorts.
Imagine having a piece of land near a state or federal university, the demand for hostels in that area will increase, and you can seize that opportunity to venture into real estate investment.
Although real estate investment requires substantial capital to begin, with a large population needing an accommodation, there is great potential for real estate investors to generate significant returns on investment, particularly in commercial areas of the country. Thus, real estate investment in Nigeria can offer opportunities for wealth growth.
2. Stocks
Depending on your risk temperament, investing in stocks can be risky and profitable. Investing in thoroughly researched stocks can be a wise decision if you have some funds that are not immediately required. It’s like placing a bet on a company’s future performance by purchasing its stocks. If the company grows and its value increases, you profit from it.
Several companies sell their shares to investors. Do your research and determine the best options for you.
3. Technology
It is often said that tech is the new oil. The acronym “tech” represents technology, and it is considered to be a lucrative investment in Nigeria today.
The best way to build a business is to solve people’s problems. Every business that is thriving is solving one or more problems. Nigeria is currently facing various challenges that can be tackled with technology.
Technology has become ubiquitous in all aspects of our lives. With over 76 million Nigerians utilising the internet, it is clear that technology has a significant impact as there are several ways technology can enhance our quality of life.
One option is to invest in existing tech companies or create one of your own. Identify a problem technology can solve, and the future could be yours.
4. Transportation
Nigeria, particularly in cities like Lagos, faces a major problem with transportation due to the high population density. At the end of a workday, it’s common to see people stranded at different bus stops, awaiting buses.
The transportation sector is a smart investment in Nigeria today, considering the heavy traffic and the number of people that have to wait for vehicles at the bus stop each day. Investing in transportation is viable in areas where motorcycles and tricycles are permitted.
Haulage services are profitable due to the constant demand for transporting various goods, ranging from petroleum products to textiles and edibles.
5. Fixed Deposit
Fixed deposit is another lucrative investment in Nigeria today. If you have a considerable sum of money you won’t need soon, you can deposit it with a bank or other financial institution and earn a significant profit over time.
Typically, the longer the fixed deposit term, the higher the return on investment. To open a fixed deposit account, simply approach a bank and inform them of your intention. They will guide you through the process.
6. Agriculture
Again, it is another business that is as old as man and has been a long standing investment in Nigeria. Agriculture has been solving the problem of feeding from time immemorial. Whether large-scale or small-scale farming, crops, or livestock farming, there’s a ready market for your agricultural products.
Almost everything that goes into the stomach stems from the soil. Even some materials like bags, shoes, and belts are produced from the hides and skin of animals. Not to mention furniture and books obtained from forestry, another branch of agriculture.
With an estimated population of over 200 million, Nigeria faces the challenge of food shortage. Unfortunately, the country has struggled to produce enough food domestically, leading to a heavy reliance on food imports.
Financial institutions like the Ministry of Finance also offer financial assistance to businesses operating in the agricultural sector.
Agricultural investment in Nigeria today is a highly lucrative venture if approached with careful planning and execution. Key areas of interest include crop production, livestock farming, agricultural products, farm equipment transportation, and more.
7. Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrencies have gained worldwide popularity, and Nigeria is no exception. With as little as N100, one can invest in cryptocurrencies and enjoy substantial returns with time.
Several platforms in Nigeria facilitate easy investment in cryptocurrencies.
Establishing a localised cryptocurrency trading platform is also an option for those with more significant investments.
Read about Erik Finman who became a Bitcoin millionaire at 18.
8. Sale of Food and Snacks
Like Agriculture, the food industry is another old business catering to the stomach’s needs. Most people eat as early as 7 am and eat thrice daily or more. Sometimes, they still snack in between meals.
A friend who sells snacks and drinks in a government secondary school in Abuja told me she makes a minimum of #45,000 daily from her sales, capital aside. In 10 days, that’s a whopping 450k. Can you imagine what she makes in a month? Do the math.
Investing in the food industry is a great investment in Nigeria today. It will never go out of vogue because people must eat. You can open a restaurant where people come to eat or cook for people in bulk and deliver to their houses. Many busy people who don’t have time to cook, often buy soup bowls from food vendors.
9. Rentals
Some equipment and materials are only used occasionally for events. Because of this, most people don’t bother to purchase them. They just rent them when they need to. Musical equipment, event decoration facilities, materials (like canopies, chairs, tables, curtains), and even cars are rented every other day.
Rentals business is a good investment in Nigeria today because aside from the initial capital of purchasing these items, all you’ll have to do is manage the business and count your money.
10. Education.
The average child begins school at two years old. From creche to university, the education sector is critical to the economy. Aside from teaching, you can profit from selling school materials and transporting students to and from schools.
And if you want to avoid running a school, there’s the option of tutorialcenterss for students preparing for exams like WAEC, NECO, JAMB, post-UTME, IELTS, SAT, TOEFL, etc.
With commitment, focus, and time, any of these lucrative investments in Nigeria will yield a high return on investment. You just have to do the work and be patient. Remember that it is the business of today that shields you from poverty tomorrow. The best time to plant a tree was ten years ago. The next best time is today. Why not start now?
