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Investing is one of the most powerful ways to grow your wealth, preserve your money, and secure your financial future. Whether you’re starting with as little as 5,000 Naira or have millions to invest, there’s an opportunity for everyone to make their money work harder.
In this comprehensive guide, inspired by a recent YouTube video by Financial Journey, an investment banker and chartered accountant, we’ll explore 17 diverse investment options available to Nigerians in 2025.
From low-risk government bonds to high-potential stock market plays, this post will break down each option, including how to start, how much you need, and the potential rewards.
Let’s see it and eliminate the excuse of “I don’t know what to invest in” once and for all.
1. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
What is it?
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) allow you to invest in companies that develop and manage real estate properties, such as skyscrapers, malls, and residential estates, without owning physical property. It’s like owning a piece of the real estate market through the stock market.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) allow you to invest in companies that develop and manage real estate properties, such as skyscrapers, malls, and residential estates, without owning physical property. It’s like owning a piece of the real estate market through the stock market.
How to Start:
You can invest in REITs through platforms like Trove, Bamboo, Optimus by Afrinvest, or other stock trading apps available in Nigeria. Many of these platforms also offer access to foreign REITs, particularly in the U.S. market.
You can invest in REITs through platforms like Trove, Bamboo, Optimus by Afrinvest, or other stock trading apps available in Nigeria. Many of these platforms also offer access to foreign REITs, particularly in the U.S. market.
How Much You Need:
As little as $1 (approximately 1,600 Naira, depending on exchange rates).
As little as $1 (approximately 1,600 Naira, depending on exchange rates).
Why It’s Great:
REITs are a low-cost way to tap into real estate without the hassle of property management. They offer dividends and potential capital appreciation, making them ideal for beginners or those with limited capital.
REITs are a low-cost way to tap into real estate without the hassle of property management. They offer dividends and potential capital appreciation, making them ideal for beginners or those with limited capital.
2. Money Market Mutual Funds
What is it?
Money market mutual funds pool money from multiple investors to invest in low-risk, short-term financial instruments like treasury bills and commercial papers. They’re designed to preserve capital while offering decent returns.
Money market mutual funds pool money from multiple investors to invest in low-risk, short-term financial instruments like treasury bills and commercial papers. They’re designed to preserve capital while offering decent returns.
How to Start:
Platforms like Optimus by Afrinvest, Cowrywise, and other investment houses in Nigeria offer money market mutual funds. Sign up, deposit funds, and select the fund that suits your goals.
Platforms like Optimus by Afrinvest, Cowrywise, and other investment houses in Nigeria offer money market mutual funds. Sign up, deposit funds, and select the fund that suits your goals.
How Much You Need:
Starting from 5,000 Naira.
Starting from 5,000 Naira.
Why It’s Great:
With returns as high as 20% annually and the flexibility to withdraw funds anytime, these funds are perfect for those seeking low-risk investments with steady returns.
With returns as high as 20% annually and the flexibility to withdraw funds anytime, these funds are perfect for those seeking low-risk investments with steady returns.
3. Gold
What is it?
Gold is a precious metal that serves as a store of value and a hedge against inflation. You can invest in physical gold (jewelry, bars) or gold-backed financial products.
Gold is a precious metal that serves as a store of value and a hedge against inflation. You can invest in physical gold (jewelry, bars) or gold-backed financial products.
How to Start:
Purchase physical gold from reputable dealers or invest in gold ETFs through platforms like Trove or Bamboo. You can also buy gold jewelry, which doubles as adornment and investment.
Purchase physical gold from reputable dealers or invest in gold ETFs through platforms like Trove or Bamboo. You can also buy gold jewelry, which doubles as adornment and investment.
How Much You Need:
As low as 5,000 Naira for small gold pieces or fractional investments in gold ETFs.
As low as 5,000 Naira for small gold pieces or fractional investments in gold ETFs.
Why It’s Great:
Gold has delivered over 25% returns in 2025 alone and has historically been a reliable long-term investment. It’s a tangible asset that holds value over time.
Gold has delivered over 25% returns in 2025 alone and has historically been a reliable long-term investment. It’s a tangible asset that holds value over time.
4. FGN Savings Bonds
What is it?
FGN Savings Bonds are low-risk debt instruments issued by the Nigerian government. They pay interest quarterly and return your principal at maturity (typically 2–3 years).
FGN Savings Bonds are low-risk debt instruments issued by the Nigerian government. They pay interest quarterly and return your principal at maturity (typically 2–3 years).
How to Start:
Subscribe through a stockbroker or platforms like Afrinvest 2.0. The government announces bond offerings monthly, often with a subscription link sent via email.
Subscribe through a stockbroker or platforms like Afrinvest 2.0. The government announces bond offerings monthly, often with a subscription link sent via email.
How Much You Need:
Starting from 5,000 Naira.
Starting from 5,000 Naira.
Why It’s Great:
With interest rates around 16–18%, these bonds are a safe bet for risk-averse investors. The government backing ensures minimal risk of default.
With interest rates around 16–18%, these bonds are a safe bet for risk-averse investors. The government backing ensures minimal risk of default.
5. Commercial Papers
What is it?
Commercial papers are short-term debt instruments issued by reputable corporations to raise funds. You lend money to companies like MTN or Dangote for 6–9 months and earn interest.
Commercial papers are short-term debt instruments issued by reputable corporations to raise funds. You lend money to companies like MTN or Dangote for 6–9 months and earn interest.
How to Start:
Invest through stockbrokers or platforms like Afrinvest 2.0 when offerings are available. For smaller investors, platforms like F Tribe allow group investments to meet minimum thresholds.
Invest through stockbrokers or platforms like Afrinvest 2.0 when offerings are available. For smaller investors, platforms like F Tribe allow group investments to meet minimum thresholds.
How Much You Need:
Typically 5 million Naira, but group platforms like F Tribe allow contributions as low as 500,000 Naira.
Typically 5 million Naira, but group platforms like F Tribe allow contributions as low as 500,000 Naira.
Why It’s Great:
High returns and short investment periods make commercial papers attractive, though due diligence on the issuing company’s financial health is crucial.
High returns and short investment periods make commercial papers attractive, though due diligence on the issuing company’s financial health is crucial.
6. Stocks
What is it?
Investing in stocks means buying shares of companies, either Nigerian (e.g., MTN, GTBank) or foreign (e.g., Amazon, Tesla). Stocks offer dividends and potential capital gains.
Investing in stocks means buying shares of companies, either Nigerian (e.g., MTN, GTBank) or foreign (e.g., Amazon, Tesla). Stocks offer dividends and potential capital gains.
How to Start:
Use platforms like Trove, Bamboo, or Chaka for foreign stocks, or local brokers for Nigerian stocks. Research solid companies with a track record of performance.
Use platforms like Trove, Bamboo, or Chaka for foreign stocks, or local brokers for Nigerian stocks. Research solid companies with a track record of performance.
How Much You Need:
As little as $1 for foreign stocks or 20–200 Naira for a single unit of Nigerian stocks (e.g., Fidelity Bank at ~20 Naira, MTN at ~200 Naira).
As little as $1 for foreign stocks or 20–200 Naira for a single unit of Nigerian stocks (e.g., Fidelity Bank at ~20 Naira, MTN at ~200 Naira).
Why It’s Great:
Stocks have high growth potential, especially for younger investors willing to tolerate market volatility. Dividends from companies like UBA and GTBank add passive income.
Stocks have high growth potential, especially for younger investors willing to tolerate market volatility. Dividends from companies like UBA and GTBank add passive income.
7. High-Interest Savings Accounts
What is it?
High-interest savings accounts offered by fintech platforms pay significantly higher interest than traditional bank accounts (2–3%).
High-interest savings accounts offered by fintech platforms pay significantly higher interest than traditional bank accounts (2–3%).
How to Start:
Sign up with platforms like PiggyVest (up to 22%), Optimus by Afrinvest (up to 28%), or Bamboo (up to 18%). Transfer funds to your account and choose between flexible or locked savings.
Sign up with platforms like PiggyVest (up to 22%), Optimus by Afrinvest (up to 28%), or Bamboo (up to 18%). Transfer funds to your account and choose between flexible or locked savings.
How Much You Need:
As low as 100 Naira.
As low as 100 Naira.
Why It’s Great:
This is one of the simplest ways to earn passive income without active management. It’s perfect for keeping your money safe while earning attractive returns.
This is one of the simplest ways to earn passive income without active management. It’s perfect for keeping your money safe while earning attractive returns.
8. Cryptocurrency
What is it?
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana are digital assets traded on platforms like Binance or Bybit. They’re highly volatile but offer significant growth potential.
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana are digital assets traded on platforms like Binance or Bybit. They’re highly volatile but offer significant growth potential.
How to Start:
Create an account on Binance or similar platforms, deposit funds, and invest in established cryptocurrencies. Stick to well-known coins to reduce risk.
Create an account on Binance or similar platforms, deposit funds, and invest in established cryptocurrencies. Stick to well-known coins to reduce risk.
How Much You Need:
Starting from $10 (approximately 16,000 Naira).
Starting from $10 (approximately 16,000 Naira).
Why It’s Great:
Crypto is ideal for risk-tolerant investors with a long-term perspective. Buying during market dips can lead to substantial gains during bull runs.
Crypto is ideal for risk-tolerant investors with a long-term perspective. Buying during market dips can lead to substantial gains during bull runs.
9. Real Estate
What is it?
Real estate involves buying land or properties for appreciation, rentals, or short-term lets. Land banking—buying undeveloped land in promising areas—is a popular strategy.
Real estate involves buying land or properties for appreciation, rentals, or short-term lets. Land banking—buying undeveloped land in promising areas—is a popular strategy.
How to Start:
Purchase land through reputable developers or join group investments for projects like those offered by Financial Journey’s community. For rentals, consider platforms like Airbnb.
Purchase land through reputable developers or join group investments for projects like those offered by Financial Journey’s community. For rentals, consider platforms like Airbnb.
How Much You Need:
From 1.9 million Naira for land banking to millions for developed properties. REITs (see #1) offer a cheaper entry point.
From 1.9 million Naira for land banking to millions for developed properties. REITs (see #1) offer a cheaper entry point.
Why It’s Great:
Real estate offers long-term appreciation and rental income, making it a cornerstone of wealth-building for Nigerians, especially the diaspora.
Real estate offers long-term appreciation and rental income, making it a cornerstone of wealth-building for Nigerians, especially the diaspora.
10. Agriculture
What is it?
Agricultural investments include farming (crops like rice or plantain), livestock (poultry, fish ponds), or processing agricultural products for resale.
Agricultural investments include farming (crops like rice or plantain), livestock (poultry, fish ponds), or processing agricultural products for resale.
How to Start:
Invest directly in farming or partner with platforms/managers who handle operations. You can also lease land to farmers or process crops like rice for profit.
Invest directly in farming or partner with platforms/managers who handle operations. You can also lease land to farmers or process crops like rice for profit.
How Much You Need:
Varies widely—small-scale farming can start with 50,000 Naira, while larger ventures require millions.
Varies widely—small-scale farming can start with 50,000 Naira, while larger ventures require millions.
Why It’s Great:
Agriculture is evergreen, as food demand never wanes. Processing and storage offer higher margins than raw farming.
Agriculture is evergreen, as food demand never wanes. Processing and storage offer higher margins than raw farming.
11. Art
What is it?
Investing in art involves buying paintings or collectibles from emerging or established artists, which can appreciate significantly over time.
Investing in art involves buying paintings or collectibles from emerging or established artists, which can appreciate significantly over time.
How to Start:
Purchase from galleries, auctions, or directly from artists. Research artists with growth potential or consult experts if you’re new to the art world.
Purchase from galleries, auctions, or directly from artists. Research artists with growth potential or consult experts if you’re new to the art world.
How Much You Need:
From a few thousand Naira for street art to millions for high-value pieces.
From a few thousand Naira for street art to millions for high-value pieces.
Why It’s Great:
Art doubles as decor and a store of value. A $2,000 painting could be worth $15,000 if the artist gains fame, offering both aesthetic and financial returns.
Art doubles as decor and a store of value. A $2,000 painting could be worth $15,000 if the artist gains fame, offering both aesthetic and financial returns.
12. Commodities (Food Storage)
What is it?
This involves buying food items like palm oil, rice, or garri when prices are low (e.g., during harvest season) and selling when prices rise.
This involves buying food items like palm oil, rice, or garri when prices are low (e.g., during harvest season) and selling when prices rise.
How to Start:
Buy in bulk from markets or wholesalers, store safely, and resell during scarcity. For example, store gallons of palm oil or bags of rice.
Buy in bulk from markets or wholesalers, store safely, and resell during scarcity. For example, store gallons of palm oil or bags of rice.
How Much You Need:
As little as 5,000 Naira for small-scale storage.
As little as 5,000 Naira for small-scale storage.
Why It’s Great:
This is a simple, low-entry investment that leverages seasonal price fluctuations for profit.
This is a simple, low-entry investment that leverages seasonal price fluctuations for profit.
13. Digital Products
What is it?
Digital products like eBooks, online courses, or templates (e.g., Financial Journey’s Wealth Bundle) are created once and sold repeatedly, generating passive income.
Digital products like eBooks, online courses, or templates (e.g., Financial Journey’s Wealth Bundle) are created once and sold repeatedly, generating passive income.
How to Start:
Use platforms like Canva (free) or paid tools to create products. List them on Seller, Gumroad, or similar platforms for sale.
Use platforms like Canva (free) or paid tools to create products. List them on Seller, Gumroad, or similar platforms for sale.
How Much You Need:
From 0 Naira (using free tools) to thousands for professional production.
From 0 Naira (using free tools) to thousands for professional production.
Why It’s Great:
Once created, digital products require minimal upkeep and can generate income indefinitely, making them a scalable investment.
Once created, digital products require minimal upkeep and can generate income indefinitely, making them a scalable investment.
14. Small Businesses/Angel Investing
What is it?
Investing in small businesses or startups as an angel investor involves funding promising ventures in exchange for equity or returns.
Investing in small businesses or startups as an angel investor involves funding promising ventures in exchange for equity or returns.
How to Start:
Join platforms that connect investors with startups or directly fund businesses with solid plans. Ensure legal agreements are in place.
Join platforms that connect investors with startups or directly fund businesses with solid plans. Ensure legal agreements are in place.
How Much You Need:
From 500,000 Naira (via group platforms) to 10–100 million for direct investments.
From 500,000 Naira (via group platforms) to 10–100 million for direct investments.
Why It’s Great:
High potential returns if the business succeeds, though it carries significant risk. Group platforms make this accessible to smaller investors.
High potential returns if the business succeeds, though it carries significant risk. Group platforms make this accessible to smaller investors.
15. Investing in Yourself
What is it?
This involves spending on education, certifications, mentorship, or skill-building to increase your earning potential.
This involves spending on education, certifications, mentorship, or skill-building to increase your earning potential.
How to Start:
Enroll in courses, watch free YouTube tutorials, read books, or join programs like Financial Journey’s Wealth Builders Academy.
Enroll in courses, watch free YouTube tutorials, read books, or join programs like Financial Journey’s Wealth Builders Academy.
How Much You Need:
From 0 Naira (free resources) to thousands for paid programs.
From 0 Naira (free resources) to thousands for paid programs.
Why It’s Great:
Investing in knowledge yields the highest returns by enhancing your career and financial decision-making.
Investing in knowledge yields the highest returns by enhancing your career and financial decision-making.
16. Enjoyment
What is it?
Investing in experiences like travel, spa days, or family outings enhances your quality of life and mental well-being.
Investing in experiences like travel, spa days, or family outings enhances your quality of life and mental well-being.
How to Start:
Budget for experiences that bring joy, from small treats (e.g., a massage) to larger adventures (e.g., international travel).
Budget for experiences that bring joy, from small treats (e.g., a massage) to larger adventures (e.g., international travel).
How Much You Need:
As little as 5,000 Naira for local experiences or millions for luxury trips.
As little as 5,000 Naira for local experiences or millions for luxury trips.
Why It’s Great:
While not financial, these investments improve your happiness and productivity, making you a “richer” person overall.
While not financial, these investments improve your happiness and productivity, making you a “richer” person overall.
17. Wealth Builders Academy
What is it?
Financial Journey’s Wealth Builders Academy is a 3-week online program that guides participants through various investments, offering hands-on support.
Financial Journey’s Wealth Builders Academy is a 3-week online program that guides participants through various investments, offering hands-on support.
How to Start:
Join via the link provided in the video’s description. The program covers stocks, treasury bills, commercial papers, and more.
Join via the link provided in the video’s description. The program covers stocks, treasury bills, commercial papers, and more.
How Much You Need:
Varies (check the link for details).
Varies (check the link for details).
Why It’s Great:
This structured program is perfect for beginners needing guidance to navigate complex investments confidently.
This structured program is perfect for beginners needing guidance to navigate complex investments confidently.
Key Takeaways
No matter your income level, there’s an investment for you in Nigeria. Start small with options like high-interest savings accounts or FGN Savings Bonds if you’re risk-averse, or explore higher-risk, higher-reward options like stocks, crypto, or real estate if you’re ready to dive deeper. The key is to start now, educate yourself, and diversify your portfolio to balance risk and reward.
For more detailed guides on these investments, check out Financial Journey’s YouTube channel, where she shares step-by-step tutorials and screen-sharing demos. If you’re ready to take your financial journey to the next level, consider joining the Wealth Builders Academy for personalized guidance.
Watch the Full Video
To dive deeper into these 17 investment opportunities and see practical examples, watch the full YouTube video below
Disclaimer: Investing involves risks, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Always conduct thorough research or consult a financial advisor before investing.
