The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema, has said investment in bond would enhance economic development if investors actively took position in the domestic bonds.

Onyema noted that with more investment in local bonds being floated by the government, funds would be available to fund infrastructure, education and the health sector which are the main drivers of any thriving economy.

He stated this during the Retail Bonds Trading and Fixed Income Market Making Practicum organised to train the market community on the benefit of investing in bonds yesterday.

He said that to ensure that government achieved its aim and objectives in developing the economy and further create avenue for small investors to shore up their investment, the NSE has provided a platform that would enable retail investors as against what was obtained in the Over the Counter Trade market (OTC) in government bond issue.

According to him, the NSE was mindful of institutional investors hijacking the bond market because of its enormous benefits, adding that local investors in the economy would be given adequate protection.

"We will not shut our doors against foreign investors who want to participate in the securities market, no matter the level of their involvement," he added.

It will be recalled that foreign investors constitute almost 60 per cent ownership of the equities market, and this has been a great source of worry to stakeholders and local investors in the country.

The NSE has listed advantage in bond to include; regular income,tax savings, stability, capital appreciation, predictability and payment of high interest rates than savings accounts.