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Top 5 Apps to Buy Shares in Nigeria (Review)

Buying shares in Nigeria has become incredibly simple, thanks to a new wave of investment apps. Just a few years ago, you had to visit a physical stockbroker, fill out forms, and wait days before you could buy a single share. Now, with just your phone and a few minutes of registration, you can own shares in top companies both in Nigeria and the United States.

But with so many platforms out there, how do you know which app is right for you? Some offer both Nigerian and foreign stocks, others focus on local shares only. Some charge high fees, while others are beginner-friendly and affordable. If you’re looking to start your investment journey or switch to a better platform in 2025, this review lays it all out for you—no fluff, no hype.

1. Bamboo

Bamboo has become one of the most trusted names when it comes to buying foreign stocks in Nigeria. It gives you access to US stocks like Apple, Amazon, Google, and hundreds of others directly from your phone. Bamboo offers:

Real-time access to US stock markets
Fractional investing (you can buy as little as $1 worth of a stock)
Easy funding with Naira or Dollar wallets
Strong user interface with performance tracking

You can also buy Nigerian stocks through the Bamboo app, although it focuses more on global markets. The app is fully regulated, and your funds are protected through partnership with licensed asset managers.

2. Trove

Trove is one of the earliest platforms that allowed Nigerians to buy both local and foreign shares. It offers a wide selection of investment options including:

Nigerian stocks on the NGX
US stocks, ETFs, and even Chinese companies
Government bonds and mutual funds

Trove is suitable for those who want a mix of investment products. It also provides news updates, company data, and basic financial education for beginners. You can start investing with as little as ₦1,000, and the interface is built with new users in mind.

3. Chaka

Chaka provides access to over 4,000 local and global stocks. One of the standout features of this app is its clean interface and strong focus on compliance. Chaka has partnerships with both local and global brokers, giving users access to a wide portfolio of investments.

Some features include:

NGX and global stock access
Fractional investing
Real-time trading with low latency
Two-factor authentication for added security

Chaka is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), making it one of the safest options for serious investors in Nigeria.

4. Risevest

Risevest isn’t just about buying shares—it’s more about growing your money long-term. The app focuses on curated investment plans built around US stocks, real estate, and fixed income. If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t want to pick individual stocks, Risevest does the work for you.

Rather than choosing a specific stock, you invest in portfolios managed by financial experts. Over time, you earn returns based on how well these portfolios perform.

This is great for people who:

Want less risk and more stable returns
Don’t want to bother with choosing stocks
Prefer dollar-based investments

Risevest is not ideal for active traders but is perfect if you want to invest passively without stress.

5. InvestNow by United Capital

For those looking for a more traditional platform that’s backed by a strong financial institution, InvestNow is worth considering. Powered by United Capital, this app offers access to NGX-listed shares, mutual funds, and other investment options.

InvestNow is ideal for people who want to:

Buy strictly Nigerian stocks
Receive physical dividends or documents
Use a platform backed by a major financial firm

The app interface isn’t as trendy as newer fintechs, but the security and reliability make up for it.

What to Look Out for When Choosing an App

When comparing investment apps in Nigeria, don’t just focus on fancy design. Pay attention to what really matters:

Licensing and regulation: Only use apps licensed by the SEC or with registered partners. This protects you from fraud.
Transaction fees: Some apps charge up to 1.5% per trade. Check this before committing.
Investment options: Do you want Nigerian stocks only, or foreign stocks too?
Ease of withdrawal: Can you withdraw your money easily, or are there delays?
Customer support: If something goes wrong, you’ll need quick and reliable support.

Are These Apps Safe to Use?

Yes, but only if you’re using the legitimate ones. Bamboo, Trove, Chaka, Risevest, and InvestNow all work with regulated brokers and custodians. Your money is stored in secure, insured accounts, and transactions are encrypted. Still, don’t leave large sums idle in your wallet. Only keep what you plan to invest.

Also, protect your app with strong passwords, and enable two-factor authentication where possible.