Looking for a low-risk, high-security investment in Nigeria?
Treasury Bills (T-Bills) might be your best bet, especially in a high-interest environment.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about investing in T-Bills: what they are, how they work, where to buy them, and what kind of returns to expect.
What Are Treasury Bills?
Treasury Bills are short-term debt instruments issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on behalf of the government.
In simple terms: You lend money to the Nigerian government, and they pay you back with interest after 91, 182, or 364 days.
It’s one of the safest investments in Nigeria, backed by the full credit of the Federal Government.
Why People Invest in T-Bills
- Guaranteed returns
- Risk-free (no default risk)
- Short-term (liquid after maturity)
- Ideal for parking cash securely
With inflation rising and stocks volatile, T-Bills offer predictable cash flow for risk-averse investors.
How Do T-Bills Work?
- You buy T-Bills at a discount.
- At maturity, you’re paid the full face value.
Example:
- You invest ₦950,000 in a 1-year bill.
- At maturity, you get ₦1,000,000 — meaning your return is ₦50,000 (5.26%).
How to Buy Treasury Bills in Nigeria
- Visit your financial institution (banks, Investment firms and Fintech Platforms)
- Fill a T-Bill application form
- Choose your tenor and amount
- Submit before the next auction
- Wait for confirmation of bid success
The standard minimum investment size in N50m but most platforms allow users to invest in T-Bills with smaller amounts and more flexibility
When Are T-Bills Sold?
- The CBN holds bi-weekly auctions (every 2 weeks).
- You’ll see announcements on: CBN website, Bank alerts, Investment newsletters, Financial Juggernut (yes, right here!)
Tips for Maximizing Returns
- Watch inflation trends: Your returns should beat inflation
- Avoid pulling out early: T-Bills are not redeemable before maturity
- Reinvest on rollover to compound gains
- Use 364-day bills to lock in high yields for longer
Financial Juggernut Take
In times of uncertainty, T-Bills are a quiet, reliable way to grow your money.
You won’t get rich overnight but you’ll definitely sleep well.
