NASD Set To Enhance Investment Opportunities In Real Estate, Co-operative Societies

NASD OTC Exchange Plc said it is preparing to introduce innovative products aimed at unlocking investment opportunities within the real estate and co-operative societies sectors.

This strategic move is part of their effort to deepen engagement in the Nigerian financial market. While the specifics regarding the structure and benefits of these new products are yet to be disclosed, managing director and CEO of NASD, Eguarekhide Longe indicated that the leading OTC Exchange is currently awaiting regulatory approvals to provide further details.

Longe stated that, “NASD is committed to innovation as we seek to expand into new business areas. We are finalising the delivery of several novel products, which have been submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for approval.

“These initiatives are designed to unlock value in previously untapped segments of the Nigerian financial services sector, particularly in real estate and co-operative societies. We anticipate a strong performance in 2025, potentially exceeding our achievements in 2024.”

During an interactive session with financial journalists in Lagos, Longe emphasised the Exchange’s resilience in a challenging operating environment, as it reported significant growth in 2024.
The NASD Securities Index (NSI) recorded a year-on-year increase of 223.75 per cent to 3,002.68 points in December 2024, compared to 927.77 points a year earlier. Although market capitalisation experienced a decline of 18.12 per cent year-on-year, trading activities surged by 127.31 per cent, and the overall value of trades increased substantially by 176.72 per cent.

Notably, Aradel Holdings Plc accounted for approximately 79 per cent of the trading value during this period. Longe noted that the market serves as an incubator for start-ups, saying, “despite some large-cap stocks being delisted, including Aradel, which represented a significant portion of our trading value last year, we commenced 2025 on a strong note.

“Our operating profit for Q1 2025 reached N164.0 million, in stark contrast to a loss of N44.1 million in Q1 2024. While, profit before tax rose to N212.5 million for Q1 2025, marking a significant turnaround from a loss of N32.7 million in the same quarter of 2024.”

Longe highlighted the recent successful listing of Infrastructure Credit Guarantee Company Plc as evidence of NASD’s commitment to fostering economic linkages that can deepen and enhance value within the market.

He said, “we understand that economic development is about building essential infrastructures, including construction, agricultural processing zones, fundamental industrial components like steel and foundries, and critical social services such as education and healthcare.

“NASD’s mission is to facilitate these developments within the Nigerian capital market. Moreover, we recognise the need for a new breed of investors in Nigeria.”

Longe also pointed to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s launch of the Non-)Resident Bank Verification Number (NRBVN) as a significant opportunity for a borderless Nigerian Capital Market, which NASD plans to leverage to match liquidity with investment opportunities within its marketplace.