Do you know how to buy stocks in Nigeria?
Investing in stocks is one of the ways to grow your money over time, and Nigeria has its own stock market where you can do this.
For the past few years, many people who have invested in the best performing stocks in Nigeria have reaped huge returns, from an increase in the value of their investment, and from dividend payments.
In the first half of 2025, some stocks returned more than 200% the funds invested in them at the beginning of the year.
One of those stocks is now up by more than 700% so far in 2025.
Incredible, isn’t it? But it’s true.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the best performing stocks in Nigeria from the first half of the year 2025.
If you’re new to the idea, don’t worry; this guide will walk you through the basics of how to invest in Nigerian stocks, using simple language and examples. We’ll also take into account the unique nature of Nigeria’s economy and financial system.
What Is the Stock Market?
The stock market is a place (or situation) where people buy and sell shares (also called stocks) of companies.
A share is a small piece of ownership in a company.
When you buy shares of a company like Zenith Bank or Dangote Cement, you become a part-owner of that company, and you can earn money if the company does well.
In Nigeria, the main stock market is the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), formerly known as the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).
And in the United States, the main stock markets are the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ. The NYSE is the world’s largest stock exchange.
Why Invest in Stocks?
Here are a few reasons why people invest in stocks in Nigeria:
- To grow their money over time (better than just saving in a regular bank account).
- To earn dividends– This is a portion of the company’s profits shared with shareholders.
- To stay ahead of inflation– Inflation in Nigeria can reduce the value of your money if it just sits idle.
But remember, stock prices can go up and down, so there is some risk involved.
How to Buy Stocks in Nigeria
Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to buy stocks in Nigeria.
1. Understand Your Investment Goals
Before you invest, ask yourself:
*Are you investing for long-term growth?
*Are you saving for a specific goal like a house or your children’s education?
*How much risk are you willing to take?
In Nigeria, because of economic instability (like high inflation and currency fluctuations), long-term investment may be more rewarding than short-term speculation.
2. Learn the Basics
Here are a few important terms:
*Broker: A licensed professional or company that helps you buy and sell stocks.
*Dividend: Profit shared by the company with shareholders.
*Capital Gain: When you sell your stock at a higher price than you bought it.
*Portfolio: The collection of stocks or investments you own.
3. Choose a Stockbroker
You cannot buy stocks directly from the NGX. You need a registered stockbroker.
Some popular stockbroking firms in Nigeria include:
- Meristem Securities (Website HERE)
- ARM Securities (Website HERE)
- Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers (Website HERE)
- CSL Stockbrokers (Website HERE)
Make sure the broker is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).
4. Open a CSCS Account
Once you choose a broker, they’ll help you open a CSCS account. This is an account with the Central Securities Clearing System, where your shares will be kept electronically.
Think of it as a digital wallet for your stocks.
5. Fund Your Account
To buy stocks, you need to send money to your stockbroker. This is usually done via bank transfer.
Start small. You don’t need millions to invest. You can begin with as little as ₦10,000, depending on the stock.
Funding your account should be easy if you’re using a digital platform e.g. a stockbrokerage’s mobile app. For example, the Meritrade app from Meristem Securities, or Arinvestor from Afrinvest .
Other stock trading platforms are principally accessible on the web (e.g. using a laptop). An example of this is (e.g. the live trading portal on InvestNow from United Capital).
Hint: Investing with registered stockbrokers is usually comes at smaller costs than popular investment apps, like Bamboo or Trove (more on them towards the end of this article). However, those apps are more accessible, and tend to record better use experience.
6. Buy Your First Stocks
Your broker can give you advice on which stocks to buy, or you can research them yourself. Some popular Nigerian stocks include:
- GTCO (GTBank)
- MTN Nigeria
- Nestlé Nigeria
- Seplat Energy
- Okomu Oil Palm
Look at how stable the company is, how much dividend they pay, and their future prospects.
7. Monitor Your Investment
After buying stocks, keep an eye on them. You can use platforms like:
- The NGX website (visit it HERE]
- Bloomberg (Visit HERE)
- Investing.com (Visit HERE)
- Trading View (visit HERE)
- Nigerian stockbroker mobile apps (e.g., Meritrade)
But don’t panic when prices go up and down; that’s normal.
8. Think Long-Term
In Nigeria, it’s often wise to invest for the long term. Short-term price changes may be affected by political events, inflation, and currency changes. Over time, good companies tend to grow, and your investment will likely grow too.
Things to Keep in Mind
*Currency Fluctuations: The value of the naira can affect foreign investment and company performance.
*Inflation: High inflation can reduce your real returns, so look for stocks that can grow faster than inflation.
*Dividends Matter: In Nigeria, many investors value dividends because they provide regular income.
*Economic Policies: Government actions (like CBN policies or import bans) can affect company profits and stock prices.
Where to Buy Stocks in Nigeria: Use Investment Apps
If you don’t know where to buy stocks in Nigeria, you can use modern investment applications. To be specific, you can use these apps to buy stocks in Nigeria:
- Trove (Nigerian and global stocks)
- Cowrywise (Nigerian stocks)
- Bamboo (Nigerian and US stocks)
- I-invest (Nigerian stocks)
- Yochaa (Nigerian stocks)
These apps are beginner-friendly and often come with educational resources. You can download them from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Last Words
Investing in Nigerian stocks is a smart way to grow your money, especially if you take time to learn the ropes. Start small, stay informed, and be patient.
As is the case in other countries, Nigeria’s stock market has its ups and downs. But if you do good research and adopt a long-term mindset, you will learn how to invest in Nigerian stocks, and benefit from them.
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