Petrol prices have increased across several filling stations in the Federal Capital Territory following a fresh price adjustment by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The refinery raised its gantry price by ₦85, moving it from ₦1,265 to ₦1,350 per litre.

The increase represents a 6.7 per cent rise and pushes Dangote’s wholesale price above the current petrol landing cost of ₦1,311 per litre.

The latest adjustment comes amid a rise in global crude oil prices. Brent crude, Nigeria’s benchmark, was trading at about $108.21 per barrel, up from $107.92.

The development has intensified pressure on downstream operators, with some filling stations in Abuja already increasing their pump prices.

Abuja Filling Stations Increase Pump Prices

Checks by the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday showed that several outlets had begun selling petrol at higher prices.

MRS retail outlets increased their pump price from ₦1,350 to ₦1,395 per litre.

NIPCO outlets also raised their price from ₦1,350 to ₦1,430 per litre, while Mobil outlets increased theirs to ₦1,400 per litre.

A petrol attendant at an MRS station said motorists could face another increase when newly purchased stock arrives.

“We are currently selling our old stock at N1,395 per litre, but from tomorrow, once the new stock arrives, the price will be higher,” she said.

Economists Warn of Higher Inflation

Economist and development expert Aliyu Ilias warned that the latest petrol price increase could worsen inflation and deepen economic hardship.

He said higher petrol prices would likely increase transportation and production costs, particularly for food and other essential commodities.

“This kind of change is not good for the economy at all, and people are going to face more hardship as a result,” Ilias said.

Expert Calls for Stronger Regulation

Former Secretary-General of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity, Owei Lakemfa, called for stronger measures to protect consumers from global oil price fluctuations.

Lakemfa argued that Nigeria should strengthen economic planning and its regulatory framework to prevent sudden increases in domestic petrol prices.

He said Nigeria’s position as an oil-producing country should provide an advantage through domestic refining.

The former labour leader also warned about the structure of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market, which he said contained elements of oligopoly and monopoly.

He urged regulatory agencies to prevent excessive influence over the pricing of petrol.

Marketers Explain Frequent Price Changes

The National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, said marketers had reviewed their pump prices following repeated adjustments by Dangote Refinery.

Ukadike said the frequent price changes were creating uncertainty for marketers and consumers because replacement costs could change rapidly.

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Nigerian manufacturers spent N1.34tn on alternative electricity sources in 2025 as persistent power outages forced factories to rely increasingly on diesel generators, gas and other off-grid energy solutions to sustain production.

Data from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) obtained by The PUNCH showed that manufacturers’ spending on alternative power increased by about 21 per cent, rising from N1.11tn in 2024 to N1.34tn in 2025.

The latest increase highlights the growing cost of unreliable electricity supply to Nigeria’s industrial sector, with manufacturers increasingly bearing the financial burden of generating the power needed to keep their factories running.

Manufacturers’ Power Costs Surge

MAN data showed that expenditure on alternative electricity has risen significantly over the past decade, despite fluctuations in some years.

Manufacturers spent N25bn on alternative power in 2014, with the figure rising to N59bn in 2015 and N129.95bn in 2016.

The expenditure fell to N117.4bn in 2017 and declined further to N93.11bn in 2018 and N61.38bn in 2019.

Spending rose to N81.91bn in 2020 before dropping to N71.22bn in 2021.

However, the cost began rising sharply from 2022, reaching N144.5bn that year. It surged to N781.7bn in 2023 before crossing the N1tn mark at N1.11tn in 2024.

By 2025, manufacturers’ alternative power bill had climbed further to N1.34tn.

The development has raised concerns about the competitiveness of Nigerian manufacturers, particularly as businesses continue to face weak consumer purchasing power and pressure on operating margins.

Grid Power Supply Drops

MAN, led by Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said grid reliability deteriorated significantly in 2025.

According to the association, average daily power supply dropped from 16.7 hours in the first half of 2025 to 13.1 hours in the second half of the year.

The decline has increased manufacturers’ dependence on alternative energy sources, adding substantially to production costs.

Industry stakeholders have continued to call for more reliable electricity supply and increased investment in alternative energy infrastructure to reduce dependence on expensive diesel-powered generation.

Manufacturers Turn Away From DisCos

Many manufacturers are reportedly reducing their reliance on electricity distribution companies, popularly known as DisCos, by deploying gas and low-pour fuel oil (LPFO) to power their production facilities.

The shift is aimed at reducing losses caused by power interruptions during manufacturing operations.

According to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), several major companies have obtained permits or licences to generate electricity for their operations.

They include Dangote Industries Limited, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, Lafarge Africa, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Procter & Gamble Nigeria Limited, Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc, Dangote Cement Plc, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Unilever Nigeria Plc and Mikano International Limited, among others.

Pure Flour Mills Limited in Rivers State obtained a licence to generate 546MW of electricity in 2025, according to NERC.

Dangote Industries Limited also generated about 1,500MW of electricity in 2025, according to Aliko Dangote. The Dangote Refinery alone operates a 435MW power plant, with capacity capable of meeting the total power requirement of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, based on the comparison cited in the report.

Other companies with generation capacities include United Cement Company of Nigeria Limited with 105MW, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc with 70MW and Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc with 90MW.

The growing investment in captive and alternative power generation underscores the extent to which unreliable grid electricity continues to affect Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Nigeria and other major African economies to strengthen fiscal, monetary and governance reforms as part of efforts to improve economic stability and promote broader-based growth.

In its assessment of reform priorities across eight of the African Union’s largest economies, the IMF identified fiscal reform as a key priority in all but one of the countries reviewed. For Nigeria, the areas highlighted include tax policy, revenue collection, public financial management and more efficient government spending.

The Fund also identified improvements to monetary policy frameworks and policy transmission as priorities for Nigeria, Egypt and Ethiopia. In Nigeria’s case, it said governance reforms should include stronger fiscal transparency, better public financial management and improved anti-corruption measures.

The IMF said stronger domestic revenue mobilisation and more transparent and efficient public spending would help African economies build more resilient institutions. It argued that stronger fiscal and monetary frameworks can support sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Nigeria’s tax reform agenda

The recommendations come as the Federal Government continues to implement a wide-ranging reform of Nigeria’s tax system. The new framework, which took effect in January 2026, is built around the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act.

The reforms are intended to simplify tax administration, remove overlapping taxes, improve compliance and broaden government revenue. They are also designed to reduce the regulatory and tax burden on smaller businesses.

However, businesses continue to cite taxation as a major operating challenge. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s July 2026 Business Expectations Survey found that 70.8 per cent of respondents identified high and multiple taxation as their biggest constraint, ahead of insecurity and high interest rates.

For the housing and construction sectors, the quality of fiscal policy has direct implications. Developers, contractors and property businesses operate within a wider environment shaped by taxation, public infrastructure spending, interest rates and access to finance. Changes that improve tax administration while reducing unnecessary duplication could affect project costs and investment decisions.

Monetary policy remains a concern

The IMF’s call for stronger monetary policy frameworks follows an aggressive tightening cycle by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in recent years.

After Olayemi Cardoso became CBN governor in 2023, the bank pursued tighter monetary and liquidity conditions alongside foreign exchange reforms. The measures were aimed at addressing inflationary pressures, strengthening market confidence and improving macroeconomic stability.

The Monetary Policy Rate stood at 18.75 per cent in 2023 before the CBN began raising it in 2024. The benchmark rate increased to 22.75 per cent in February 2024 and eventually reached 27.5 per cent by the end of that year.

The CBN also increased banks’ Cash Reserve Ratio from 32.5 per cent to 45 per cent in early 2024 and later to 50 per cent as part of efforts to reduce excess liquidity.

The policy environment has since moved towards gradual easing as inflationary pressures moderated and economic conditions improved. Presidential aide Tope Fasua has nevertheless argued that the country should reconsider its tight monetary stance, warning that persistently high interest rates could restrict economic expansion without delivering the desired reduction in inflation.

Financing risks and infrastructure

The IMF’s concerns also extend to Nigeria’s approach to sovereign financing. In June, the Fund cautioned the country over plans to raise as much as $5 billion through a derivatives-based financing arrangement with First Abu Dhabi Bank.

The IMF warned that such structures can expose governments to significant risks because their terms may be difficult to evaluate fully.

The Federal Government has also secured about $1.2 billion in financing from the United Arab Emirates for construction of a major section of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway.

Infrastructure financing remains important to Nigeria’s wider development prospects because transport networks and public investment influence access to housing, construction activity, land values and the expansion of urban centres.

For Nigeria, the IMF’s recommendations therefore extend beyond macroeconomic indicators. Stronger public finances, effective monetary policy, transparent governance and disciplined infrastructure financing can shape the operating environment for businesses and determine how effectively public resources support economic and urban development.

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The Federal Government has explained how it shared N15.8 trillion in savings from fuel subsidy removal over the past three years.

Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele gave the figures at a press conference on Wednesday. He explained how the subsidy reform affected government finances and the Federation Account.

According to Oyedele, the government saved N15.8 trillion after removing the fuel subsidy. The Federal Government, states and local governments shared the funds.

The Federal Government received N5.43 trillion from the savings. State governments received N6.52 trillion, while local governments received N3.88 trillion.

Oyedele said the savings did not create one large cash reserve for the Federal Government. Instead, the reform reduced the cost of maintaining the fuel subsidy.

Government Records Additional Revenue

The finance minister also disclosed other financial gains from the reforms.

The government generated N3.12 trillion in additional revenue during the period. It also recorded N11.85 trillion in additional borrowing.

Together, these sources gave the Federal Government about N20.4 trillion in additional resources.

READ ALSO :Fuel Prices Set to Stay High as Downstream Market Battles

However, government spending also increased during the same period. Oyedele said the Federal Government spent about N30.64 trillion on additional expenditures.

The figures show that subsidy removal did not leave the government with a large surplus. Instead, the reform helped reduce the pressure on government finances.

Oyedele said the government would have needed more borrowing without the savings from subsidy removal.

Where the Government Spent the Money

The government directed the additional spending towards several areas.

Wage adjustments accounted for N9.39 trillion. The government also spent N9.37 trillion on external debt servicing.

Infrastructure received N6.47 trillion during the period. The government also spent N3.14 trillion on electricity subsidies.

These figures show the scale of the demands on Nigeria’s public finances. The government must fund wages, debt payments, infrastructure and other public services at the same time.

Impact on Housing and Infrastructure

The figures also matter to Nigeria’s housing and construction sectors.

Government revenue plays an important role in infrastructure development. Roads, electricity, water supply and other public services support housing projects and urban growth.

Higher public spending on infrastructure can improve access to new housing areas. It can also support the growth of real estate markets when better roads and public services connect new developments to major cities.

However, rising costs remain a major concern for the construction industry. Higher energy, transport and material costs can increase the cost of building homes.

Developers also face higher financing costs when interest rates and other economic pressures rise. These factors can make affordable housing more difficult for many Nigerians to access.

Tinubu’s Economic Reforms

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023. His administration also liberalised the foreign exchange market in June 2023.

Both reforms changed the cost of fuel and the value of the naira. Petrol prices rose sharply after the subsidy ended, while the naira experienced major fluctuations.

The reforms have since affected households, businesses and government finances.

The latest figures provide more detail on the financial impact of the subsidy decision. They also show how the government has used additional resources while managing rising spending needs.

For Nigeria’s housing and infrastructure sectors, the allocation of public funds remains important. Government investment can support infrastructure that makes housing development possible.

At the same time, the government must balance infrastructure needs with debt payments, wages and other financial obligations.

The N15.8 trillion breakdown therefore offers a clearer picture of the fiscal impact of fuel subsidy removal. It also highlights the financial pressures facing the government as it funds infrastructure and other public needs.

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Nigeria’s inflation picture is showing mixed signals as headline inflation continues to slow while food prices rise at a much faster rate.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a 50-basis-point decline in headline inflation to 15.43 per cent in July. At the same time, food inflation climbed from 17.52 per cent to 20.31 per cent.

The latest figures suggest that the easing in overall inflation has not yet translated into lower food costs for households. Food remains one of the largest expenses for many families, making the increase a major concern for household purchasing power.

Building Material Prices Surge as Inflation, FX Crisis Push Construction Costs Higher

Food inflation records sharp monthly increase

Food inflation also recorded a significant month-on-month increase in July.

The rate reached 5.56 per cent, compared with 3.75 per cent in June and 2.98 per cent in May. This marked the strongest monthly increase since the rebasing of the Consumer Price Index.

The year-on-year trend has also moved higher for six consecutive months. Food inflation started the year at 8.9 per cent but has since more than doubled.

The latest increase adds to concerns that food prices could remain a major source of pressure even as other parts of the inflation basket begin to stabilise.

Core inflation offers some relief

Core inflation provided a different picture in July.

The measure fell to 14.97 per cent, its lowest level since January 2025. The decline could support the Central Bank of Nigeria’s assessment that underlying price pressures are gradually becoming more stable.

The Monetary Policy Committee has maintained the Monetary Policy Rate between 26.5 and 27.5 per cent over the past year.

Money balances increased from N117.24 trillion to N133.25 trillion by June, representing year-on-year growth of 13.7 per cent. Private-sector credit also rose from N76.13 trillion to N83.26 trillion during the period.

The August inflation report will provide the MPC with newer data before its September meeting.

Transport costs add to food prices

High transport and energy costs remain important factors behind the food price increase.

Diesel prices have almost doubled since the end of February, according to the report. Diesel is widely used by logistics operators, making changes in its price important for the cost of moving agricultural goods.

Petrol prices have also increased by about 50 per cent since early March. Higher fuel costs can raise the cost of transporting food from farms to wholesale markets and then to consumers.

Insecurity in major food-producing areas has also created supply challenges. Economists, including Centre for Promotion of Private Enterprise Chief Executive Dr Muda Yusuf, have identified insecurity and logistics problems as structural issues affecting food prices.

Heavy rainfall may have added further pressure by making road transport and food distribution more difficult.

State inflation rates show wide gaps

The national inflation figure also hides major differences between states.

Adamawa recorded the highest headline inflation rate in July at 33.03 per cent. Yobe followed with 25.2 per cent, while Anambra recorded 24 per cent.

Nasarawa had the lowest headline inflation rate at 7.9 per cent. Kebbi and Borno followed with 9.1 per cent each.

Food inflation was particularly high in Adamawa, where it reached 51.4 per cent. Katsina recorded 30.8 per cent, while Zamfara posted 30.7 per cent.

The NBS has warned that state-level inflation figures should not be compared directly because household spending patterns vary across locations.

Housing costs face indirect pressure

The continuing rise in food prices also has wider implications for Nigeria’s housing sector.

When families spend more on food and transport, they have less money available for rent, mortgage payments, savings and home purchases. This can make housing affordability more difficult, especially for low- and middle-income households.

Developers also face higher operating costs when fuel, transport and other inputs become more expensive. These costs can affect construction budgets and, ultimately, the prices of new homes.

The July inflation figures therefore present a mixed outlook. While lower headline and core inflation point to improving price stability, rising food costs show that many Nigerians continue to face strong pressure on their household budgets.

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Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis continues to put pressure on households as many Nigerians struggle to keep up with the rising cost of food, transportation and other basic necessities.

A report by Daily Trust, drawing on accounts from Nigerians and wider economic conditions, highlights the continued difficulty households face as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.

For many households, income growth has failed to keep pace with the cost of everyday living. Expenses that once consumed a smaller portion of household earnings now require greater financial sacrifices, forcing families to reconsider spending on everything from food to transportation and housing.

Housing remains part of the pressure

The cost-of-living challenge is closely connected to Nigeria’s housing problem.

As rents rise in major cities, households already dealing with higher food and transportation expenses have less disposable income available for accommodation.

For tenants, the challenge can be particularly severe when rent payments require large upfront commitments. Families may therefore have to move to cheaper neighbourhoods, share accommodation or accept longer commuting distances.

The result is a broader affordability problem in which the cost of living near jobs and essential services continues to rise.

Transport costs add to household expenses

Transportation is another major component of household spending.

When residents move farther away from employment centres in search of cheaper accommodation, they can end up spending more on daily transportation.

This creates a difficult cycle. Lower rent in an outer neighbourhood may be offset by higher transport costs, longer journeys and lost time.

For policymakers, this means housing affordability cannot be considered separately from transportation and urban infrastructure.

Election year puts living standards under scrutiny

With the 2027 elections approaching, economic conditions are likely to remain an important issue for voters.

The pressure on household budgets means that discussions around economic growth will increasingly be judged against people’s everyday experiences.

For many Nigerians, economic performance is ultimately measured by whether their income can cover food, housing, transport, healthcare and education.

The challenge for policymakers is therefore to translate broader economic improvements into tangible improvements in household purchasing power.

Housing policy needs a broader approach

The continuing cost-of-living pressure also reinforces the need for a more integrated approach to housing policy.

Increasing housing supply is important, but homes need to be located where people can access jobs, transport and essential services without facing excessive additional costs.

Affordable housing developments that are poorly connected to employment centres may solve one affordability problem while creating another through higher transportation expenses.

Nigeria’s housing strategy therefore needs to consider rent, construction costs, transport, infrastructure and household income together.

As the country moves toward the 2027 elections, the question will not simply be whether economic indicators are improving. For ordinary households, the more important question is whether those improvements are actually making everyday life more affordable.

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President Bola Tinubu has detailed the core motivations behind his administration’s newly approved overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps, emphasizing that the updates are designed to arm young citizens with practical competencies required for modern national development. Following a crucial Federal Executive Council meeting where the changes were formally ratified, the central government stated that restructuring the youth scheme fulfills a foundational campaign pledge to open up meaningful economic pathways for the younger generation.

In an official public brief shared via his social media handle, the President characterized the legislative changes as the most significant structural shifts to the youth programme since its inception in 1973. He reaffirmed that with women and youth positioned at the center of national policy, this updated framework transitions the scheme from a traditional deployment model into an active launchpad for career development.

While acknowledging that the initiative has effectively fostered national cohesion for over five decades, President Tinubu noted that contemporary socio-economic realities require a more dynamic approach. Highlighting that young citizens constitute nearly 70 percent of the national population, he stated that the demographic represents an essential economic engine rather than a structural burden.

Under the new guidelines, the mandatory orientation camp timeline will extend to six weeks, prioritizing specialized modules in civic duties, leadership, digital proficiency, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, corps members will receive targeted technical training aligned with their specific academic backgrounds across essential sectors, including agriculture, technology, healthcare, infrastructure, and the creative economy, to ensure every participant enters the labor market fully prepared for enterprise.

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has officially opened the landmark Jigawa Investment Summit in Dutse, where he emphasized that the collective economic advancement of Nigeria relies heavily on the ability of its constituent states to harness their distinct resources and attract private capital. Delivering the goodwill message of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Vice President stated that the federation truly flourishes when individual states drive localized expansion, move past structural dependencies, and unlock sustainable opportunities.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the 2026 Jigawa Investment Summit, Shettima pointed out that key policy reforms implemented by the central administration, such as foreign exchange liberalisation and the Business Facilitation Act, are building strong investor confidence across the country. He specifically cited the landmark Electricity Act as a critical regulatory shift that empowers states to license, generate, and distribute independent power, effectively positioning them to foster robust industrial clusters.

The Vice President also commended the host state for its commendable agricultural achievements, notably its contribution of nearly 40 percent of the national wheat output during the preceding farming season. According to him, the challenge moving forward within the framework of the Jigawa Investment Summit is transitioning this expansive local potential into bankable, job-creating pipelines that actively foster shared national prosperity.

With state governments managing the precise locations where development happens and factories operate, Shettima reiterated that sub-national responsive institutions must proactively eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks. He concluded that unified economic progress across all 36 states remains Nigeria’s greatest strength for long-term industrialization and sustainable growth.

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Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are beginning to enjoy some relief as the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), popularly known as cooking gas, has declined after months of sustained increases.

A market survey showed that LPG now sells for between N1,498 and N1,650 per kilogram across Abuja, depending on location and retail outlet, compared to recent highs of about N2,000 per kilogram recorded in several parts of the country.

The price reduction means that refilling a 5kg cylinder now costs between N7,490 and N8,250, while a 12.5kg cylinder costs between N18,725 and N20,625. At the peak of the recent price surge, the same cylinders cost approximately N10,000 and N25,000 respectively.

Despite the decline, some roadside vendors still sell cooking gas at prices as high as N1,850 per kilogram.

Industry experts attributed the price drop to improved product availability and easing wholesale costs but warned that long-term stability depends on addressing structural challenges in Nigeria’s LPG market.

Energy economist, Dr. Dayo Abegunde, said the reduction reflects improved supply conditions but noted that Nigeria remains vulnerable to global market shocks because a significant portion of domestic LPG consumption still depends on imports.

“The recent decline is encouraging for consumers, but Nigeria must deepen domestic production and strengthen its supply chain to avoid recurring price spikes whenever there are disruptions in the global market,” he said.

Oil and gas analyst, Edward Bulus, also stressed the need for increased domestic refining and retention of locally produced LPG within the Nigerian market to guarantee sustainable price stability.

LPG marketers confirmed that improved supply at coastal depots and a gradual decline in wholesale prices have contributed to the moderation in retail prices.

An Abuja-based LPG marketer, Bassey Etanem, said increased product availability is gradually filtering through the distribution chain, resulting in lower prices for consumers.

Retail operators in Abuja also attributed the decline to growing competition among filling plants as supply conditions improve.

However, marketers warned that transportation and logistics costs remain high, particularly for operators supplying inland locations, adding that investments in storage and distribution infrastructure are necessary to sustain lower prices.

Many consumers welcomed the reduction but argued that cooking gas remains expensive compared to previous years.

Some residents said they were forced to switch to charcoal and firewood when LPG prices approached N2,000 per kilogram.

A trader, Grace Bade, called on the government to implement measures that would further reduce the cost of cooking gas and ease the economic burden on households.

The recent price moderation follows intervention measures announced by the Federal Government to address supply shortages and market manipulation.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), regulators and security agencies to intensify surveillance of the LPG market, investigate hoarding and diversion, and sanction operators found manipulating prices.

The minister said the government remains committed to increasing domestic LPG supply, reducing dependence on imports and ensuring that locally produced gas is prioritised for domestic consumption.

He also disclosed plans for a local LPG blending initiative involving Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), indigenous producers and operators of the Port Harcourt LPG plant to improve supply reliability and reduce logistics costs.

The NMDPRA had earlier linked the spike in cooking gas prices to global supply disruptions, exchange rate pressures, logistics bottlenecks and market inefficiencies.

Industry stakeholders, however, maintain that sustained affordability will depend on expanding domestic production, improving infrastructure and strengthening distribution networks across the country.

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Recent comments by former Zenith Bank Chairman, Jim Ovia, suggesting that real estate delivers better returns than banking have sparked widespread debate among Nigerians, with investment experts weighing in on the merits of property ownership versus traditional savings.

The discussion gained momentum on social media after Ovia’s remarks, with supporters arguing that real estate offers superior long-term returns, while others maintained that banking investments provide greater security and liquidity.

Analysts, however, say rising inflation has significantly eroded the purchasing power of savings, prompting many Nigerians to seek alternative investment options capable of preserving and growing wealth.

Speaking on the issue, real estate and investment expert Joseph Momoh said the comparison between real estate and banking depends largely on investment objectives and economic conditions.

According to him, inflation remains one of the biggest threats to wealth preservation, making property investment increasingly attractive to investors.

“If you buy land in a strategic location and carry out proper due diligence, its value could appreciate significantly over five to ten years, often surpassing returns from traditional savings products,” he said.

Momoh explained that while savings accounts and fixed deposits generally provide modest annual returns, property investments can generate substantial gains through both appreciation and rental income.

He noted that investors who acquire residential properties and lease them out often recover their initial investment over time while continuing to earn income from the asset.

Also commenting, realtor Bawa Musa described real estate as one of the most effective wealth-building tools available to Nigerians.

He argued that money kept in savings accounts is typically deployed by financial institutions for lending and other investments, while property owners retain the full benefit of capital appreciation.

“When you invest in real estate, the increase in value belongs entirely to you. That is why many investors see property as a stronger pathway to long-term wealth creation,” he said.

Musa further noted that investing in property reduces the temptation to spend funds that might otherwise remain accessible in savings accounts.

Investment analyst Mohammed Mustapha also highlighted the multiple income streams available through real estate investments, including rental earnings, capital appreciation and protection against inflation.

He said property investments have historically served as a hedge against economic uncertainty, particularly during periods of inflation and external economic shocks.

“Unlike ordinary savings accounts, a well-selected property can appreciate in value, generate rental income and help preserve wealth during periods of economic instability,” Mustapha explained.

However, he cautioned against the assumption that every property automatically yields high returns.

According to him, the success of a real estate investment depends on critical factors such as location, infrastructure, security, demand and overall market conditions.

“Some properties appreciate rapidly, while others remain stagnant for years. Asset selection is key, and investors must conduct thorough research before committing funds,” he said.

The experts agreed that although real estate can outperform traditional banking investments over the long term, investors must carefully evaluate opportunities and understand the risks associated with property ownership before making investment decisions.

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