- by Williams O.
- Jul 12, 2025
If someone had given me 100k years ago, I would have rushed to buy something that “looked” successful. A new phone maybe. Or designer clothes I could wear to show I was doing okay.
Money is not just to spend. It’s to plant.
Williams Omodunefe
But time has taught me something:
Money grows when you treat it like a seed, not a statement.
So if you have 100k right now, whether it came from savings, salary, or a sudden alert, don’t rush to spend it. Don’t just let it sit idle in your bank app either.
Use it strategically, even if it feels small.
Here are five smart, realistic places you can invest 100k in Nigeria, whether you’re trying to grow it, multiply it, or build something steady from it.
1. Micro-lending or P2P Investment
This is where you lend money to individuals or businesses and earn interest over a fixed period.
You can do this:
Through trusted platforms like Aella Credit or FairMoney
Or informally with people you trust and agreements in place
Returns can range from 10 to 25 percent, depending on the risk.
But this path needs caution. Always get proper documentation.
And if it’s someone you know, never lend more than you can afford to lose.
2. Buy and Resell Everyday Items
100k may not be enough to start a full business, but it’s enough to begin a micro-trade hustle.
Try:
Perfumes or body sprays in bulk from trade hubs like Wuse Market or Balogun in Lagos
Thrift fashion (okrika) curated and resold on Instagram or WhatsApp
Phone accessories, makeup kits, or even hair bundles, if you know the demand in your circle
It’s not about how many people are doing it. It’s about doing it well.
What matters is your eye for quality and your consistency in selling.
3. Join a Cooperative or Rotating Savings Group
If you’re not ready to start a business, consider a structured ajo or investment cooperative.
Look for:
Workplace or neighborhood cooperatives
Online communities with a track record (verify this carefully)
The idea is to contribute monthly and take your turn in bulk or share profits from joint investments.
It may feel “slow,” but it teaches you discipline and community wealth, two things money rarely grows without.
4. Digital Investment Platforms
If you want your money to work quietly while you sleep, digital platforms are growing in Nigeria.
With 100k, you can:
Lock funds on PiggyVest SafeLock and earn up to 10 to 13 percent annually
Invest in U.S. dollar assets on RiseVest, starting as low as 5 to 10 dollars
Try Cowrywise, Opay FlexiSave, or Chipper for high-yield savings
But don’t chase hype. Start small. Read reviews. Understand what your money is doing.
If the platform promises 30 percent monthly, pause.
If they can’t explain how returns are generated, run.
5. Partner With a Local Farmer or Food Seller
This might surprise you, but food never goes out of fashion.
With 100k, you can:
Buy cartons of eggs and supply to small shops or hotels in your area
Invest in someone who is already farming or selling food, and split profits
Support a poultry farm and earn seasonal returns (e.g. every 3 or 6 months)
Food is a survival economy. If you work with people you trust and structure the deal well, returns can be steady.
A Few Things to Remember
Start small, but smart. Test the waters before you jump in fully
Track everything. What you invest, what you earn, what you lose
Be patient. Some of your best investments won’t pay off in 1 month
Protect your peace. Never invest money meant for rent, school fees, or emergencies
Ask questions. You’re not foolish for wanting to understand where your money is going
Final Words
100k might not change your life overnight. But if you treat it with intention, it can be the first seed that teaches you financial growth.
This is not about getting rich fast. It’s about learning how to grow, even from the ground.
And sometimes, the smartest investment is the one that teaches you how not to stay broke again.