- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
Estimated reading time: 14 minutes
Financial Planning: Investment Strategies for Nigerian Remote Workers
Welcome to Daily Reality NG, where we break down real-life issues with honesty and clarity.
I’m Samson Ese, founder of Daily Reality NG. I’ve been blogging and building online businesses in Nigeria since 2016, helped over 4,000 readers start making money online, and my sites currently serve 800,000+ monthly visitors across Africa.
Last year, I sat with Tunde – a UI/UX designer who earns $3,500 monthly from US clients. He lives in Surulere, pays rent in naira, and was watching his dollar income lose value every week. “Samson, wetin person fit do?” he asked me that evening in a beer parlour off Bode Thomas. That conversation changed everything for him – and it can change things for you too.
Jump to Section
- The Hard Reality Remote Workers Face in 2025
- Strategy 1: Build a Strong Dollar Foundation
- Strategy 2: Naira Mutual Funds That Still Beat Inflation
- Strategy 3: Real Estate Without Owning Land
- Strategy 4: Nigerian & US Stocks for Remote Income
- Strategy 5: Emergency Fund That Actually Works Here
- Key Takeaways
The Hard Reality Remote Workers Face in 2025
Let’s not sugarcoat it. You’re earning in dollars or pounds, but you’re spending in naira. Every month the exchange rate climbs higher than Agege overhead bridge traffic. Your $3,000 last year bought almost ₦4.5 million. Today it barely touches ₦4.8 million even on black market – and inflation is eating the rest.
Many remote workers I know still keep everything in their regular Naira account. Some even changed everything to naira in 2023 when they thought dollar had “peaked”. Those ones are quietly crying now.
Strategy 1: Build a Strong Dollar Foundation First
Before you invest one kobo, secure your dollar income.
I made Tunde open three accounts the following week:
- GTBank Dollar Dom Account – for receiving client payments
- Wise account – for lower transfer fees
- Grey account – for virtual dollar cards
Rule of thumb I give every remote worker: Never convert more than 40% of your monthly income to naira immediately. Keep the rest in dollars. Even if you don’t invest it yet, holding dollars is already an investment in Nigeria right now.
Strategy 2: Naira Mutual Funds That Still Beat Inflation
Yes, some mutual funds are still doing well despite everything.
Here are the ones my community members are using in 2025:
- Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund – averaging 18–21% per year
- FBN Money Market Fund – very consistent
- ARM Money Market Fund – good for beginners
Truth be told, 20% return in naira is still negative real return when inflation is 33%. But it’s better than keeping cash under your mattress or in a savings account giving you 4%.
Strategy 3: Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) – Land Without Landlord Stress
You don’t need ₦50 million to own property anymore.
With ₦100,000 you can buy units in UPDC REIT or Skye Shelter Fund. These ones pay dividends quarterly and the property value grows over time.
One of my readers started with ₦500,000 in UPDC REIT in 2021. Today his portfolio is worth over ₦2.1 million and he gets ₦…
Strategy 4: Nigerian & US Stocks – The Real Game Changer
This is where many remote workers are quietly building real wealth.
With Bamboo, Trove, Rise, or Chaka, you can buy Apple, Tesla, Amazon stocks with your dollar income. When naira falls, your portfolio in dollars keeps growing.
Example: Someone who put $5,000 in S&P 500 ETF in 2023 now has over $8,200 today – that’s over ₦13 million at current rates.
Even Nigerian stocks like GTCO, Zenith, Dangote Cement have been solid for those who dollar-cost average.
Strategy 5: Build Emergency Fund That Actually Works in Nigeria
Forget the “6 months expenses” advice they give abroad.
In Nigeria, keep:
- 3 months expenses in naira (for rent, food, NEPA)
- 3 months expenses in dollars (for when naira crashes)
Many remote workers lost everything in 2023 when clients paused contracts and naira fell 100%. Those who had dollar emergency funds survived.
Key Takeaways – Start Doing This Today
- Never convert more than 40% of your income immediately
- Open proper dollar accounts this week
- Start with money market funds (minimum ₦50,000)
- Put at least 20% of dollar income into US stocks/ETFs
- Build 3+3 months emergency fund (naira + dollars)
- Diversify, diversify, diversify
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I invest in US stocks from Nigeria legally?
Yes. Platforms like Bamboo, Trove and Chaka are registered with SEC Nigeria.
Which is better – dollar or naira investments right now?
Dollar investments are currently safer for capital preservation. Naira investments can give higher percentage returns but lose purchasing power.
How much should I start investing with?
Start with whatever you have. Even ₦50,000 in a money market fund or $100 in US stocks begins the journey.
Is real estate still safe in Nigeria?
REITs are safer than physical property for most remote workers because of liquidity and lower entry barrier.
Was this article helpful? Drop your thoughts in the comments or contact us directly.
Related Articles You Should Read Next:
- How to Open and Use Domiciliary Account in Nigeria 2025
- 7 Apps That Pay Nigerians Real Cash in Dollars
- How to Earn Dollars from Nigeria in 2025
Stay With Me
You’re now part of the Daily Reality NG family. Join thousands of Nigerians getting practical, honest advice every week.
Comments
Post a Comment