Think of the 5000 you spend on shawarma and drinks every weekend? 

I must have caught you right there — haha.

But the truth is, every week, every month, prices rise in the market, at restaurants… Every year, rent increases, fuel… but your savings in the bank hardly does. You’d work so hard, withdraw your long term kept money and see you’re even far below the budget you saved, because inflation has eaten half of it. Prices have risen past the bank savings rate. The answer is not earning more alone, but making your money work harder through investments.

You don’t need millions and this can be done regardless of your type of job. 

Why Should You Invest? Nigerians Need to Invest

• Inflation

Your savings account pays about 3-4% while inflation is about 20% and your naira is steadily shrinking.

• Extra income

Many investments pay interest, dividends, or rent. 

• Reach life goals: 

If you want to beat life hassles in Nigeria, from education to owning properties or having an early retirement, investment is the fuel. 

• Financial future

Investment is like an economic shock absorber, it makes one less vulnerable to financial uncertainties. 

Best Investment Options in Nigeria (2025 Edition)

1. Treasury Bills & FGN Bonds (Low Risk)
   These are government loans that pay you back with interest. They are safe, predictable, and good for first-timers.

• Minimum: ₦10,000–₦50,000
• Location: Banks, brokers, I-Invest app
• Returns: 8–13% per year

2. Mutual Funds (Low–Medium Risk)
   Investments put together and run by professionals. It can be easily diversified. 

• Minimum: ₦5,000–₦10,000
• Location: ARM, Stanbic IBTC, FBNQuest, Cowrywise
• Returns: 8–15% per year

3. Real Estate
   Advisably Two routes:

• Direct property: Land banking, rentals, Airbnb.
• REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts): Buy units for low prices, earn dividends without the stress of being a landlord.

4. Stocks (Medium–High Risk)
   This is one of the best for long term growth where you buy shares from listed companies on NGX or Abroad. 

• Minimum: ₦1,000+
• Location : RiseVest, Bamboo, Chaka, Trove
• Tip : Learn basics of stock analysis before investing.

5. AgricTech (Medium Risk)
   Investing in farm and Agric businesses to gain profits after harvests. 

• Platforms: ThriveAgric, Agropartnerships.
• Returns: 10–25% per cycle
• Caution:Research and check reviews for only proven and insured platforms. 

6. P2P Lending (High Risk)
   Peer to Peer lending where individuals or businesses lend each other with trust. Interests can be high. 

• Returns: 15–30% annually
• Risk: High default potential; only invest money you can lose.

7. Dollar Investments (Medium–High Risk)
   Investments in US stocks, real estate, ETFs, or dollar funds.

• Platforms: RiseVest, Bamboo, Passfolio
• Minimum: $10+ (~₦15,000)

8. Cryptocurrency (High Risk, High Reward)
   Bitcoin, Ethereum, coins. It is easily volatile, although profits can be high. Losses can be high too. 

• Platforms: Binance, Luno, Quidax
• Tip: Never invest money you can’t afford to lose.

9. Cooperatives & Esusu (Low Risk)
   These are traditional savings groups, especially in Nigeria. Some can pass as thrift collection. Entry is easy and it is trusted for low income earners. 
10. Starting a Small Business (High Effort, High Potential)
    Self investments requiring building a side hustle. From POS businesses to e-commerce, small businesses often outperform formal investments—but carry higher risks.

To Pick the Right Option

Ask yourself:

1. What is your goal ?
2. How much can you genuinely  set aside monthly?
3. If you can handle losses if things go south?
4. How quickly will you need the profit? 
5. If you understand the product and investment? 

Mistakes to Avoid

• Believing in “get-rich-quick”.
• Not diversifying your funds.
• Investing without verifying SEC/CBN registration.
• Using borrowed money to invest.
• Withdrawing profits too early. 

Key Takeaways

• Investing is not optional in Nigeria—it is a means of  survival.
• You can start with very little. 
• Low-risk investments are : Treasury bills, mutual funds, cooperatives.
• Medium–high risk: Stocks, agritech, dollar funds.
• High risk: Crypto, P2P lending, own business.

Call to Action

Don’t wait for the “perfect time.” Don’t wait for more money. Start with what you have. Kindly share this with anyone you wish to help financially.