How five everyday Nigerians secure their wealth with gold, and why you should pay attention.
When Nigerians think of gold, they often picture billionaires hoarding bars in underground vaults or women flaunting bridal jewellery at owambes. But for a growing number of “average rich” Nigerians, the ones with decent assets, thriving businesses, or stable high incomes, gold is a quiet tool they use to preserve wealth, beat inflation, and plan for the future. It’s not just about bling. It’s about long-term wealth.
We spoke to five Nigerians using gold to stay financially secure, and here’s how they use gold to protect, preserve, and even grow their wealth, and how you can too.
“Gold Is How I Protect My Business Profits From the Naira” — Chike, 42, Aba Importer
I run a business importing motorcycle parts from China, and I’ve lost count of how many times the naira has blindsided me. One day you’re making a profit, the next it’s wiped out by devaluation. That’s why I started converting part of my profit into gold.
I don’t buy in bulk, just 1 or 2 grams after every successful shipment. I use a digital platform called Altinvest. It’s secure, stress-free, and I don’t have to worry about hiding gold bars in my shop. When the naira tanks or customs rates change overnight, I don’t panic. My gold holds its value, and that gives me peace of mind.
What You Can Learn: If your income is in naira, gold can protect you from unpredictable inflation and currency drama.
“I Started Buying Gold So I Won’t Depend on My Children in Old Age” — Bimpe, 59, Retired Civil Servant
When I turned 40, I realised I didn’t want to end up broke or begging my children for money in retirement. So I started buying gold: ₦170k here, ₦300k there, any time I had extra cash.
Now, nearly 20 years later, I have a stash that has appreciated in value. I’ve even used it twice to sort out emergency medical bills. I may not have a fat pension, but I have gold, and that gives me security.
What You Can Learn: Gold rewards patience. A little now could mean a lot later, especially when the unexpected happens.
“Every Time I Close a Deal, I Turn Part of It Into Gold” — Fola, 34, Real Estate Agent
Lagos real estate is sweet, until you blow through your commission. That used to be me. I’d earn big and then splurge. But since 2023, I’ve made it a rule: for every sale, I put at least 10% into gold.
I use the Altinvest app, so it’s stress-free. It’s like locking money away where my impulse can’t touch it. When I look at the value of my gold now, I realise how much I’ve saved just by removing temptation.
What You Can Learn: Gold can be your accountability partner; a quiet way to keep your wealth from leaking.
“Crypto Burned Me. Gold Keeps Me Grounded” — Ebuka, 28, Crypto Trader
I made a lot of money during the bull run in 2021, and then lost almost half of it during the crash. That shook me. I realised I needed something physical: an asset that doesn’t live or die by internet mood swings.
That’s when I started diversifying into gold. I buy physical and digital gold now. It doesn’t spike overnight, but it doesn’t crash either. It grounds my portfolio and reminds me to play the long game.
What You Can Learn: If you’re into high-risk assets, gold can be the stable backup your portfolio needs.
“My Jewellery Isn’t Just for Looking Good; It’s My Emergency Fund” — Aminat, 36, Businesswoman & Mum
Every bangle and necklace I buy is 18 or 22 karat gold. I don’t do costume jewellery. My mum taught me early: if you’re going to spend money, buy something that holds value.
I’ve sold jewellery to pay school fees, and once used it to top up house rent. These days, I even pass some of it down to my daughters. It’s savings you can wear, and trust me, it adds up.
What You Can Learn: If you love jewellery, buy the kind that pays you back.
Bottom Line: Stability Is Still Golden
In a country where things change overnight, these Nigerians are doing something that never goes out of style: they’re using gold to stay financially grounded. Some buy jewellery, some invest digitally, but they all have one thing in common: they’re playing the long game.
Ready to Go for Gold?
You don’t need to be rich to start building wealth with gold. You just have to be ready. With Altinvest, anyone can own real, asset-backed gold starting from just 1 gram. No middlemen. No gold vaults. No stress.
Altinvest lets you grow your gold portfolio from anywhere, anytime. Backed by The Alternative Bank, a CBN-licensed, ethical financial institution, it’s a smart, secure, and simple way to invest in long-term value.
Seize the opportunity to build your future with gold, start today with just 1g. Go for Gold and secure your wealth for tomorrow.