In 2025, growing your money isn’t just smart, it’s survival. With rising inflation, currency fluctuations, and a rapidly changing economy, smart investing can mean the difference between merely getting by and building substantial wealth. The good news is that investing today is more accessible than ever.
We have broken down 10 of the best investment options available to Nigerians, including how they work, potential returns and risks, and exactly how you can start investing today with as little as ₦1,000.
1. Treasury Bills (T-Bills)
Risk Level: Low
Potential Returns: 7-22% annually
Treasury bills are short-term government securities issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). When you buy T-bills, you’re lending money to the government for a short period.
Why Consider It: T-bills are considered one of the safest investments because the Nigerian government backs them. They’re perfect for beginners who want to dip their toes into investing with minimal risk.
Getting Started: You can invest in T-bills through:
- Authorised dealers like commercial banks, stock brokers or discount houses (typically require higher minimums of ₦100,000 and in multiples of ₦10,000 thereafter).
- PiggyVest offers a “SafeLock” feature similar to investing in Treasury Bills, but with more flexibility (As low as ₦1,000 for a minimum of 10 days).
- I-Invest is another digital platform for treasury bills (Minimum investment is ₦10,000).
- Create an account on either platform, complete the verification process, and select T-bills from their available investment options.
2. Stocks (Equities)
Risk Level: Medium to High (Hold on to your seat)
Potential Returns: 15-30%+ annually (but can also result in losses)
Buying stocks means you own a small piece of companies like Dangote Cement, Nestlé Nigeria or GTBank. When they win, you win.
Why Consider It: Historically, stocks have given investors some of the best returns over time. Plus, there’s something satisfying about saying, “Yeah, I own a piece of that company.”
Getting Started:
- Download investment apps like Bamboo, Risevest, or Chaka to easily access Nigerian and international stocks.
- Create an account and complete KYC verification (you’ll need your BVN).
- Fund your account (minimum can be as low as ₦1,000).
- Research and select companies to invest in.
3. Mutual Funds
Risk Level: Low to Medium
Potential Returns: 8-20% annually, depending on fund type
Think of this as a group investment where professionals manage the money pool. You put in some cash, and they invest it across different assets.
Why Consider It: You gain professional management and diversification without needing large amounts of capital or investment expertise.
Getting Started:
- Sign up on Cowrywise or ARM Investment Managers.
- Choose from various fund types (money market, fixed income, equity, or balanced funds).
- Start with as little as ₦1,000
- Set up automatic contributions to build your investment steadily.
4. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
Risk Level: Medium
Potential Returns: 12-25% annually
REITs allow you to invest in real estate without buying a whole building yourself. They invest in commercial properties and distribute rental income to investors.
Why Consider It: Real estate is a tangible asset that often appreciates over time, and REITs make it accessible without the huge capital typically required for property investment.
Getting Started:
- Open a brokerage account with a stockbroker like Meristem Securities.
- Purchase REIT shares through the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
- Minimum investment typically ranges from ₦10,000 to ₦50,000
5. Agricultural Investments
Risk Level: Medium to High (Farming is unpredictable)
Potential Returns: 15-40% annually
Agricultural investments allow you to fund farming operations in exchange for returns at harvest time.
Why Consider It: Agriculture isn’t going anywhere — people must eat. Plus, returns can be impressive when harvests are good.
Getting Started:
- Sign up on platforms like Farmally or Groupfarma.
- Choose a specific crop or livestock project.
- Investments typically start from ₦50,000.
- Returns are distributed after harvest cycles (3-12 months).
6. High-Yield Savings Accounts
Risk Level: Very Low (Safe safe)
Potential Returns: 5-10% annually
These are specialised savings accounts offering higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts.
Why Consider It: Better than letting your money sit in a regular account, getting eaten by fees and inflation.
Getting Started:
- Sign up on Piggyvest, Kuda Bank, ALAT by Wema, or other traditional banks.
- Complete your account verification.
- Transfer funds to your high-yield savings.
- Some platforms offer automatic savings features to help you stay consistent with your savings.
7. Dollar Investments
Risk Level: Low to Medium
Potential Returns: 3-8% annually, plus potential naira value appreciation
These investments enable you to save or invest in US dollars, thereby hedging against naira depreciation and inflation.
Why Consider It: By investing in dollar-denominated assets, you’re essentially hedging against the risks of naira depreciation while gaining access to more stable markets.
Getting Started:
- Create an account on Risevest, Bamboo, or Trove.
- Complete verification.
- Fund your account in Naira (platforms will convert to dollars).
- Choose dollar-denominated assets (US stocks, bonds, or dollar savings).
- Minimum investment is typically around ₦5,000 (converted to dollars).
8. Bonds
Risk Level: Low to Medium
Potential Returns: 8-16% annually
Think of bonds as you playing the role of the bank. You lend money to a government or company; in return, they pay you steady interest, plus your full money back at the end of the term.
Why Consider It: If you’re looking for stability and predictable returns without the rollercoaster emotions of the stock market, bonds are your go-to.
Getting Started:
- Register on InvestNow or through Afrinvest.
- Choose between Federal Government (FGN) bonds, corporate bonds, or Eurobonds.
- Minimum investment typically starts at ₦50,000 for government bonds.
- Hold until maturity or sell on the secondary market.
9. Cryptocurrency
Risk Level: Very High (This one is not for the faint-hearted)
Potential Returns: Highly variable (potential for both significant gains and losses)
Crypto isn’t just internet money anymore; it’s a fast-growing financial frontier. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets have created millionaires, disrupted industries, and are becoming a core part of modern investment portfolios.
Why Consider It: If you believe in the future of technology, decentralisation, and global finance, crypto offers massive upside potential. It’s risky and prices can swing wildly. But it offers a shot at outsized returns for investors who can stomach the volatility.
Getting Started:
- Create an account on Quidax, Binance, Busha or Yellow Card.
- Complete verification.
- Fund your account and start with established cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum.
- Always do your own research (DYOR) and never invest money you can’t afford to lose.
10. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
Risk Level: Medium
Potential Returns: 10-25% annually
ETFs are like investment bundles; they let you buy a basket of assets (stocks, bonds, commodities) all at once, instead of picking individual investments yourself. It’s a simple, low-cost way to instantly diversify your portfolio and lower your risk without needing a lot of money or expert knowledge.
Why Consider It: ETFs are a great place to start when you can’t decide what stocks to buy. They are also perfect if you want broad exposure to the market without the stress of endless research. They combine the earning potential of stocks with the safety net of diversification.
Getting Started:
- Open an account with Bamboo, Trove, or Chaka.
- Complete verification.
- Fund your account (minimum investment around ₦2,000-₦5,000).
- Choose from Nigerian ETFs like the Stanbic IBTC ETF or international options.
Bottom Line
Building wealth is about taking consistent, small steps over time. Whether you’re drawn to the safety of Treasury Bills, the thrill of stocks, or the futuristic promise of crypto, the most important thing is to start.
You don’t need millions of naira to begin; you can start with as little as ₦1,000, learn as you go, and grow your confidence and portfolio over time.
The sooner you start investing, the more you’ll benefit from the power of compounding and long-term growth.
Join 1,000+ Nigerians, finance experts and industry leaders at The Naira Life Conference by Zikoko for a day of real, raw conversations about money and financial freedom. Click here to buy a ticket!
