INVESTING & WEALTH BUILDING
This section answers real questions about investing in Nigeria. Learn how to invest in stocks market, treasury bills, bonds, NIDF, Commecial Papers and other opportunities. Whether you are a beginner or experienced, you will find simple guidance to grow your money.
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What Does “Consideration (Markup Inclusive)” Mean When Buying Shares in Nigeria (NGX)?
As a Financial Literacy Advocate, let me explain this in a way that even Mama Ngozi that sells tomatoes in the village will understand. First of all… relax. You are not being cheated. You are not overcharged. You are just seeing something you don’t yet understand. And today, I will break it down forRead more
As a Financial Literacy Advocate, let me explain this in a way that even Mama Ngozi that sells tomatoes in the village will understand.
First of all… relax.
You are not being cheated.
You are not overcharged.
You are just seeing something you don’t yet understand.
And today, I will break it down for you.
FIRST THING YOU MUST UNDERSTAND
When you are buying shares in Nigeria…
You are not buying directly from the market.
You are buying through a stockbroker.
That broker is the one that helps you go into the market and execute the transaction on your behalf
NOW LET ME ADDRESS YOUR CONFUSION
You saw two things:
₦2,011.22 = Charges
₦9,593.00 = Consideration (Markup Inclusive)
Now listen carefully:
The ₦2,011.22 is real charges
While….
The ₦9,593.00 is NOT a charge
Yes… read that again.
WHAT IS THAT ₦2,011.22?
Let me Explain…
Those are normal fees like:
Brokerage commission
SEC fee
NGX fee
Stamp duty
CSCS alert charges
These ones are standard. Everybody pays them.
NOW HERE’S THE MAIN PART (WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T UNDERSTAND)
What is “Consideration (Markup Inclusive)”?
It is NOT a fee.
It is a buffer amount added by your broker.
LET ME EXPLAIN WITH BETTER WITH A SIMPLE STORY
Imagine:
Mama Ngozi wants to buy tomatoes worth ₦100,000 from a big market.
But she cannot go herself…
So she gives the money to a tomato agent (broker).
Now the agent tells her:
“Mama Ngozi, give me ₦110,000.”
She gets confused:
“Why ₦110k when tomato is ₦100k?”
THE AGENT EXPLAINS:
“By the time I reach the market… price might have increased.”
Because in that market:
Prices can go up quickly
Prices can also drop
SO WHAT DOES HE DO?
He adds extra ₦10,000 (10%)
So that:
If price increases = he can still buy
The transaction will not fail
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER?
If price becomes ₦110k = he buys
If it stays ₦100k = he buys and returns ₦10k
If it drops to ₦90k = he buys and returns ₦20k
THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE SEEING
That ₦9,593 is:
Not a charge
Not a fee
Not money lost
It is simply:
A temporary buffer
To protect your transaction from failing
BUT..IKING…
WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN IN THE STOCK MARKET?
Because share prices move every second.
For example:
The share you want to buy at ₦810…
Before your broker executes it:
It might move to ₦820
Or even higher
And on the NGX:
Prices can move up to 10% in a single day
SO YOUR BROKER IS DOING THIS TO:
Make sure your order goes through
Avoid coming back to you for extra money
Execute faster without delay
LET ME TELL YOU THE TRUTH:
You are NOT paying that ₦9,593
You are NOT losing that money
Any unused part is refunded back to you
Most people enter investing…
But they don’t understand what they are doing.
And that is dangerous.
Because:
“Confusion will make you think you are losing money… even when you are not.”
Before you assume anything in finance…
See lessAlways understand it first.
Because:
“In money, misunderstanding is more expensive than ignorance.”
Should I Move My Fixed Savings to Stocks in Nigeria?
You're thinking like a serious investor now — this is a very good sign. You're moving from random buying to strategic allocation. 📈 Let me break this down carefully as your financial advocate. 1. Your Current Situation (Strong Position) You have: ₦320,000 in PalmPay Fixed Savings Expected Interest:Read more
You’re thinking like a serious investor now — this is a very good sign. You’re moving from random buying to strategic allocation. 📈
See lessLet me break this down carefully as your financial advocate.
1. Your Current Situation (Strong Position)
You have:
₦320,000 in PalmPay Fixed Savings
Expected Interest: ₦57,000
Total at maturity: ₦377,000
This is ~17.8% return — which is actually very good and risk-free.
So the first key point:
👉 You’re currently holding a guaranteed return
👉 Stocks are not guaranteed
Even as a risk-taker, smart investors don’t abandon guaranteed returns casually.
2. Stocks You’ve Already Bought (Good Picks Overall)
You mentioned:
Jaiz Bank Plc
FCMB Group Plc
Mecure Industries Plc
Fidelity Bank Plc
VFD Group Plc
These are actually not bad choices — especially:
FCMB (growth potential)
Fidelity (consistent performer)
VFD Group (high-risk, high-reward)
You didn’t do badly at all, even before understanding.
3. Stocks You’re Monitoring (Very Smart List)
You mentioned:
Access Holdings Plc
Greenwich Exchange Traded Fund (GreenW ETF)
Lafarge Africa Plc
Aradel Holdings Plc
This is actually a more mature investor list:
AccessCorp → strong dividend + growth
GreenW ETF → diversification
WAPCO → infrastructure boom play
Aradel → oil & gas growth
You’re improving significantly. 📊
4. My Honest Financial Advocate Advice
Since you’re a risk taker, here’s the smart aggressive strategy:
Option A (Best Balanced Strategy)
Do NOT withdraw everything.
Instead:
Keep ₦200k in PalmPay (secure return)
Withdraw ₦120k to invest gradually
Why?
You get:
Guaranteed interest on ₦200k
Exposure to stock upside with ₦120k
This is called Risk-Balanced Aggression.
Professional investors do this.
5. Even Better Strategy (My Favorite for You)
Because you are:
Risk taker
Learning investor
Monitoring market
I suggest:
Wait until PalmPay maturity, then:
Split ₦377k like this:
₦150k → Stocks (gradual buying)
₦150k → Fixed income / savings
₦77k → Opportunistic buys (market dips)
This gives you:
Aggressive growth
Safety
Flexibility
Very powerful strategy.
6. My Top Picks From Your Watchlist (Ranked)
My personal ranking for you:
Aradel Holdings (long-term growth)
AccessCorp (steady + dividend)
WAPCO (medium-term upside)
GreenW ETF (safe diversification)
7. One More Important Advice
Don’t invest all at once.
Instead:
Buy in phases:
First buy → 30%
Second buy → 30%
Third buy → 40%
This reduces risk.
This is called Dollar Cost Averaging.
My Final Recommendation
Do NOT withdraw your PalmPay now.
Wait for maturity → then deploy strategically.
You:
Keep guaranteed profit
Enter market smarter
Reduce regret risk
Why Does InvestNaija Show Insufficient Funds When Buying Stocks in Nigeria?
This "Insufficient Funds" message on InvestNaija usually happens for 3 common reasons — even if you have ₦5,300 in your wallet. Let me explain clearly: Most Likely Reasons 1. Stock Price × Quantity Is More Than ₦5,300 When buying stocks, you must buy whole units (shares). Example: If a stock price iRead more
This “Insufficient Funds” message on InvestNaija usually happens for 3 common reasons — even if you have ₦5,300 in your wallet.
See lessLet me explain clearly:
Most Likely Reasons
1. Stock Price × Quantity Is More Than ₦5,300
When buying stocks, you must buy whole units (shares).
Example:
If a stock price is:
₦1,200 per share
Then:
5 shares = ₦6,000 ❌ (Not enough)
4 shares = ₦4,800 ✅
So even if you have ₦5,300, you cannot buy 5 shares.
2. Transaction Charges (This Is Very Common)
When buying stocks on the Nigerian Exchange Group, there are small charges:
Examples:
Broker fee
SEC fee
VAT
CSCS fee
So if:
You try to buy ₦5,300 worth
The system may require:
₦5,350 or ₦5,400
Then you get: 👉 Insufficient Funds
3. Minimum Trade Value (Some Brokers Set Minimum)
Some platforms (including Chapel Hill Denham via InvestNaija) may require:
Minimum trade value (like ₦5,000 or ₦10,000)
If charges push your amount above ₦5,300, it will fail.
What You Should Do (Best Solution)
Try this:
Option 1 (Recommended)
Reduce quantity:
Example:
Try buying 1 or 2 shares first
Option 2 (Better Long Term)
Add small money:
Add:
₦1,000 or ₦2,000 more
This avoids frequent “insufficient funds”.
Example
You have:
₦5,300
Try buying:
₦4,500 worth instead
It should work.
Quick Tip (Very Important)
When buying stocks with small money:
Always leave: 👉 ₦200 — ₦500 extra for charges
How Can I Invest in Stocks Using My Company Name in Nigeria?
Yes — a company (business name or limited company) can invest in stocks using InvestNaija. However, the process is different from opening a personal account because you must open a Corporate Investment Account instead of an individual account. Chapel Hill Denham (the company behind InvestNaija) is aRead more
Yes — a company (business name or limited company) can invest in stocks using InvestNaija.
See lessHowever, the process is different from opening a personal account because you must open a Corporate Investment Account instead of an individual account.
Chapel Hill Denham (the company behind InvestNaija) is a licensed broker-dealer and fund manager that allows individuals, institutions, and businesses to invest in stocks and funds.
How To Use Your Company Name To Invest (Step-By-Step)
Here is the exact step-by-step method:
Step 1 — Register Your Company First
Before using your company name, your business must be registered with:
Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
Must have RC Number
Must have company bank account
You will need:
Certificate of Incorporation
CAC Form (CAC 1.1 / CAC 2 / CAC 7)
Company Board Resolution
Valid ID of Directors
Company Bank Account
Step 2 — Download InvestNaija App
Download:
Android (Google Play)
iPhone (App Store)
InvestNaija allows you to trade stocks and invest in funds directly after creating your account.
Step 3 — Don’t Open Individual Account
Instead of opening:
❌ Individual Account
You should choose:
✅ Corporate Account / Institutional Account
⚠️ Important:
Most times Corporate Accounts are not opened fully inside the app.
You must contact InvestNaija support.
Step 4 — Contact InvestNaija For Corporate Account
Contact through:
Email: info@investnaija.com
Phone: 0700-INVESTNAIJA
Website: Open InvestNaija Official Website
Tell them:
“I want to open a corporate investment account in my company name.”
They will send:
Corporate account form
Required documents list
Step 5 — Submit Company Documents
Usually required documents:
Company Documents
CAC Certificate
Memorandum & Articles of Association
Board Resolution to Invest
Company Bank Account Details
Company TIN (if available)
Director Documents
Valid ID (National ID / Passport / Driver License)
BVN of Directors
Passport photographs
Step 6 — Corporate CSCS Account Will Be Created
Your company will be given:
Corporate Trading Account
Corporate CSCS Account
Company Portfolio Dashboard
This means:
Instead of:
Jeremiah Ochoyoda
Your shares will appear as:
Example:
ABC Nigeria Limited
XYZ Ventures Ltd
Step 7 — Fund The Company Investment Account
Transfer from:
Company bank account (recommended)
Then:
Buy stocks
Invest in funds
Receive dividends in company name
Why Use Company Name To Invest
Benefits:
✅ Tax planning
✅ Business wealth building
✅ Separate personal money
✅ Easier inheritance
✅ Professional investing
Example
Instead of buying:
Zenith Bank — Jeremiah Ochoyoda
You buy:
Zenith Bank — Jeremiah Investment Ltd
Important Note About InvestNaija
InvestNaija allows:
Stock investments
Mutual funds
Bond funds
Equity funds
All managed through Chapel Hill Denham licensed investment platform.
My Professional Advice (Important)
Since you’re serious about investing (I’ve seen your many stock questions),
Using company name is very smart if:
You want long-term wealth
You plan large investments
You want structured investing
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
If I Invest in a Money Market Mutual Fund at 20% Interest and the Rate Drops to 17%, Which Rate Will I Be Paid in Nigeria?
No.... you will not continue earning 20% simply because that was the rate when you invested. If you invest in a money market mutual fund when the yield is 20% and the fund’s yield later drops to 17%, your return will gradually adjust to the new prevailing rate. In other words, your earnings move witRead more
No…. you will not continue earning 20% simply because that was the rate when you invested.
If you invest in a money market mutual fund when the yield is 20% and the fund’s yield later drops to 17%, your return will gradually adjust to the new prevailing rate. In other words, your earnings move with the fund’s current yield over time.
This is because money market mutual funds in Nigeria do not have fixed interest rates. Their returns change based on market conditions because the fund manager continuously reinvests the pooled money into short-term instruments like treasury bills, fixed deposits, and commercial papers at whatever rates are available at the time.
So the 20% you see before investing is not a guaranteed locked-in return.
it is simply the fund’s current or recent annual yield.
In summary: money market mutual funds in Nigeria have changing returns, not fixed returns, so your earnings can go up or down depending on market interest rates.
See lessWhat 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
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?