This is a very common misunderstanding when investing in equity funds. Nothing is wrong — it's just how YTD works vs. your personal return. Let’s break it down very simply. First — What You Expected You invested in December 2025 in Paramount Equity Fund and expected: "When January starts, my returnRead more
This is a very common misunderstanding when investing in equity funds. Nothing is wrong — it’s just how YTD works vs. your personal return.
Let’s break it down very simply.
First — What You Expected
You invested in December 2025 in Paramount Equity Fund and expected:
“When January starts, my return should grow exactly like the YTD.”
But that’s not how YTD works.
Simple Explanation (Mama Ngozi Version 🍅)
Imagine:
On January 1, tomatoes price = ₦100
Today, tomatoes price = ₦150
So market YTD gain = 50%
But Mama Ngozi bought tomatoes in December at ₦140
Now:
₦140 → ₦150 = only 7% gain
Even though YTD = 50%, Mama Ngozi only got 7%
That’s exactly what happened to your investment.
What YTD Actually Means
YTD (Year-To-Date) means:
Performance from January 1 of the current year until today
So YTD is calculated from:
January 1 price
Not when you invested
Why Your Return Is Different
There are 3 main reasons:
1. You Invested Before January (Different Entry Price)
If:
December price = higher
January price = lower
Then YTD may look big — but your return may be smaller.
Because:
You bought at December price
YTD started from January price
2. Equity Funds Move Daily
Paramount Equity Fund is an equity fund, meaning:
Price goes up and down daily
Timing matters a lot
So:
Someone who invested January may have better return
Someone who invested December may have lower return
3. YTD Is Market Performance — Not Personal Performance
Important difference:
YTD
Your Return
Market performance
Your entry performance
Starts January 1
Starts when you invested
Same for everyone
Different for each investor
Example (Simple Numbers)
Date
Fund Price
Dec 2025
₦10
Jan 2026
₦8
Today
₦11
YTD:
₦8 → ₦11 = 37.5%
Your return:
₦10 → ₦11 = 10%
See the difference?
Good News
This is not bad — in fact:
You invested early
You are thinking long-term
Equity funds perform better over time
You’re doing the right thing.
My Advice (Very Important for Equity Funds)
With equity funds:
Ignore short-term percentage differences
Focus on 1–3 years performance
Continue adding gradually
This situation is confusing, but it actually happens often in Nigeria. Let me explain it very simply — like explaining to Mama Ngozi in the market. 🍅 Simple Explanation (Mama Ngozi Version) Imagine Mama Ngozi lent money to someone every year, but the amount they pay her changes each year: One year →Read more
This situation is confusing, but it actually happens often in Nigeria. Let me explain it very simply — like explaining to Mama Ngozi in the market. 🍅
Simple Explanation (Mama Ngozi Version)
Imagine Mama Ngozi lent money to someone every year, but the amount they pay her changes each year:
One year → ₦5
Another year → ₦2
Another year → ₦0 (no profit that year)
After 18 years, when she collects everything, she may still get very small payments.
That is exactly what happened with your FCMB Group Plc shares.
Why You Received ₦11, ₦22, ₦25 (Small Amounts)
There are 5 very common reasons:
1. FCMB Paid Very Small Dividends in Many Years
Not every year pays big dividends.
Example (illustration):
Year
Dividend per Share
2008
₦0.10
2009
₦0.05
2010
₦0.00
2011
₦0.05
If you have 20,000 shares, some years still give very small amounts.
2. Payments May Be Coming in Batches
Registrars sometimes pay in small batches:
₦11 today
₦22 tomorrow
₦25 next week
More payments may still come.
So you may not have received everything yet.
3. You May Only Be Receiving Interest on Old Dividends First
Sometimes:
Old dividends were already expired
They first pay interest or partial payments
Then pay the main amount later
4. Some Years FCMB Did Not Pay Dividends
Some companies do not pay dividends every year.
Especially banks during:
Financial crisis (2008–2009)
Banking recapitalization
Low profit years
So 18 years does not always mean 18 payments.
5. Registrar May Still Be Processing Payments
FCMB dividend payments are handled by registrars like:
First Registrars and Investor Services Limited
or another registrar assigned by FCMB Group Plc
They sometimes process:
By year
By dividend type
By batch
Very Important — You Should Check These 3 Things
To understand properly, do this:
1. Check Dividend Statement
Ask registrar for:
Full dividend history
Amount paid per year
2. Confirm Your Share Quantity
Make sure:
It is truly 20,000 shares
No share consolidation happened
3. Confirm If More Payments Are Coming
Ask:
“Is this part payment?”
“When will full payment be completed?”
Good News (Important)
Since you already received small payments, it means:
✅ Your claim is successful
✅ Your shares exist
✅ Payments are processing
More money may still be coming.
My Honest Opinion
For 20,000 shares since 2008, ₦11, ₦22, ₦25 is too small to be the full payment.
So most likely: 👉 More payments are still coming
Short answer: No — most investment app wallets in Nigeria do NOT earn interest unless you invest the money. If you just fund the wallet and leave it there, it usually stays dormant like cash in a drawer. Let me explain properly. Why Investment App Wallets Usually Don't Earn Interest Investment appsRead more
Short answer: No — most investment app wallets in Nigeria do NOT earn interest unless you invest the money.
If you just fund the wallet and leave it there, it usually stays dormant like cash in a drawer.
Let me explain properly.
Why Investment App Wallets Usually Don’t Earn Interest
Investment apps are brokerage platforms, not banks.
So your wallet is mainly for:
Holding money temporarily
Buying investments (stocks, funds, bonds, etc.)
Waiting for withdrawal
Because of this, they typically don’t pay interest.
What Happens in Popular Nigerian Investment Apps
Apps Where Wallet Usually DOES NOT Earn Interest
Bamboo
Trove
Chaka
Risevest
If you leave money in wallet:
No monthly interest
No returns
Just idle cash
Apps Where Wallet MAY Earn Interest (Only If Auto-Invest Feature Exists)
Some platforms automatically move idle cash into:
Money Market Fund
Treasury fund
Liquid fund
Examples:
InvestNaija (depending on settings)
Some mutual fund apps
But this is not automatic in most apps — you must invest manually.
Compare With Commercial Banks
Commercial banks may give:
Small savings interest (1–4% yearly)
Investment apps:
Usually 0% unless invested
Smart Strategy (What Experienced Investors Do)
Instead of leaving idle cash:
Put temporary funds in:
Money Market Fund
Treasury bills
Liquid funds
These give:
Daily interest
Monthly returns
Low risk
Since you were earlier asking about MMF, this is exactly why people use them — to avoid idle cash.
My Recommendation For You
Because you’re building investment discipline:
Best practice:
Fund wallet only when ready to invest
OR
Move idle money into Money Market Fund
Quick Summary
Wallet only = No interest
Money Market Fund = Interest
Best practice = Avoid idle cash
Starting with a Holding Company + Trading Company is a smart structure, especially if you plan to grow beyond small buying and selling. Let me break this down clearly. First: Simple Explanation Holding Company → Owns assets (cash, shares, properties, investments) Trading Company → Does the buying anRead more
Starting with a Holding Company + Trading Company is a smart structure, especially if you plan to grow beyond small buying and selling. Let me break this down clearly.
First: Simple Explanation
Holding Company → Owns assets (cash, shares, properties, investments)
Trading Company → Does the buying and selling business
This structure protects your wealth and reduces risk.
Example:
Jeremiah Holdings Ltd → Holding company
Jeremiah Trading Ltd → Buying & selling business
If the trading company has problems (debt, lawsuit, losses), your holding company assets remain safe.
(1) Does Holding Company Require a Separate Bank Account?
Yes. 100% YES.
You must open separate bank accounts for:
Holding company bank account
Trading company bank account
Why this is very important
Avoid tax confusion
Avoid legal issues
Protect assets properly
Keep clean accounting records
If you mix accounts:
It defeats the purpose of a holding structure
Can cause problems with Corporate Affairs Commission
Can cause tax complications with Federal Inland Revenue Service
(2) How to Run the Accounts Without Complications (Simple Method)
Use this simple structure:
Step 1 — Trading Company Makes Profit
Example:
You buy goods ₦500,000
Sell ₦700,000
Profit = ₦200,000
This money stays in Trading Company account
Step 2 — Transfer Profit to Holding Company
Trading company sends money as:
Dividend OR
Management fee OR
Loan repayment
Example: Trading company transfers ₦150,000 to holding company
Now:
Trading company keeps working capital
Holding company stores wealth safely
Tax Advantage (Very Important)
This structure can help:
Reduce risk
Improve tax planning
Separate liabilities
In Nigeria:
Trading company pays business tax
Holding company may pay less tax depending on structure
Tax authorities involved:
Federal Inland Revenue Service (Company Income Tax)
Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (if you operate in Lagos)
Simple Example of Clean Structure
Company
Role
Bank Account
Tax
Holding Company
Stores wealth
Separate
Usually lower activity
Trading Company
Buying & Selling
Separate
Pays business tax
Why This Structure Is Powerful (Especially For You)
Since you are:
Starting small
Planning long term
Interested in investing (stocks, funds etc.)
This structure helps you:
✔ Protect profits
✔ Expand into multiple businesses
✔ Invest through holding company
✔ Build long-term wealth
Example Future Growth
Later you can add:
Holding Company owns:
Trading company
School business
Fish farming
Real estate
Stock investments
One holding company → Many businesses
My Honest Advice (Beginner Friendly)
Start simple:
Register Trading Company first
Start business
Later register Holding Company
This avoids unnecessary cost at the beginning.
Yes — this is normal with the Bamboo App and it does not automatically mean fraud. Here's the clear explanation: Why Your Bamboo Funding Account Changed There are 3 common reasons this happens: 1. Bamboo Uses Dynamic / Virtual Account Numbers Bamboo assigns unique account numbers for wallet top-upsRead more
Yes — this is normal with the Bamboo App and it does not automatically mean fraud. Here’s the clear explanation:
Why Your Bamboo Funding Account Changed
There are 3 common reasons this happens:
1. Bamboo Uses Dynamic / Virtual Account Numbers
Bamboo assigns unique account numbers for wallet top-ups
These account numbers can change over time depending on payment provider or system updates
This is common with fintech apps in Nigeria (like Opay, Moniepoint, Paystack virtual accounts)
Bamboo itself confirms that users are given a unique account number for direct wallet funding, and you should always copy the account details inside the app before sending money.
2. Payment Provider Change
Sometimes Bamboo changes:
Bank partner (e.g. Providus → Wema → Sterling etc.)
Account number format
Wallet provider
When this happens, your funding account details change automatically.
3. Security / Compliance Updates
Bamboo may also rotate account details:
To prevent fraud
To improve transaction speed
Due to banking regulation changes
Is It Safe To Use The New Account?
Yes — IF the new details are inside your Bamboo app:
Safe to proceed when:
✔ The new account appears inside your Bamboo app
✔ You clicked Deposit → Wallet Top up
✔ The account name still reflects Bamboo / payment partner
Do NOT Proceed If:
⚠ Someone sent the account details via:
WhatsApp
Telegram
Email
Social media
Always trust only the account inside the app.
My Professional Advice (Very Important)
Before sending large money:
Send small test amount (₦1,000 – ₦5,000)
Confirm it reflects
Then send full amount
This is what experienced investors normally do.
Extra (Important for You)
Since you’re serious about investing (you’ve been asking about stocks, MMF, Bamboo etc.), this is actually a good sign:
Bamboo is still actively updating infrastructure
Active platforms usually improve payment systems
Quick Summary
Yes, Bamboo account numbers can change
This is normal and happens in fintech apps
Safe if the new account is inside the app
Test with small amount first
Yes, you can change your Next of Kin (NOK) for your company stocks in Nigeria. But how you change it depends on where you bought the shares. There are 3 common ways: 🥇 Method 1 — Through Your Stockbroker (Easiest) If you bought shares through: A stockbroker app A brokerage firm Contact your stockbroRead more
Yes, you can change your Next of Kin (NOK) for your company stocks in Nigeria.
But how you change it depends on where you bought the shares.
There are 3 common ways:
🥇 Method 1 — Through Your Stockbroker (Easiest)
If you bought shares through:
A stockbroker app
A brokerage firm
Contact your stockbroker and request:
“Next of Kin Update Form”
They will:
Send form
You fill it
Submit with ID
Examples of stockbrokers:
Meristem Securities Limited
CardinalStone Securities
Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers
🥈 Method 2 — Through the Company Registrar (Most Common)
Each company has a registrar that manages shareholder records.
Examples:
DataMax Registrars Limited
Coronation Registrars Limited
Africa Prudential Plc
First Registrars & Investor Services
You will:
Contact registrar
Request Next of Kin Update Form
Fill form
Attach ID
Submit
🥉 Method 3 — Through CSCS Account (If You Have One)
If you already opened CSCS account, you can:
Contact your stockbroker
Request CSCS update form
Update Next of Kin
Example:
Central Securities Clearing System Plc
📋 Documents Usually Required
You may need:
Valid ID
Passport photo
Signature
CSCS number (if available)
Shareholder number
⏱️ How Long It Takes
3 days — 2 weeks (depending on registrar)
Important Tip
Your Next of Kin is very important because:
It helps claim dividends
It helps transfer shares if anything happens
It avoids legal problems
Here is the clear difference between Money Market Fund (MMF) and Paramount Fund (Equity) on the InvestNaija platform. I'll explain major differences first, then minor differences, then which one is best for you. 🥇 Major Difference (Most Important) Feature Money Market Fund (MMF) Paramount Fund (EquiRead more
Here is the clear difference between Money Market Fund (MMF) and Paramount Fund (Equity) on the InvestNaija platform.
I’ll explain major differences first, then minor differences, then which one is best for you.
🥇 Major Difference (Most Important)
Feature
Money Market Fund (MMF)
Paramount Fund (Equity)
Risk Level
Low risk
High risk
Return
Moderate
High (but fluctuates)
Investment
Treasury bills, deposits
Nigerian stocks
Capital Safety
Very safe
Can go up or down
Best For
Beginners / short term
Long term growth
Withdrawal
Fast (1-2 days)
Slower sometimes
Volatility
Very stable
Can rise and fall
📊 What Money Market Fund (MMF) Does
The Chapel Hill Denham Money Market Fund:
Invests in Treasury bills, deposits, commercial paper
Focuses on capital preservation and steady income
Allows easy entry and exit
Pays steady returns with low volatility
Typical returns:
Around 20%–24% yearly (market dependent)
Best for:
Beginners
Emergency savings
Short-term investment
📈 What Paramount Fund (Equity) Does
The Chapel Hill Denham Paramount Fund (Equity):
Invests mainly in shares of Nigerian companies
Targets capital growth
Around 95% invested in stocks
High return but capital can fluctuate
Example:
66.33% return in 2025 (Jan-July)
494% return in 5 years
(But returns not guaranteed)
Best for:
Long-term investors
People who want higher growth
Investors who can handle market ups & downs
🧠 Minor Differences
Feature
MMF
Paramount Equity
Minimum investment
₦5,000
₦5,000
Investment horizon
Short term
Long term (3+ years)
Income type
Interest
Capital growth
Market exposure
No stock market
Stock market exposure
Volatility
Very low
High
🏆 Which One Should You Choose?
Since you’re new, I recommend:
Start Like This
60% → Money Market Fund
40% → Paramount Equity
This is safe beginner strategy.
Example: If you invest ₦100,000:
₦60,000 → MMF
₦40,000 → Paramount
This balances:
Safety
Growth
My Honest Advice (Based On You)
Since you’re:
New investor
Still learning
Building capital
Start with:
Money Market Fund first
Add Paramount gradually
This is the smart investor path.
Yes — you can invest in MMF with InvestNaija, and it's actually a good option for beginners 👍 Let me guide you step-by-step. 🏦 What Is InvestNaija MMF? InvestNaija offers Money Market Funds (MMF) where your money is invested in: Treasury Bills Fixed deposits Commercial papers Bank placements These aRead more
Yes — you can invest in MMF with InvestNaija, and it’s actually a good option for beginners 👍
Let me guide you step-by-step.
🏦 What Is InvestNaija MMF?
InvestNaija offers Money Market Funds (MMF) where your money is invested in:
Treasury Bills
Fixed deposits
Commercial papers
Bank placements
These are low-risk investments managed by professionals.
Money Market Funds in Nigeria currently yield around 21%–26% yearly depending on market conditions.
🔐 Is InvestNaija Safe?
Yes, InvestNaija is relatively safe because:
It is powered by Chapel Hill Denham
They are licensed by SEC Nigeria
They operate on NGX and other regulated exchanges
This means it’s regulated investment, not random fintech.
📱 How To Start Investing (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 — Download App
Search:
InvestNaija on Google Play Store / App Store
Step 2 — Create Account
You’ll need:
BVN
Email
Phone number
Valid ID
Step 3 — Fund Your Wallet
Transfer from:
Bank account
Debit card
Step 4 — Select “Money Market Fund”
Choose:
Low risk
Flexible withdrawal
Start with small amount
Step 5 — Start Small (Recommended)
If you’re new:
Start with ₦10,000 – ₦50,000
Monitor returns
⭐ Best Apps For MMF in Nigeria (Beginner Friendly)
Here are the safest popular ones:
🥇 Best Overall (Beginner Friendly)
Cowrywise
InvestNaija
🥈 Also Very Good
PiggyVest
Stanbic IBTC Invest
My Honest Recommendation (For You)
Since you’re just starting:
Start with:
InvestNaija (Good choice already)
Add Cowrywise later
Then stocks later
This is safe beginner path.
My Personal Beginner Strategy
If I were starting today:
40% → Money Market Fund
30% → Stocks (later)
30% → Emergency savings
Yes — it can be true. But it depends on what exactly you're investing in. Some fintechs legally don't require CSCS or CHN, while others must have it. Let me break it down clearly 👇 🇳🇬 First — What is CSCS & CHN? CSCS = Central Securities Clearing System CHN = Clearing House Number They are requiRead more
Yes — it can be true. But it depends on what exactly you’re investing in.
Some fintechs legally don’t require CSCS or CHN, while others must have it.
Let me break it down clearly 👇
🇳🇬 First — What is CSCS & CHN?
CSCS = Central Securities Clearing System
CHN = Clearing House Number
They are required when you invest in Nigerian stocks directly on the Nigerian Exchange Group.
If you’re buying shares like:
Zenith Bank
AccessCorp
GTCO
Dangote Cement
➡️ You must have CSCS + CHN (No exception)
✅ When Fintechs DON’T Need CSCS (This is Normal)
Some fintechs don’t buy stocks directly for you. Instead they offer:
1. Mutual Funds
Examples:
Money Market Funds
Equity Funds
Balanced Funds
These are handled by:
Fund managers
Trustees
Custodians
So you don’t need CSCS
2. Money Market Funds (MMF)
Examples:
Treasury Bills
Commercial papers
Bank deposits
No CSCS required.
3. Dollar Investment Platforms
Examples:
US stocks (via foreign partners)
Dollar mutual funds
They use foreign custodians, not CSCS.
⚠️ When You SHOULD Be Careful
If a fintech says:
“You don’t need CSCS to buy Nigerian stocks”
🚨 This is a red flag
Because:
Nigerian shares must be in CSCS
If not, you don’t truly own the shares
Safe vs Risky (Simple Table)
Investment Type
CSCS Required
Safe?
Nigerian Stocks
Yes
Very Safe
Mutual Funds
No
Safe
Money Market Fund
No
Safe
US Stocks
No
Safe (if regulated)
Fintech “stock” without CSCS
No
⚠️ Risky
How To Know If Fintech Is Safe
Check if they are regulated by:
Securities and Exchange Commission Nigeria
Central Bank of Nigeria
Nigerian Exchange Group
My Honest Advice (Based on Your Investment Journey)
Since you’re starting seriously:
Use CSCS for Nigerian stocks
Use fintechs for MMF & mutual funds
Avoid fintechs holding your shares without CSCS
This is the safest structure.
When a stock shows "Expired" in your portfolio, it usually means one of these 5 things happened: 🔎 Common Reasons Your Stock Shows "Expired" 1. 🕒 Order Expired (Most Common) This means: You placed a buy or sell order The order was not matched The trading day ended The order expired automatically ExaRead more
When a stock shows “Expired” in your portfolio, it usually means one of these 5 things happened:
🔎 Common Reasons Your Stock Shows “Expired”
1. 🕒 Order Expired (Most Common)
This means:
You placed a buy or sell order
The order was not matched
The trading day ended
The order expired automatically
Example:
You tried to buy Zenith at ₦40
Market price stayed at ₦41
Nobody sold at ₦40
➡️ Your order expired
✅ What to do
Simply place the order again
Or adjust your price
2. 📅 Good-Till-Date Order Expired
Some apps allow:
Good-till-day
Good-till-week
Good-till-date
If the date passed → it becomes expired
✅ What to do
Re-submit the order
3. 📉 Offer Closed / Market Closed
If:
Trading ended
Or auction session closed
Order may show expired
✅ What to do
Wait for next trading day
Re-place order
4. 🏦 IPO / Rights Issue Expired
If you applied for:
IPO
Rights Issue
Offer for sale
After closing date → it shows expired
✅ What to do
Wait for allotment
Or ignore if offer ended
5. 📱 App Display Issue (Sometimes)
Some Nigerian brokerage apps:
Show old expired orders
Keep expired status in history
This is normal
✅ What You Should Do Now
Please check:
Is it Buy order or Sell order?
Was the order executed?
Or still pending?
Why Is My Paramount Equity Fund Return Different from the YTD Performance After Investing in December?
This is a very common misunderstanding when investing in equity funds. Nothing is wrong — it's just how YTD works vs. your personal return. Let’s break it down very simply. First — What You Expected You invested in December 2025 in Paramount Equity Fund and expected: "When January starts, my returnRead more
This is a very common misunderstanding when investing in equity funds. Nothing is wrong — it’s just how YTD works vs. your personal return.
See lessLet’s break it down very simply.
First — What You Expected
You invested in December 2025 in Paramount Equity Fund and expected:
“When January starts, my return should grow exactly like the YTD.”
But that’s not how YTD works.
Simple Explanation (Mama Ngozi Version 🍅)
Imagine:
On January 1, tomatoes price = ₦100
Today, tomatoes price = ₦150
So market YTD gain = 50%
But Mama Ngozi bought tomatoes in December at ₦140
Now:
₦140 → ₦150 = only 7% gain
Even though YTD = 50%, Mama Ngozi only got 7%
That’s exactly what happened to your investment.
What YTD Actually Means
YTD (Year-To-Date) means:
Performance from January 1 of the current year until today
So YTD is calculated from:
January 1 price
Not when you invested
Why Your Return Is Different
There are 3 main reasons:
1. You Invested Before January (Different Entry Price)
If:
December price = higher
January price = lower
Then YTD may look big — but your return may be smaller.
Because:
You bought at December price
YTD started from January price
2. Equity Funds Move Daily
Paramount Equity Fund is an equity fund, meaning:
Price goes up and down daily
Timing matters a lot
So:
Someone who invested January may have better return
Someone who invested December may have lower return
3. YTD Is Market Performance — Not Personal Performance
Important difference:
YTD
Your Return
Market performance
Your entry performance
Starts January 1
Starts when you invested
Same for everyone
Different for each investor
Example (Simple Numbers)
Date
Fund Price
Dec 2025
₦10
Jan 2026
₦8
Today
₦11
YTD:
₦8 → ₦11 = 37.5%
Your return:
₦10 → ₦11 = 10%
See the difference?
Good News
This is not bad — in fact:
You invested early
You are thinking long-term
Equity funds perform better over time
You’re doing the right thing.
My Advice (Very Important for Equity Funds)
With equity funds:
Ignore short-term percentage differences
Focus on 1–3 years performance
Continue adding gradually
Why Did I Receive Very Small Payments After Claiming 18 Years of Unclaimed Dividends from FCMB Shares?
This situation is confusing, but it actually happens often in Nigeria. Let me explain it very simply — like explaining to Mama Ngozi in the market. 🍅 Simple Explanation (Mama Ngozi Version) Imagine Mama Ngozi lent money to someone every year, but the amount they pay her changes each year: One year →Read more
This situation is confusing, but it actually happens often in Nigeria. Let me explain it very simply — like explaining to Mama Ngozi in the market. 🍅
See lessSimple Explanation (Mama Ngozi Version)
Imagine Mama Ngozi lent money to someone every year, but the amount they pay her changes each year:
One year → ₦5
Another year → ₦2
Another year → ₦0 (no profit that year)
After 18 years, when she collects everything, she may still get very small payments.
That is exactly what happened with your FCMB Group Plc shares.
Why You Received ₦11, ₦22, ₦25 (Small Amounts)
There are 5 very common reasons:
1. FCMB Paid Very Small Dividends in Many Years
Not every year pays big dividends.
Example (illustration):
Year
Dividend per Share
2008
₦0.10
2009
₦0.05
2010
₦0.00
2011
₦0.05
If you have 20,000 shares, some years still give very small amounts.
2. Payments May Be Coming in Batches
Registrars sometimes pay in small batches:
₦11 today
₦22 tomorrow
₦25 next week
More payments may still come.
So you may not have received everything yet.
3. You May Only Be Receiving Interest on Old Dividends First
Sometimes:
Old dividends were already expired
They first pay interest or partial payments
Then pay the main amount later
4. Some Years FCMB Did Not Pay Dividends
Some companies do not pay dividends every year.
Especially banks during:
Financial crisis (2008–2009)
Banking recapitalization
Low profit years
So 18 years does not always mean 18 payments.
5. Registrar May Still Be Processing Payments
FCMB dividend payments are handled by registrars like:
First Registrars and Investor Services Limited
or another registrar assigned by FCMB Group Plc
They sometimes process:
By year
By dividend type
By batch
Very Important — You Should Check These 3 Things
To understand properly, do this:
1. Check Dividend Statement
Ask registrar for:
Full dividend history
Amount paid per year
2. Confirm Your Share Quantity
Make sure:
It is truly 20,000 shares
No share consolidation happened
3. Confirm If More Payments Are Coming
Ask:
“Is this part payment?”
“When will full payment be completed?”
Good News (Important)
Since you already received small payments, it means:
✅ Your claim is successful
✅ Your shares exist
✅ Payments are processing
More money may still be coming.
My Honest Opinion
For 20,000 shares since 2008, ₦11, ₦22, ₦25 is too small to be the full payment.
So most likely: 👉 More payments are still coming
Do Investment App Wallets Earn Interest in Nigeria If You Don’t Invest in Money Market Funds?
Short answer: No — most investment app wallets in Nigeria do NOT earn interest unless you invest the money. If you just fund the wallet and leave it there, it usually stays dormant like cash in a drawer. Let me explain properly. Why Investment App Wallets Usually Don't Earn Interest Investment appsRead more
Short answer: No — most investment app wallets in Nigeria do NOT earn interest unless you invest the money.
See lessIf you just fund the wallet and leave it there, it usually stays dormant like cash in a drawer.
Let me explain properly.
Why Investment App Wallets Usually Don’t Earn Interest
Investment apps are brokerage platforms, not banks.
So your wallet is mainly for:
Holding money temporarily
Buying investments (stocks, funds, bonds, etc.)
Waiting for withdrawal
Because of this, they typically don’t pay interest.
What Happens in Popular Nigerian Investment Apps
Apps Where Wallet Usually DOES NOT Earn Interest
Bamboo
Trove
Chaka
Risevest
If you leave money in wallet:
No monthly interest
No returns
Just idle cash
Apps Where Wallet MAY Earn Interest (Only If Auto-Invest Feature Exists)
Some platforms automatically move idle cash into:
Money Market Fund
Treasury fund
Liquid fund
Examples:
InvestNaija (depending on settings)
Some mutual fund apps
But this is not automatic in most apps — you must invest manually.
Compare With Commercial Banks
Commercial banks may give:
Small savings interest (1–4% yearly)
Investment apps:
Usually 0% unless invested
Smart Strategy (What Experienced Investors Do)
Instead of leaving idle cash:
Put temporary funds in:
Money Market Fund
Treasury bills
Liquid funds
These give:
Daily interest
Monthly returns
Low risk
Since you were earlier asking about MMF, this is exactly why people use them — to avoid idle cash.
My Recommendation For You
Because you’re building investment discipline:
Best practice:
Fund wallet only when ready to invest
OR
Move idle money into Money Market Fund
Quick Summary
Wallet only = No interest
Money Market Fund = Interest
Best practice = Avoid idle cash
Should I Use a Holding Company and Trading Company for My Business in Nigeria?
Starting with a Holding Company + Trading Company is a smart structure, especially if you plan to grow beyond small buying and selling. Let me break this down clearly. First: Simple Explanation Holding Company → Owns assets (cash, shares, properties, investments) Trading Company → Does the buying anRead more
Starting with a Holding Company + Trading Company is a smart structure, especially if you plan to grow beyond small buying and selling. Let me break this down clearly.
See lessFirst: Simple Explanation
Holding Company → Owns assets (cash, shares, properties, investments)
Trading Company → Does the buying and selling business
This structure protects your wealth and reduces risk.
Example:
Jeremiah Holdings Ltd → Holding company
Jeremiah Trading Ltd → Buying & selling business
If the trading company has problems (debt, lawsuit, losses), your holding company assets remain safe.
(1) Does Holding Company Require a Separate Bank Account?
Yes. 100% YES.
You must open separate bank accounts for:
Holding company bank account
Trading company bank account
Why this is very important
Avoid tax confusion
Avoid legal issues
Protect assets properly
Keep clean accounting records
If you mix accounts:
It defeats the purpose of a holding structure
Can cause problems with Corporate Affairs Commission
Can cause tax complications with Federal Inland Revenue Service
(2) How to Run the Accounts Without Complications (Simple Method)
Use this simple structure:
Step 1 — Trading Company Makes Profit
Example:
You buy goods ₦500,000
Sell ₦700,000
Profit = ₦200,000
This money stays in Trading Company account
Step 2 — Transfer Profit to Holding Company
Trading company sends money as:
Dividend OR
Management fee OR
Loan repayment
Example: Trading company transfers ₦150,000 to holding company
Now:
Trading company keeps working capital
Holding company stores wealth safely
Tax Advantage (Very Important)
This structure can help:
Reduce risk
Improve tax planning
Separate liabilities
In Nigeria:
Trading company pays business tax
Holding company may pay less tax depending on structure
Tax authorities involved:
Federal Inland Revenue Service (Company Income Tax)
Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (if you operate in Lagos)
Simple Example of Clean Structure
Company
Role
Bank Account
Tax
Holding Company
Stores wealth
Separate
Usually lower activity
Trading Company
Buying & Selling
Separate
Pays business tax
Why This Structure Is Powerful (Especially For You)
Since you are:
Starting small
Planning long term
Interested in investing (stocks, funds etc.)
This structure helps you:
✔ Protect profits
✔ Expand into multiple businesses
✔ Invest through holding company
✔ Build long-term wealth
Example Future Growth
Later you can add:
Holding Company owns:
Trading company
School business
Fish farming
Real estate
Stock investments
One holding company → Many businesses
My Honest Advice (Beginner Friendly)
Start simple:
Register Trading Company first
Start business
Later register Holding Company
This avoids unnecessary cost at the beginning.
Why Did My Bamboo Funding Account Details Change in Nigeria? Is It Safe to Use the New Bank Details?
Yes — this is normal with the Bamboo App and it does not automatically mean fraud. Here's the clear explanation: Why Your Bamboo Funding Account Changed There are 3 common reasons this happens: 1. Bamboo Uses Dynamic / Virtual Account Numbers Bamboo assigns unique account numbers for wallet top-upsRead more
Yes — this is normal with the Bamboo App and it does not automatically mean fraud. Here’s the clear explanation:
See lessWhy Your Bamboo Funding Account Changed
There are 3 common reasons this happens:
1. Bamboo Uses Dynamic / Virtual Account Numbers
Bamboo assigns unique account numbers for wallet top-ups
These account numbers can change over time depending on payment provider or system updates
This is common with fintech apps in Nigeria (like Opay, Moniepoint, Paystack virtual accounts)
Bamboo itself confirms that users are given a unique account number for direct wallet funding, and you should always copy the account details inside the app before sending money.
2. Payment Provider Change
Sometimes Bamboo changes:
Bank partner (e.g. Providus → Wema → Sterling etc.)
Account number format
Wallet provider
When this happens, your funding account details change automatically.
3. Security / Compliance Updates
Bamboo may also rotate account details:
To prevent fraud
To improve transaction speed
Due to banking regulation changes
Is It Safe To Use The New Account?
Yes — IF the new details are inside your Bamboo app:
Safe to proceed when:
✔ The new account appears inside your Bamboo app
✔ You clicked Deposit → Wallet Top up
✔ The account name still reflects Bamboo / payment partner
Do NOT Proceed If:
⚠ Someone sent the account details via:
WhatsApp
Telegram
Email
Social media
Always trust only the account inside the app.
My Professional Advice (Very Important)
Before sending large money:
Send small test amount (₦1,000 – ₦5,000)
Confirm it reflects
Then send full amount
This is what experienced investors normally do.
Extra (Important for You)
Since you’re serious about investing (you’ve been asking about stocks, MMF, Bamboo etc.), this is actually a good sign:
Bamboo is still actively updating infrastructure
Active platforms usually improve payment systems
Quick Summary
Yes, Bamboo account numbers can change
This is normal and happens in fintech apps
Safe if the new account is inside the app
Test with small amount first
How Can I Change My Next of Kin Details on Company Stocks Purchased in Nigeria?
Yes, you can change your Next of Kin (NOK) for your company stocks in Nigeria. But how you change it depends on where you bought the shares. There are 3 common ways: 🥇 Method 1 — Through Your Stockbroker (Easiest) If you bought shares through: A stockbroker app A brokerage firm Contact your stockbroRead more
Yes, you can change your Next of Kin (NOK) for your company stocks in Nigeria.
See lessBut how you change it depends on where you bought the shares.
There are 3 common ways:
🥇 Method 1 — Through Your Stockbroker (Easiest)
If you bought shares through:
A stockbroker app
A brokerage firm
Contact your stockbroker and request:
“Next of Kin Update Form”
They will:
Send form
You fill it
Submit with ID
Examples of stockbrokers:
Meristem Securities Limited
CardinalStone Securities
Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers
🥈 Method 2 — Through the Company Registrar (Most Common)
Each company has a registrar that manages shareholder records.
Examples:
DataMax Registrars Limited
Coronation Registrars Limited
Africa Prudential Plc
First Registrars & Investor Services
You will:
Contact registrar
Request Next of Kin Update Form
Fill form
Attach ID
Submit
🥉 Method 3 — Through CSCS Account (If You Have One)
If you already opened CSCS account, you can:
Contact your stockbroker
Request CSCS update form
Update Next of Kin
Example:
Central Securities Clearing System Plc
📋 Documents Usually Required
You may need:
Valid ID
Passport photo
Signature
CSCS number (if available)
Shareholder number
⏱️ How Long It Takes
3 days — 2 weeks (depending on registrar)
Important Tip
Your Next of Kin is very important because:
It helps claim dividends
It helps transfer shares if anything happens
It avoids legal problems
What Is the Difference Between Money Market Funds and Paramount Equity Fund on InvestNaija?
Here is the clear difference between Money Market Fund (MMF) and Paramount Fund (Equity) on the InvestNaija platform. I'll explain major differences first, then minor differences, then which one is best for you. 🥇 Major Difference (Most Important) Feature Money Market Fund (MMF) Paramount Fund (EquiRead more
Here is the clear difference between Money Market Fund (MMF) and Paramount Fund (Equity) on the InvestNaija platform.
See lessI’ll explain major differences first, then minor differences, then which one is best for you.
🥇 Major Difference (Most Important)
Feature
Money Market Fund (MMF)
Paramount Fund (Equity)
Risk Level
Low risk
High risk
Return
Moderate
High (but fluctuates)
Investment
Treasury bills, deposits
Nigerian stocks
Capital Safety
Very safe
Can go up or down
Best For
Beginners / short term
Long term growth
Withdrawal
Fast (1-2 days)
Slower sometimes
Volatility
Very stable
Can rise and fall
📊 What Money Market Fund (MMF) Does
The Chapel Hill Denham Money Market Fund:
Invests in Treasury bills, deposits, commercial paper
Focuses on capital preservation and steady income
Allows easy entry and exit
Pays steady returns with low volatility
Typical returns:
Around 20%–24% yearly (market dependent)
Best for:
Beginners
Emergency savings
Short-term investment
📈 What Paramount Fund (Equity) Does
The Chapel Hill Denham Paramount Fund (Equity):
Invests mainly in shares of Nigerian companies
Targets capital growth
Around 95% invested in stocks
High return but capital can fluctuate
Example:
66.33% return in 2025 (Jan-July)
494% return in 5 years
(But returns not guaranteed)
Best for:
Long-term investors
People who want higher growth
Investors who can handle market ups & downs
🧠 Minor Differences
Feature
MMF
Paramount Equity
Minimum investment
₦5,000
₦5,000
Investment horizon
Short term
Long term (3+ years)
Income type
Interest
Capital growth
Market exposure
No stock market
Stock market exposure
Volatility
Very low
High
🏆 Which One Should You Choose?
Since you’re new, I recommend:
Start Like This
60% → Money Market Fund
40% → Paramount Equity
This is safe beginner strategy.
Example: If you invest ₦100,000:
₦60,000 → MMF
₦40,000 → Paramount
This balances:
Safety
Growth
My Honest Advice (Based On You)
Since you’re:
New investor
Still learning
Building capital
Start with:
Money Market Fund first
Add Paramount gradually
This is the smart investor path.
How Can a Beginner Invest in Money Market Funds (MMF) in Nigeria and Which Apps Are Best to Use?
Yes — you can invest in MMF with InvestNaija, and it's actually a good option for beginners 👍 Let me guide you step-by-step. 🏦 What Is InvestNaija MMF? InvestNaija offers Money Market Funds (MMF) where your money is invested in: Treasury Bills Fixed deposits Commercial papers Bank placements These aRead more
Yes — you can invest in MMF with InvestNaija, and it’s actually a good option for beginners 👍
See lessLet me guide you step-by-step.
🏦 What Is InvestNaija MMF?
InvestNaija offers Money Market Funds (MMF) where your money is invested in:
Treasury Bills
Fixed deposits
Commercial papers
Bank placements
These are low-risk investments managed by professionals.
Money Market Funds in Nigeria currently yield around 21%–26% yearly depending on market conditions.
🔐 Is InvestNaija Safe?
Yes, InvestNaija is relatively safe because:
It is powered by Chapel Hill Denham
They are licensed by SEC Nigeria
They operate on NGX and other regulated exchanges
This means it’s regulated investment, not random fintech.
📱 How To Start Investing (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 — Download App
Search:
InvestNaija on Google Play Store / App Store
Step 2 — Create Account
You’ll need:
BVN
Email
Phone number
Valid ID
Step 3 — Fund Your Wallet
Transfer from:
Bank account
Debit card
Step 4 — Select “Money Market Fund”
Choose:
Low risk
Flexible withdrawal
Start with small amount
Step 5 — Start Small (Recommended)
If you’re new:
Start with ₦10,000 – ₦50,000
Monitor returns
⭐ Best Apps For MMF in Nigeria (Beginner Friendly)
Here are the safest popular ones:
🥇 Best Overall (Beginner Friendly)
Cowrywise
InvestNaija
🥈 Also Very Good
PiggyVest
Stanbic IBTC Invest
My Honest Recommendation (For You)
Since you’re just starting:
Start with:
InvestNaija (Good choice already)
Add Cowrywise later
Then stocks later
This is safe beginner path.
My Personal Beginner Strategy
If I were starting today:
40% → Money Market Fund
30% → Stocks (later)
30% → Emergency savings
Is It Safe to Invest Without a CSCS or CHN Number on Fintech Apps in Nigeria?
Yes — it can be true. But it depends on what exactly you're investing in. Some fintechs legally don't require CSCS or CHN, while others must have it. Let me break it down clearly 👇 🇳🇬 First — What is CSCS & CHN? CSCS = Central Securities Clearing System CHN = Clearing House Number They are requiRead more
Yes — it can be true. But it depends on what exactly you’re investing in.
See lessSome fintechs legally don’t require CSCS or CHN, while others must have it.
Let me break it down clearly 👇
🇳🇬 First — What is CSCS & CHN?
CSCS = Central Securities Clearing System
CHN = Clearing House Number
They are required when you invest in Nigerian stocks directly on the Nigerian Exchange Group.
If you’re buying shares like:
Zenith Bank
AccessCorp
GTCO
Dangote Cement
➡️ You must have CSCS + CHN (No exception)
✅ When Fintechs DON’T Need CSCS (This is Normal)
Some fintechs don’t buy stocks directly for you. Instead they offer:
1. Mutual Funds
Examples:
Money Market Funds
Equity Funds
Balanced Funds
These are handled by:
Fund managers
Trustees
Custodians
So you don’t need CSCS
2. Money Market Funds (MMF)
Examples:
Treasury Bills
Commercial papers
Bank deposits
No CSCS required.
3. Dollar Investment Platforms
Examples:
US stocks (via foreign partners)
Dollar mutual funds
They use foreign custodians, not CSCS.
⚠️ When You SHOULD Be Careful
If a fintech says:
“You don’t need CSCS to buy Nigerian stocks”
🚨 This is a red flag
Because:
Nigerian shares must be in CSCS
If not, you don’t truly own the shares
Safe vs Risky (Simple Table)
Investment Type
CSCS Required
Safe?
Nigerian Stocks
Yes
Very Safe
Mutual Funds
No
Safe
Money Market Fund
No
Safe
US Stocks
No
Safe (if regulated)
Fintech “stock” without CSCS
No
⚠️ Risky
How To Know If Fintech Is Safe
Check if they are regulated by:
Securities and Exchange Commission Nigeria
Central Bank of Nigeria
Nigerian Exchange Group
My Honest Advice (Based on Your Investment Journey)
Since you’re starting seriously:
Use CSCS for Nigerian stocks
Use fintechs for MMF & mutual funds
Avoid fintechs holding your shares without CSCS
This is the safest structure.
Why Is My Stock Showing as Expired in My Portfolio and What Should I Do?
When a stock shows "Expired" in your portfolio, it usually means one of these 5 things happened: 🔎 Common Reasons Your Stock Shows "Expired" 1. 🕒 Order Expired (Most Common) This means: You placed a buy or sell order The order was not matched The trading day ended The order expired automatically ExaRead more
When a stock shows “Expired” in your portfolio, it usually means one of these 5 things happened:
See less🔎 Common Reasons Your Stock Shows “Expired”
1. 🕒 Order Expired (Most Common)
This means:
You placed a buy or sell order
The order was not matched
The trading day ended
The order expired automatically
Example:
You tried to buy Zenith at ₦40
Market price stayed at ₦41
Nobody sold at ₦40
➡️ Your order expired
✅ What to do
Simply place the order again
Or adjust your price
2. 📅 Good-Till-Date Order Expired
Some apps allow:
Good-till-day
Good-till-week
Good-till-date
If the date passed → it becomes expired
✅ What to do
Re-submit the order
3. 📉 Offer Closed / Market Closed
If:
Trading ended
Or auction session closed
Order may show expired
✅ What to do
Wait for next trading day
Re-place order
4. 🏦 IPO / Rights Issue Expired
If you applied for:
IPO
Rights Issue
Offer for sale
After closing date → it shows expired
✅ What to do
Wait for allotment
Or ignore if offer ended
5. 📱 App Display Issue (Sometimes)
Some Nigerian brokerage apps:
Show old expired orders
Keep expired status in history
This is normal
✅ What You Should Do Now
Please check:
Is it Buy order or Sell order?
Was the order executed?
Or still pending?