How to Start Investing in the Nigerian Stocks in 2025 – Complete Beginner’s Guide

The Nigerian stock market is experiencing an extraordinary boom in 2025, and more Nigerians than ever are jumping in. Thanks to President Tinubu’s economic reforms, the NGX All-Share Index has hit record all-time highs, market capitalization has surged by over ₦40 trillion since May 2023, and almost every major blue-chip stock outperformed Nigeria’s high inflation rate throughout 2024.

Foreign investors are returning in full force — foreign participation on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) is now at a 5-year peak.

 Top-tier companies like Dangote Cement, Airtel Africa, MTN Nigeria, BUA Cement, GTBank, Zenith Bank, Seplat Energy, Geregu Power, Transcorp Power, BUA Foods, Aradel Energy, and Stanbic IBTC now boast market caps of ₦1 trillion or more. Even the upcoming listing of Dangote Refinery’s petrochemical arm is expected to be one of the biggest events in the history of the Nigerian capital market.

If you’ve been thinking about investing in Nigerian stocks but don’t know where to start, this 2025 beginner-friendly guide explains everything step by step.

Why the Nigerian Stock Market is Hot Right Now (2025)

.  NGX All-Share Index at historic highs

Over ₦40 trillion in wealth created for investors since 2023

Large-cap stocks beating inflation handsomely

Banking recapitalisation and oil sector reforms driving growth

Strong corporate earnings and naira devaluation creating attractive valuations for foreign investors

Increased retail participation through easy-to-use brokerage apps

What is a Stock and How Do You Make Money?

When you buy shares (also called stocks or equities), you own a small piece of a company. You can make money in two major ways:

1 Capital Gains – Sell the shares later at a higher price

2 Dividends – Get regular cash payments many Nigerian companies pay yearly or twice a year

How to Start Investing in Nigerian Stocks in 2025 (Step-by-Step)

Learn the Basics First

Familiarize yourself with:

NGX All-Share Index, NGX 30, NGX Banking Index, NGX Oil & Pension Index

How to read quarterly results and company financial statements

Popular ETFs and REITS available on NGX

Free resources: Nairametrics, Proshare, NGX website, and YouTube channels of licensed stockbrokers.

Choose a Licensed Stockbroker

You cannot buy or sell shares directly on NGX — you need a stockbroking firm licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Popular and trusted stockbrokers in Nigeria 2025:

. Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers

. Chapel Hill Denham

. Meristem

. CardinalStone

. APT Securities

. Rencap Securities

. United Capital

. CSL Stockbrokers

. i-invest, Bamboo, Trove, Risevest (fintech apps backed by licensed brokers)

Compare fees, minimum deposit, mobile app quality, and customer support before

 choosing.

3 Open a Brokerage & CSCS Account

Every investor needs:

A Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) number – this is like your “stock warehouse”

Bank Verification Number (BVN)

Valid ID, passport photograph, and utility bill

Most brokers now let you open accounts 100% online in under 10 minutes.

4 Fund Your Account

Transfer money from your bank account to your brokerage wallet. Many brokers have zero or very low minimum deposits in 2025.

5 Start Buying Shares

Trading hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm

Order types:

Market Order – buy/sell instantly at current price

Limit Order – set the exact price you’re willing to pay

6 Hold for the Long Term or Trade Actively

Most beginners do better with a long-term “buy-and-hold” strategy in strong companies paying consistent dividends (e.g., Dangote Cement, MTN, Zenith, GTCO, Seplat, Geregu, etc.).