By Ejiofor Toochi
Once again, a new year is here. Another year to draft budgets we barely stick to. Another year to
make financially wise or unwise decisions. I get it. In this ever-dwindling economy, it is
extremely hard to manage your finances. Saving money while meeting your family’s and your
own needs is challenging. Setting aside a portion of your income for investments is even more
difficult.
One message I came across recently is that “if it is a safe option, then it’s probably not the best.”
Life is about taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone. The more you spend now, the
more you take from your future. To build wealth, you have to be intentional about investing.
I recently read a story about a retired 53-year-old who accumulated over ₦1 billion in assets. She
said, “I retired at 53 as a director, with a portfolio worth over ₦1 billion spread across real estate,
stocks, bonds, forex, and fixed deposits. This didn’t happen by luck. It was the result of
deliberate decisions, smart investments, and some hard lessons along the way.”
With that in mind, here are some investment options to consider in 2025. It’s never too late to
start. This year, let your money work for you!
Fixed Deposits
Fixed deposits are one of the easiest and safest ways to earn passive income. These are special
savings accounts where you lock in your money for a set period and earn up to 8% interest.
Fixed deposit tenures typically range from a minimum of 30 days to a maximum of 180 days.
You can visit any Nigerian bank to start.
Cowrywise Naira Mutual Funds
If you want higher returns than fixed deposits but with minimal risk, consider money market
mutual funds. These funds invest in short-term, low-risk assets like treasury bills and commercial
papers. On Cowrywise, you can start investing with as little as N1,000, earning annual returns
starting from 20%. Returns are calculated daily based on your investment amount and the
prevailing rate.
PiggyVest
PiggyVest is a user-friendly online platform offering a variety of investment options for
Nigerians of all ages. Its Safelock functions similarly to fixed deposits, lets you lock your money
for a set period and earn up to 20% interest upfront. The exact returns depend on the duration of
the lock period, and you can keep your funds on the platform indefinitely. Another feature,
Investify allows you to invest in vetted opportunities like farms and real estate with as little as
N5,000, offering returns up to 35%.
Stocks
Investing in stocks means buying shares in a company. While stocks can be risky, they also offer
some of the highest returns over time. Last year, Transcorp’s stock experienced remarkable
growth, closing at N48.60 per share from N11.05. Nigerians who purchased shares earned a
339.8% increase. You can buy shares at low costs and in different companies too. Consider using
apps like Trove, MeriTrade, Chaka and Bamboo.
Real Estate
Lagos real estate remains one of the best investments for Nigerians looking to build wealth.
While buying land in Ikeja might be expensive, emerging areas like Ikorodu, Mowe, and Epe
offer affordable options. You can buy land, rent out apartments, or join real estate investment
groups. This option is best for anyone who wants a stable, long-term investment with good resale
value.
Sometimes, the best investment isn’t in stocks or land, it’s in yourself. If you have
N50,000–N200,000, consider investing in a POS business, thrift fashion, perfume or poultry
business. These businesses have low startup costs and guaranteed daily income.
While each of these investment options carries its risks and rewards, the key to successful
investing in 2025 is diversification. Consider spreading your investments across different asset
classes to mitigate risks and maximize returns. Additionally, conducting thorough research and
seeking financial advice before investing is necessary
