Not having the CSCS account number or the exact shares does not necessarily mean the investment cannot be traced. Since the shares belonged to your late father, the process may involve both tracing the investment and proving your legal entitlement to the estate. A practical starting point is: 1. GatRead more
Not having the CSCS account number or the exact shares does not necessarily mean the investment cannot be traced.
Since the shares belonged to your late father, the process may involve both tracing the investment and proving your legal entitlement to the estate.
A practical starting point is:
1. Gather whatever records you can find — your father’s full name, previous addresses, old share certificates, dividend warrants, bank statements, emails, letters from registrars, or any company/share documents.
2. Contact the relevant share registrars and explain that you are trying to trace shares and unclaimed dividends belonging to a deceased shareholder. They can advise what information they need to search their records.
3. You can also use the SEC’s e-Dividend/Unclaimed Dividend resources and the relevant investor-verification channels to help trace investments.
4. Because the shareholder is deceased, you will normally need documents establishing who is legally entitled to administer or inherit the estate, such as probate or letters of administration, depending on the circumstances.
5. Once the investment is traced and your entitlement is established, the registrar can guide you through the process for updating the records and claiming the dividends.
Don’t pay an unknown person who promises to “recover” the shares for you simply because they claim to have access to CSCS records. Start with the authorised registrar/SEC channels and keep copies of every document submitted.
The key point is: the missing CSCS number is a problem to solve, not necessarily the end of the investment.
₦525 per share should not be judged as “cheap” or “expensive” simply because the company is Dangote. To assess whether the IPO price is reasonable, I would look at the company’s financials and calculate/compare: 1. Earnings and profit growth — Is revenue and profit growing sustainably, or is the recRead more
₦525 per share should not be judged as “cheap” or “expensive” simply because the company is Dangote.
To assess whether the IPO price is reasonable, I would look at the company’s financials and calculate/compare:
1. Earnings and profit growth — Is revenue and profit growing sustainably, or is the recent profit mainly the result of unusual market conditions?
2. Earnings per share (EPS) — Divide profit attributable to shareholders by the number of shares. This helps us see what ₦525 represents relative to the company’s earnings.
3. Price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio — Compare the IPO price with EPS and compare the resulting P/E with similar publicly traded refining/oil companies.
4. Cash flow — A company can report accounting profit but still have weak cash flow. Look at operating cash flow and how much cash is being consumed by expansion.
5. Debt and interest costs — Examine total debt, repayment obligations and interest expense. High debt can increase risk even when profits are strong.
6. Return on capital/equity — Check whether the company is generating attractive returns from the huge amount of capital invested in the refinery.
7. Capacity utilisation and margins — Refining profitability depends heavily on how much of the refinery’s capacity is actually being used and the margins earned on its products.
8. Future expansion requirements — If a large part of the IPO proceeds will fund expansion, investors should understand both the potential upside and the additional execution/capital risks.
The key calculation is not simply “₦525 × number of shares.” The question is: What earnings and cash flows am I buying for ₦525, and what risks am I accepting for them?
I would read the official IPO prospectus and audited financial statements before subscribing. A famous name can be a good business and still be offered at a price that leaves little room for error.
Foodstuff businesses can lose money quietly through spoilage, overstocking, poor storage and buying more than customers can absorb. Some practical ways to reduce losses are: 1. Know your fast and slow sellers. Buy more of products that move quickly and reduce the quantity of slow-moving items. 2. UsRead more
Foodstuff businesses can lose money quietly through spoilage, overstocking, poor storage and buying more than customers can absorb.
Some practical ways to reduce losses are:
1. Know your fast and slow sellers. Buy more of products that move quickly and reduce the quantity of slow-moving items.
2. Use FIFO — First In, First Out. Sell older stock before newer stock so products don’t remain until they spoil.
3. Buy according to demand. Don’t buy large quantities simply because the supplier offers a cheaper price. A discount is not a saving if part of the goods eventually gets wasted.
4. Store each product properly. Protect food from moisture, heat, pests and contamination. Different food items have different storage requirements.
5. Record daily stock. At the end of each day or week, compare what you bought, what you sold and what is remaining. This helps you identify where losses are happening.
6. Monitor expiry dates and damaged goods. Separate items that need urgent attention and create a plan to sell or use them before they become a total loss, where appropriate.
7. Calculate your real profit. Don’t look only at selling price minus buying price. Include spoilage, transportation, packaging, rent and other business expenses.
The goal is not simply to sell more. It is to make sure that more of what you buy actually turns back into cash and profit.
With ₦400,000 to start and ₦20,000 added every month for 10 years, the biggest advantage is not trying to find one “perfect” investment. It is building a disciplined long-term system. I would approach it in stages: 1. Keep an emergency fund separate from the retirement money, so you don't have to seRead more
With ₦400,000 to start and ₦20,000 added every month for 10 years, the biggest advantage is not trying to find one “perfect” investment. It is building a disciplined long-term system.
I would approach it in stages:
1. Keep an emergency fund separate from the retirement money, so you don’t have to sell investments whenever an unexpected expense comes up.
2. Put part of the investment in lower-risk assets such as money market funds, government securities or other suitable fixed-income investments.
3. Consider allocating another portion to diversified long-term investments such as a broad equity fund or well-diversified stocks, depending on your risk tolerance.
4. Automate the ₦20,000 monthly contribution and increase it when your income increases. Over 10 years, consistent contributions can make a significant difference.
5. Review the portfolio periodically rather than constantly buying and selling because of short-term market movements.
Most importantly, don’t choose an investment simply because someone promises a high return. Check the investment’s risk, fees, liquidity, historical performance and whether the provider is properly regulated.
The ₦400,000 is the starting point. The real strength of the plan is the combination of time + regular contributions + sensible investing + discipline.
FGN Bonds and stocks are two different things. A stock means you own a small part of a company. Your return can come from dividends and/or an increase in the share price. An FGN Bond is different: you are lending money to the Federal Government for a specified period, and the government pays interesRead more
FGN Bonds and stocks are two different things.
A stock means you own a small part of a company. Your return can come from dividends and/or an increase in the share price.
An FGN Bond is different: you are lending money to the Federal Government for a specified period, and the government pays interest according to the terms of the bond.
For a first-time investor with a small amount of money, it is important to distinguish a regular FGN Bond from an FGN Savings Bond. Regular FGN Bond primary-market auctions currently have a very high minimum subscription, while FGN Savings Bonds are available to individual investors from as little as ₦5,000. The DMO currently provides an online subscription portal for FGN Savings Bonds.
So, as a beginner, I would first understand your investment goal, how long you can leave the money invested, and which type of government security you are actually subscribing to.
The safest approach is to use the official DMO portal or an authorised financial institution rather than sending money to an agent or an unofficial platform. Always read the current offer terms before subscribing.
Nigerians living abroad may be able to participate in the Dangote Refinery IPO, but the exact process for diaspora investors should be confirmed from the final IPO offer documents and the participating licensed stockbrokers. The IPO is being conducted in Nigeria, so a person living in the US, UK orRead more
Nigerians living abroad may be able to participate in the Dangote Refinery IPO, but the exact process for diaspora investors should be confirmed from the final IPO offer documents and the participating licensed stockbrokers.
The IPO is being conducted in Nigeria, so a person living in the US, UK or South Africa should first check with a participating Nigerian stockbroker whether they can onboard a non-resident Nigerian and what documentation is required.
You may need a brokerage/CSCS setup, valid identification and a way to fund the subscription. The important thing is not to send money to unofficial agents or platforms claiming to handle the IPO.
The IPO is currently expected to open on September 14 and close on October 13, 2026, but investors should rely on the final official offer documents for the confirmed terms and eligibility requirements.
So, for Nigerians in the diaspora, the safest route is: choose a licensed participating broker → confirm diaspora eligibility and required documents → complete the account/CSCS requirements → fund the account through the approved channel → submit the IPO application within the offer period.
Money market fund liquidation is not always instant. The time it takes to receive your money depends on the specific fund’s redemption terms and the platform’s processing time. Since you submitted your withdrawal on 3 September and have still not received the money, I would first check the redemptioRead more
Money market fund liquidation is not always instant. The time it takes to receive your money depends on the specific fund’s redemption terms and the platform’s processing time.
Since you submitted your withdrawal on 3 September and have still not received the money, I would first check the redemption status on InvestNaija and confirm the fund’s stated redemption/settlement period.
Also check whether there was a weekend or public holiday during the processing period. If the stated processing period has already passed, contact InvestNaija’s support team with your transaction/reference details and ask them to confirm the exact status of the redemption.
The important thing is not to assume that all money market funds have the same liquidation period. Always check the specific fund’s redemption terms before investing.
I don't think investing ₦1 million in stocks is automatically better than starting a business, or vice versa. The better question is: what does that ₦1 million need to accomplish for you at this stage of your financial life? If you don't yet have stable income, useful skills, an emergency cushion orRead more
I don’t think investing ₦1 million in stocks is automatically better than starting a business, or vice versa.
The better question is: what does that ₦1 million need to accomplish for you at this stage of your financial life?
If you don’t yet have stable income, useful skills, an emergency cushion or a reliable way to generate cash flow, putting all your money into stocks may not solve your biggest problem.
Stocks can help you build wealth over the long term, but they generally don’t replace the need for income.
On the other hand, putting the entire ₦1 million into a business simply because a business can potentially generate more money is also risky. A business can fail, capital can be lost, and the projected ₦50,000 weekly profit is not guaranteed.
So I would look at it this way:
If your foundation is weak: focus first on increasing your earning ability, controlling expenses, building an emergency reserve and creating reliable cash flow.
If you have surplus capital and a long-term horizon: investing a portion in diversified assets can make sense.
If you have a business idea you understand, have tested the market and can realistically generate a return on capital: putting some money into that business may also make sense.
And it doesn’t necessarily have to be stocks OR business.
You can build your income-producing capacity while gradually investing part of your surplus.
The biggest mistake is comparing a guaranteed hypothetical business profit of ₦50,000 every week with an assumed stock-market return. Both numbers are projections, not guarantees.
For a beginner, I would therefore ask these five questions before deciding where the ₦1 million goes:
1. Do I have an emergency fund?
2. Do I have stable income or cash flow?
3. What is my investment/business time horizon?
4. How much loss can I realistically tolerate?
5. Which option do I actually understand?
Your first priority isn’t maximizing returns. It’s building a financial foundation strong enough to survive setbacks and continue growing.
Sometimes the best investment is the one that strengthens your ability to earn, invest and protect your money for many years.
It depends on the type of joint-account mandate. Having a joint account does not automatically mean that either person can withdraw money alone. The important question is how the account was set up with the bank. For example, a joint account may operate under instructions that require: • Either-to-sRead more
It depends on the type of joint-account mandate.
Having a joint account does not automatically mean that either person can withdraw money alone.
The important question is how the account was set up with the bank.
For example, a joint account may operate under instructions that require:
• Either-to-sign: one account holder may be able to carry out transactions without the other.
• Both-to-sign: both account holders may need to authorize the withdrawal or transaction.
There can also be specific restrictions depending on the bank, the account agreement and the type of transaction.
So if two people have a joint account and one person wants to withdraw money alone, the safest thing is to check the account mandate and confirm with the bank what signing authority applies to that particular account.
Don’t assume that being a joint account holder automatically gives you the right to withdraw alone.
And if there is already a disagreement between the account holders, it is better to speak directly with the bank before attempting to withdraw funds, because the bank will operate according to the mandate and applicable rules governing that account.
In short: the answer is not simply “yes” or “no.” It depends on the withdrawal/signing mandate attached to the joint account.
An ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) is basically a basket of investments that you can buy and sell on a stock exchange, similar to how you buy an individual stock. Instead of buying 20 different securities yourself, one ETF may give you exposure to many of them through a single investment. How does an ETFRead more
An ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) is basically a basket of investments that you can buy and sell on a stock exchange, similar to how you buy an individual stock.
Instead of buying 20 different securities yourself, one ETF may give you exposure to many of them through a single investment.
How does an ETF work?
The ETF provider creates a fund that holds a particular group of assets. The ETF then has units that investors can buy.
For example, an ETF could be designed to track:
• Nigerian or international stocks
• Government or corporate bonds
• A particular stock-market index
• Commodities such as gold
• A specific sector or industry
So, an ETF is not itself “a stock” or “a bond.” It is a vehicle that can hold different types of assets.
Why do people use ETFs?
One major benefit is diversification.
If you buy one company’s stock and that company performs badly, your investment can be heavily affected.
But if you buy an ETF containing many companies, the performance of your investment is spread across those holdings.
ETFs can also provide convenience because you can get exposure to a group of investments without purchasing each one individually.
How do you choose an ETF?
Don’t choose an ETF simply because its past return looks attractive.
Look at:
1. What does it actually hold?
Understand the underlying assets.
2. What index or strategy does it follow?
Know what you’re actually investing in.
3. Fees and expenses
Investment costs can reduce your long-term returns.
4. Liquidity
Check how actively the ETF is traded and whether you can reasonably buy or sell it when needed.
5. Your investment goal and time horizon
An ETF suitable for someone investing for 15 years may not be suitable for someone who needs the money next year.
6. Risk
An ETF does not automatically mean low risk. An ETF concentrated in stocks can still fall significantly when the underlying market falls.
What about bonds or OMO?
There can be ETFs that provide exposure to fixed-income securities, just as there are equity ETFs that provide exposure to stocks.
However, OMO is a specific type of Nigerian government securities instrument; it isn’t an ETF itself. You would need to check the actual holdings and structure of an ETF to know whether it provides exposure to particular fixed-income instruments.
Is an ETF advisable for a beginner?
It can be, but “advisable” depends on the person’s circumstances.
For a beginner, the most important thing isn’t finding the ETF with the biggest recent return. It’s understanding what the ETF owns, what risks it carries, what it costs, and why it fits your investment objective.
The biggest advantage of ETFs for many investors is therefore not that they guarantee higher returns, but that they can provide simple, diversified access to a particular group of investments.
As with any investment, returns aren’t guaranteed and the value can go down as well as up.
How can I claim unclaimed dividend without knowing or remembering cscs number
Not having the CSCS account number or the exact shares does not necessarily mean the investment cannot be traced. Since the shares belonged to your late father, the process may involve both tracing the investment and proving your legal entitlement to the estate. A practical starting point is: 1. GatRead more
Not having the CSCS account number or the exact shares does not necessarily mean the investment cannot be traced.
Since the shares belonged to your late father, the process may involve both tracing the investment and proving your legal entitlement to the estate.
A practical starting point is:
1. Gather whatever records you can find — your father’s full name, previous addresses, old share certificates, dividend warrants, bank statements, emails, letters from registrars, or any company/share documents.
2. Contact the relevant share registrars and explain that you are trying to trace shares and unclaimed dividends belonging to a deceased shareholder. They can advise what information they need to search their records.
3. You can also use the SEC’s e-Dividend/Unclaimed Dividend resources and the relevant investor-verification channels to help trace investments.
4. Because the shareholder is deceased, you will normally need documents establishing who is legally entitled to administer or inherit the estate, such as probate or letters of administration, depending on the circumstances.
5. Once the investment is traced and your entitlement is established, the registrar can guide you through the process for updating the records and claiming the dividends.
Don’t pay an unknown person who promises to “recover” the shares for you simply because they claim to have access to CSCS records. Start with the authorised registrar/SEC channels and keep copies of every document submitted.
The key point is: the missing CSCS number is a problem to solve, not necessarily the end of the investment.
See lessIs ₦525 a Fair Price for Dangote Refinery Shares in Nigeria?
₦525 per share should not be judged as “cheap” or “expensive” simply because the company is Dangote. To assess whether the IPO price is reasonable, I would look at the company’s financials and calculate/compare: 1. Earnings and profit growth — Is revenue and profit growing sustainably, or is the recRead more
₦525 per share should not be judged as “cheap” or “expensive” simply because the company is Dangote.
To assess whether the IPO price is reasonable, I would look at the company’s financials and calculate/compare:
1. Earnings and profit growth — Is revenue and profit growing sustainably, or is the recent profit mainly the result of unusual market conditions?
2. Earnings per share (EPS) — Divide profit attributable to shareholders by the number of shares. This helps us see what ₦525 represents relative to the company’s earnings.
3. Price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio — Compare the IPO price with EPS and compare the resulting P/E with similar publicly traded refining/oil companies.
4. Cash flow — A company can report accounting profit but still have weak cash flow. Look at operating cash flow and how much cash is being consumed by expansion.
5. Debt and interest costs — Examine total debt, repayment obligations and interest expense. High debt can increase risk even when profits are strong.
6. Return on capital/equity — Check whether the company is generating attractive returns from the huge amount of capital invested in the refinery.
7. Capacity utilisation and margins — Refining profitability depends heavily on how much of the refinery’s capacity is actually being used and the margins earned on its products.
8. Future expansion requirements — If a large part of the IPO proceeds will fund expansion, investors should understand both the potential upside and the additional execution/capital risks.
The key calculation is not simply “₦525 × number of shares.” The question is: What earnings and cash flows am I buying for ₦525, and what risks am I accepting for them?
I would read the official IPO prospectus and audited financial statements before subscribing. A famous name can be a good business and still be offered at a price that leaves little room for error.
See lessHow Can I Reduce Losses and Food Wastage in a Foodstuff Business?
Foodstuff businesses can lose money quietly through spoilage, overstocking, poor storage and buying more than customers can absorb. Some practical ways to reduce losses are: 1. Know your fast and slow sellers. Buy more of products that move quickly and reduce the quantity of slow-moving items. 2. UsRead more
Foodstuff businesses can lose money quietly through spoilage, overstocking, poor storage and buying more than customers can absorb.
Some practical ways to reduce losses are:
1. Know your fast and slow sellers. Buy more of products that move quickly and reduce the quantity of slow-moving items.
2. Use FIFO — First In, First Out. Sell older stock before newer stock so products don’t remain until they spoil.
3. Buy according to demand. Don’t buy large quantities simply because the supplier offers a cheaper price. A discount is not a saving if part of the goods eventually gets wasted.
4. Store each product properly. Protect food from moisture, heat, pests and contamination. Different food items have different storage requirements.
5. Record daily stock. At the end of each day or week, compare what you bought, what you sold and what is remaining. This helps you identify where losses are happening.
6. Monitor expiry dates and damaged goods. Separate items that need urgent attention and create a plan to sell or use them before they become a total loss, where appropriate.
7. Calculate your real profit. Don’t look only at selling price minus buying price. Include spoilage, transportation, packaging, rent and other business expenses.
The goal is not simply to sell more. It is to make sure that more of what you buy actually turns back into cash and profit.
See lessHow Can I Grow ₦400,000 Into a Retirement Fund in Nigeria?
With ₦400,000 to start and ₦20,000 added every month for 10 years, the biggest advantage is not trying to find one “perfect” investment. It is building a disciplined long-term system. I would approach it in stages: 1. Keep an emergency fund separate from the retirement money, so you don't have to seRead more
With ₦400,000 to start and ₦20,000 added every month for 10 years, the biggest advantage is not trying to find one “perfect” investment. It is building a disciplined long-term system.
I would approach it in stages:
1. Keep an emergency fund separate from the retirement money, so you don’t have to sell investments whenever an unexpected expense comes up.
2. Put part of the investment in lower-risk assets such as money market funds, government securities or other suitable fixed-income investments.
3. Consider allocating another portion to diversified long-term investments such as a broad equity fund or well-diversified stocks, depending on your risk tolerance.
4. Automate the ₦20,000 monthly contribution and increase it when your income increases. Over 10 years, consistent contributions can make a significant difference.
5. Review the portfolio periodically rather than constantly buying and selling because of short-term market movements.
Most importantly, don’t choose an investment simply because someone promises a high return. Check the investment’s risk, fees, liquidity, historical performance and whether the provider is properly regulated.
The ₦400,000 is the starting point. The real strength of the plan is the combination of time + regular contributions + sensible investing + discipline.
See lessFederal government Bond and stock what do they really mean ?
FGN Bonds and stocks are two different things. A stock means you own a small part of a company. Your return can come from dividends and/or an increase in the share price. An FGN Bond is different: you are lending money to the Federal Government for a specified period, and the government pays interesRead more
FGN Bonds and stocks are two different things.
A stock means you own a small part of a company. Your return can come from dividends and/or an increase in the share price.
An FGN Bond is different: you are lending money to the Federal Government for a specified period, and the government pays interest according to the terms of the bond.
For a first-time investor with a small amount of money, it is important to distinguish a regular FGN Bond from an FGN Savings Bond. Regular FGN Bond primary-market auctions currently have a very high minimum subscription, while FGN Savings Bonds are available to individual investors from as little as ₦5,000. The DMO currently provides an online subscription portal for FGN Savings Bonds.
So, as a beginner, I would first understand your investment goal, how long you can leave the money invested, and which type of government security you are actually subscribing to.
The safest approach is to use the official DMO portal or an authorised financial institution rather than sending money to an agent or an unofficial platform. Always read the current offer terms before subscribing.
See lessCan Nigerians Living Abroad Invest in the Dangote Refinery IPO?
Nigerians living abroad may be able to participate in the Dangote Refinery IPO, but the exact process for diaspora investors should be confirmed from the final IPO offer documents and the participating licensed stockbrokers. The IPO is being conducted in Nigeria, so a person living in the US, UK orRead more
Nigerians living abroad may be able to participate in the Dangote Refinery IPO, but the exact process for diaspora investors should be confirmed from the final IPO offer documents and the participating licensed stockbrokers.
The IPO is being conducted in Nigeria, so a person living in the US, UK or South Africa should first check with a participating Nigerian stockbroker whether they can onboard a non-resident Nigerian and what documentation is required.
You may need a brokerage/CSCS setup, valid identification and a way to fund the subscription. The important thing is not to send money to unofficial agents or platforms claiming to handle the IPO.
The IPO is currently expected to open on September 14 and close on October 13, 2026, but investors should rely on the final official offer documents for the confirmed terms and eligibility requirements.
So, for Nigerians in the diaspora, the safest route is: choose a licensed participating broker → confirm diaspora eligibility and required documents → complete the account/CSCS requirements → fund the account through the approved channel → submit the IPO application within the offer period.
See lessHow Can I Track a Pending Money Market Fund Redemption in Nigeria?
Money market fund liquidation is not always instant. The time it takes to receive your money depends on the specific fund’s redemption terms and the platform’s processing time. Since you submitted your withdrawal on 3 September and have still not received the money, I would first check the redemptioRead more
Money market fund liquidation is not always instant. The time it takes to receive your money depends on the specific fund’s redemption terms and the platform’s processing time.
Since you submitted your withdrawal on 3 September and have still not received the money, I would first check the redemption status on InvestNaija and confirm the fund’s stated redemption/settlement period.
Also check whether there was a weekend or public holiday during the processing period. If the stated processing period has already passed, contact InvestNaija’s support team with your transaction/reference details and ask them to confirm the exact status of the redemption.
The important thing is not to assume that all money market funds have the same liquidation period. Always check the specific fund’s redemption terms before investing.
See lessIs Investing ₦1 Million in Stocks Better Than Starting a Business in Nigeria?
I don't think investing ₦1 million in stocks is automatically better than starting a business, or vice versa. The better question is: what does that ₦1 million need to accomplish for you at this stage of your financial life? If you don't yet have stable income, useful skills, an emergency cushion orRead more
I don’t think investing ₦1 million in stocks is automatically better than starting a business, or vice versa.
The better question is: what does that ₦1 million need to accomplish for you at this stage of your financial life?
If you don’t yet have stable income, useful skills, an emergency cushion or a reliable way to generate cash flow, putting all your money into stocks may not solve your biggest problem.
Stocks can help you build wealth over the long term, but they generally don’t replace the need for income.
On the other hand, putting the entire ₦1 million into a business simply because a business can potentially generate more money is also risky. A business can fail, capital can be lost, and the projected ₦50,000 weekly profit is not guaranteed.
So I would look at it this way:
If your foundation is weak: focus first on increasing your earning ability, controlling expenses, building an emergency reserve and creating reliable cash flow.
If you have surplus capital and a long-term horizon: investing a portion in diversified assets can make sense.
If you have a business idea you understand, have tested the market and can realistically generate a return on capital: putting some money into that business may also make sense.
And it doesn’t necessarily have to be stocks OR business.
You can build your income-producing capacity while gradually investing part of your surplus.
The biggest mistake is comparing a guaranteed hypothetical business profit of ₦50,000 every week with an assumed stock-market return. Both numbers are projections, not guarantees.
For a beginner, I would therefore ask these five questions before deciding where the ₦1 million goes:
1. Do I have an emergency fund?
2. Do I have stable income or cash flow?
3. What is my investment/business time horizon?
4. How much loss can I realistically tolerate?
5. Which option do I actually understand?
Your first priority isn’t maximizing returns. It’s building a financial foundation strong enough to survive setbacks and continue growing.
Sometimes the best investment is the one that strengthens your ability to earn, invest and protect your money for many years.
See lessCan One Person Withdraw Money From a Joint Account in Nigeria?
It depends on the type of joint-account mandate. Having a joint account does not automatically mean that either person can withdraw money alone. The important question is how the account was set up with the bank. For example, a joint account may operate under instructions that require: • Either-to-sRead more
It depends on the type of joint-account mandate.
Having a joint account does not automatically mean that either person can withdraw money alone.
The important question is how the account was set up with the bank.
For example, a joint account may operate under instructions that require:
• Either-to-sign: one account holder may be able to carry out transactions without the other.
• Both-to-sign: both account holders may need to authorize the withdrawal or transaction.
There can also be specific restrictions depending on the bank, the account agreement and the type of transaction.
So if two people have a joint account and one person wants to withdraw money alone, the safest thing is to check the account mandate and confirm with the bank what signing authority applies to that particular account.
Don’t assume that being a joint account holder automatically gives you the right to withdraw alone.
And if there is already a disagreement between the account holders, it is better to speak directly with the bank before attempting to withdraw funds, because the bank will operate according to the mandate and applicable rules governing that account.
In short: the answer is not simply “yes” or “no.” It depends on the withdrawal/signing mandate attached to the joint account.
See lessHow does ETF works; are there ways to explore it
An ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) is basically a basket of investments that you can buy and sell on a stock exchange, similar to how you buy an individual stock. Instead of buying 20 different securities yourself, one ETF may give you exposure to many of them through a single investment. How does an ETFRead more
An ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) is basically a basket of investments that you can buy and sell on a stock exchange, similar to how you buy an individual stock.
Instead of buying 20 different securities yourself, one ETF may give you exposure to many of them through a single investment.
How does an ETF work?
The ETF provider creates a fund that holds a particular group of assets. The ETF then has units that investors can buy.
For example, an ETF could be designed to track:
• Nigerian or international stocks
• Government or corporate bonds
• A particular stock-market index
• Commodities such as gold
• A specific sector or industry
So, an ETF is not itself “a stock” or “a bond.” It is a vehicle that can hold different types of assets.
Why do people use ETFs?
One major benefit is diversification.
If you buy one company’s stock and that company performs badly, your investment can be heavily affected.
But if you buy an ETF containing many companies, the performance of your investment is spread across those holdings.
ETFs can also provide convenience because you can get exposure to a group of investments without purchasing each one individually.
How do you choose an ETF?
Don’t choose an ETF simply because its past return looks attractive.
Look at:
1. What does it actually hold?
Understand the underlying assets.
2. What index or strategy does it follow?
Know what you’re actually investing in.
3. Fees and expenses
Investment costs can reduce your long-term returns.
4. Liquidity
Check how actively the ETF is traded and whether you can reasonably buy or sell it when needed.
5. Your investment goal and time horizon
An ETF suitable for someone investing for 15 years may not be suitable for someone who needs the money next year.
6. Risk
An ETF does not automatically mean low risk. An ETF concentrated in stocks can still fall significantly when the underlying market falls.
What about bonds or OMO?
There can be ETFs that provide exposure to fixed-income securities, just as there are equity ETFs that provide exposure to stocks.
However, OMO is a specific type of Nigerian government securities instrument; it isn’t an ETF itself. You would need to check the actual holdings and structure of an ETF to know whether it provides exposure to particular fixed-income instruments.
Is an ETF advisable for a beginner?
It can be, but “advisable” depends on the person’s circumstances.
For a beginner, the most important thing isn’t finding the ETF with the biggest recent return. It’s understanding what the ETF owns, what risks it carries, what it costs, and why it fits your investment objective.
The biggest advantage of ETFs for many investors is therefore not that they guarantee higher returns, but that they can provide simple, diversified access to a particular group of investments.
As with any investment, returns aren’t guaranteed and the value can go down as well as up.
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