Fintech apps are bringing young Nigerians into investments, but Christopher Chijioke wants more than new investors

Nigeria’s investment landscape is evolving, with a new wave of investors emerging, many of whom never thought of buying shares just a few years back. Today, even a university student can easily open an investment account from their phone, deposit a few thousand naira, and purchase shares in publicly traded companies. The allure goes beyond potential profits; many are realizing that a salary alone may not ensure financial security.

The recent launch of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery IPO in September 2026 has highlighted this shift. With a staggering ₦2.15 trillion public offer, it aimed to engage up to 10 million investors. Shares were priced at ₦525 each, with a minimum investment of just ₦5,250 for 10 shares.

Breaking away from traditional stockbrokers, the IPO became accessible through around 55 digital channels, including bank apps, mobile money services, and various fintech platforms. The response was overwhelming.

Bamboo saw its traffic surge to ten times the usual volume within half an hour of the launch, though some users faced challenges accessing the investing platforms. This moment underscores not just the growing appetite to invest, but also the technology that fuels it.

For Christopher Chijioke, better known as Tuchel, the evolving conversation around money in Nigeria marks a significant shift. As a finance and investment commentator on X, he notes that people are increasingly interested in topics like stocks, dividends, and wealth preservation instead of just earning and spending.

“In the past, a lot of the conversations that we saw on social media revolved around lifestyle: how can I make money? How can I spend money? But now, people are asking how they can grow their wealth and make their money work for them,” he explains.

Several factors are driving this trend. Economic pressures in Nigeria have made finding additional income sources a necessity, while the booming stock market has captured public attention. The NGX All-Share Index soared by 51.19% in 2025 and had already climbed 60.90% by May 2026.

Chijioke also highlights the role of social media and the rise of investment apps like ZedCrest, Bamboo, and Rise, which have lowered the barriers for everyday Nigerians to enter the stock market.

“People are starting to realize that investing is not intimidating,” he adds. “You can even participate with as little as ₦5,000,” he said.

A recent offering from Dangote exemplifies this shift. It allowed individuals to subscribe through familiar platforms instead of relying solely on traditional brokers. Richmond Bassey, CEO of Bamboo, noted that this initiative has attracted many first-time investors and uncovered previously unseen demand.

Similar read: Bamboo’s ₦99bn Dangote Refinery IPO subscriptions put fintech ahead of major banks

However, as Chijioke points out, encouraging account opening and IPO participation is just the beginning; the real challenge lies in fostering a lasting investment culture in Nigeria.

The rush to invest is not always matched by financial literacy

As interest in the stock market grows, many people are asking smarter questions about investments. But there’s still a number of young people who expect quick returns.

“I still get questions like, what stock can I buy today that will double my money in two weeks? I mean, it’s not a Ponzi,” he said, highlighting a common misconception among young prospective investors.

The rise of finance creators on social media has made it easier for beginners to learn about stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. However, this accessibility often leads to impulsive decisions, with individuals buying stocks simply because a popular influencer mentioned them, without truly understanding the company or the associated risks.

He emphasises that creators need to adopt a more educational approach.

“Financial creators should see themselves as educators first and influencers second,” he stated.

He believes that those in the investment space should focus on equipping audiences with knowledge, rather than just promoting trending stocks. Hype and unverified partnerships can easily mislead inexperienced investors and result in significant losses.

Chijioke also calls on investment platforms to prioritise investor education as much as they focus on attracting new customers. While signing up for trading accounts and buying shares has become simpler, users must grasp the potential for losses: prices can drop, and they could lose part or all of their investments.

For individuals earning monthly salaries, Chijioke advises a careful approach to investing. Start by budgeting for essential expenses, like rent, food, and transport, and aim to build an emergency fund covering three to six months of living costs in an accessible fund. He encourages paying off high-interest debts first before diving into significant investments.

Investing can start with smaller amounts, even as little as ₦5,000 or ₦10,000, rather than waiting until one has a large sum to invest. However, Chijioke cautions against using funds that are needed for immediate expenses. A steady, informed approach to investing is essential.

Stocks are not the only way to build wealth

In a landscape where many Nigerians view the stock market as the sole investment avenue, Chijioke urges a broader perspective. He points to fixed-income securities, mutual funds, and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) as valuable alternatives tailored to different financial needs.

He explains that Treasury bills and government bonds offer a stable way to grow wealth while safeguarding capital. Money market funds also provide a haven, aggregating investors’ funds in short-term instruments like treasury bills with expected annual returns of 17% to 19%, although these figures can fluctuate.

For those willing to embrace the ups and downs of the market, equity mutual funds present another option. Chijioke highlights the Express Equity Fund, which had more than doubled in value year-to-date during their conversation. However, he cautions that such returns are not guaranteed, and losses are possible.

REITs offer a unique opportunity to invest in real estate without the hefty price tag of buying property outright. With some REITs accepting investments as low as ₦5,000 or ₦20,000, investors can receive income through dividends, making real estate more accessible.

Ultimately, Chijioke emphasizes the need for individuals to align their investments with personal financial goals, investment duration, and risk tolerance. While the upcoming Dangote IPO might spark interest in the stock market, the real challenge lies in whether these new investors stay engaged, learn the ropes, and build diverse portfolios beyond just a single investment.

Read also: Dangote Refinery posts $4.7 billion profit ahead of extended IPO deadline