Coming off a bust in both the capital and real estate markets, many Nigerian investors are wary of putting their money in either of these as long

term investments.

The capital market which seemed robust and wholesome nosedived in the wake of the global economic recession, many stocks plummeting to

fractions of their former values. The banking industry, suffered hugely from this misfortunes some still reeling from the effect of the bank

consolidation, found this double blow more than they could handle. Sadly the people who suffered truly were their shareholders many losing their

fortunes to this financial landslide.

For the real estate market, this seemed inevitable and few had correctly predicted that the current situation was in the offing, due to an overpriced

and rapidly flooding market. Grooming this fallacy also, was the false belief of many that property rarely devalues. This misguides concept led

many a less-than-saavy investor with properties that were gradually losing value in a market that though not sufficient was not as robust as

before.

This being said, it is not a total loss on both parts, with recent economic reforms being made on a national level and the international community

spear heading initiatives to promote economic growth in developing countries, the capital markets is beginning to show signs of recovery.

The real property market in Nigeria is still years away from matching supply with demand, though it is evident that the present concentration of

developers on high end value properties is not sustainable. Initiatives in the direction of creating more housing opportunities for low level incomes

earners, will help in meeting a niche in the market which is presently underexploited.

All in all it is safe to say that there are many investment opportunities in both markets, though both markets may present formidable challenges to

the potential investor. Knowing the lay of the land in each market though, will go a long way in guiding investment opportunities as they present

themselves.