Investing Basics for Nigerians: Where to Actually Start

Before investing one kobo, settle three things: an emergency fund (3 months of expenses), zero high-interest debt, and clear goals with timelines.

Low-risk: Treasury bills & FGN bonds

Backed by the federal government. Buy through your bank or platforms like i-invest. Returns track inflation roughly; capital is safe.

Mutual funds

Money market funds (Stanbic, ARM, Cordros) give you ~12–18% with daily liquidity. Great parking spot.

Nigerian stocks

The NGX has real winners but also potholes. Start with index-like exposure (Stanbic IBTC ETF) before stock-picking.

Dollar / global exposure

Apps like Bamboo, Risevest, Trove let you access US stocks and ETFs. Helps hedge naira depreciation. Understand the FX spread.

What to avoid

• "Guaranteed" 20% monthly returns — that is a Ponzi.
• Crypto with money you cannot lose — treat it as speculation, not investment.
• Borrowing to invest.

A simple starter mix

• 40% money market fund
• 30% T-bills / FGN bonds
• 20% dollar ETF (VOO, VWRA)
• 10% speculative (crypto/individual stocks)