Nigeria’s Gold Reserves Gain Over N2.4 trillion In Two Years

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) held 687,402 troy ounces of gold (approximately 21.38 metric tonnes) as of the end of 2024, unchanged from the previous year. However, the value of these reserves has soared in line with global prices.

At current market rates, Nigeria’s gold holdings are now worth over N3.7 trillion, up from N2.77 trillion in 2024 and N1.28 trillion in 2023.

This N2.4 trillion gain over two years underscores gold’s resilience and reflects a broader international trend of central banks increasing gold allocations amid economic uncertainty.

Financial experts have emphasized gold’s enduring role as a safe-haven asset. “Buying more gold is always good. It remains one of the safest and most reliable stores of value,” said Chief Economist at the Development Bank of Nigeria, Professor Joseph Nnanna, at the recent Comercio Partners H2 Economic Outlook Forum in Lagos.

Nnanna also highlighted gold’s potential to drive industrial growth: “When central banks source gold domestically, it stimulates the entire mining value chain, from raw extraction to refining and jewellery manufacturing. That catalyzes industrialisation,” he explained.

CEO of Graeme Blaque Advisory, Zeal Akaraiwe, linked the surge in gold buying to geopolitical tensions, particularly those stemming from U.S. policy decisions.

“Our ability to settle international transactions is increasingly influenced by political decisions made in America. This vulnerability is pushing countries to seek alternatives, with gold being a leading option,” Akaraiwe said.

He noted that the rally reflects a strategic shift away from dollar dominance, as central banks globally move to de-dollarise their reserves.

Gold’s record-breaking performance this year has been supported by:

Investor flight to safety amid trade wars and geopolitical instability
Concerns over a potential U.S. government funding crisis
Strong inflows into gold-backed exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
Renewed interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve

The rally has already exceeded Citi’s Q3 2025 projection of $3,500 per ounce, which was revised upward from $3,300 in August.

To encourage domestic investment in gold, the National Pension Commission (PenCom) has introduced revised regulations allowing pension funds to gain exposure to gold through tradable Gold Receipts listed on Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-recognised exchanges.

This innovation enables pension fund administrators (PFAs) to invest in gold without the complexities of physical storage, offering a secure and liquid alternative asset class.
Gold Receipts are part of a broader suite of instruments under PenCom’s updated investment guidelines aimed at enhancing diversification, boosting returns, and minimizing concentration risks.