Nigerians Favor Crypto and Gambling Over Capital Markets Amid Economic Strain
Nigeria's household investments are undergoing a dramatic shift as citizens pour funds into cryptocurrency and gambling platforms at the expense of traditional capital markets. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reports $5.5 million flows daily into gambling—a sector attracting over 60 million Nigerians—while fewer than three million participate in stock market investments.
Cryptocurrency transactions surpassed $50 billion between July 2023 and June 2024, fueled by 70% naira depreciation and chronic inflation. SEC data reveals listed assets now represent just 30% of GDP, lagging behind South Africa (300%), Malaysia (120%), and India (90%). This capital flight reflects a population chasing rapid returns as poverty rates exceed 50%.