Dollar Savings; the Smartest Way to Beat Naira Devaluation

The persistent fall of the naira has pushed many Nigerians to search for safer and more stable ways to protect their money.

This is why Dollar Savings and Eurobond Investments have become top choices for smart investors and professionals who want to:

—Preserve value
—Earn steady returns in foreign currency
—And build a dollar-denominated portfolio.

If you’re tired of watching your naira lose value, this guide will show you how to start saving and investing in dollars and Eurobonds — safely and profitably in 2025.

What is Dollar Savings?

Dollar Savings simply means keeping your money in U.S. dollars (USD) instead of naira.
You can do this through:

Domiciliary Accounts (opened with Nigerian banks), or
Digital Dollar Wallets on fintech platforms

ALSO READ; best fintech investment apps in Nigeria for 2025

When you save in dollars, your money retains international value, protecting you from local currency depreciation.

Benefits of Dollar Savings

Hedge Against Naira Devaluation:
As the naira weakens, your dollar balance increases in value locally.

Global Stability:
The U.S. dollar remains one of the most stable currencies worldwide.

Access to Global Opportunities:
You can use your dollars to invest in U.S. stocks, Eurobonds, and other assets easily.

Earn in Foreign Currency:
Some platforms now offer up to 6% annual interest on dollar savings accounts

How to Save in Dollars in Nigeria

1. Through Nigerian Banks (Domiciliary Accounts)

Almost all commercial banks in Nigeria — GTCO, Zenith, Access, UBA, and First Bank — allow you to open a domiciliary account in USD, EUR, or GBP.

You can fund it by:
Depositing foreign cash,
Receiving international transfers (Payoneer, Western Union, etc.), or
Converting naira to dollar via BDCs or banks.

However, interest rates are low (around 1–2% per annum) and you often need $100–$200 minimum to open one.

2. Through Fintech Apps (Digital Dollar Wallets)

Modern fintech apps now allow you to save, spend, and earn interest in USD — all from your smartphone.

Top Platforms for Dollar Savings in Nigeria (2025):Platform Features Interest Rate (2025)

• Risevest Automated dollar savings & investment portfolios 6–8% p.a.
• Bamboo Dollar wallet & U.S. stock investment 5–6% p.a.
• Trove Local & foreign stock savings 4–6% p.a.
• Grey.co Multi-currency accounts (USD, EUR, GBP) 3–4% p.a.
• PiggyVest Flex Dollar Simple USD savings for Nigerians 5% p.a.

Tip: Always verify that the platform is SEC-regulated or partners with licensed custodians before depositing funds.

What is Eurobond

A Eurobond is a type of foreign-currency-denominated bond issued by a country or corporation to raise funds from international investors.

In simpler terms:

It’s a loan you give to a government or company — in dollars — and they pay you back with interest over time.
Nigeria issues Eurobonds in USD, which allows Nigerians to invest and earn in dollars.

Why Eurobond Investments Are Popular in Nigeria

Dollar-Denominated Returns:
You earn your interest and capital in USD.
Higher Yields:
Nigerian Eurobonds currently yield between 8% and 13% per annum, depending on maturity.
Safe for Long-Term Growth:
Government-issued Eurobonds are considered relatively stable, especially for dollar-based investors.
Diversification:
It’s an excellent hedge against local economic shocks.

Example of Eurobond Returns

If you invest $1,000 in a Nigerian Eurobond with a 10% annual coupon rate for 5 years, you’ll earn:
$100 interest yearly,
Plus your $1,000 capital back at maturity.
That’s $1,500 total return in five years — risk-free and in USD.

How to Invest in Eurobonds in Nigeria

You can invest through:

1. Banks & Investment Firms

Banks like Stanbic IBTC, FBNQuest, ARM, and Chapel Hill Denham offer access to Eurobonds for individuals and institutions.
Minimum investment starts from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the bond and issuer.

Fintech & Online Investment Platforms

Platforms like Trove, Risevest, and Wealth.ng allow retail investors to invest in Eurobond-backed portfolios without large capital.

Some even pool funds through Eurobond mutual funds, so you can start with as little as $50–$100.

Best Performing Eurobond Options (2025 Snapshot)

Issuer Maturity Year Coupon Rate Yield (Approx.) Type
Nigeria Sovereign Eurobond 2031 7.875% 9.5% Government
Access Bank Eurobond 2027 9.125% 10.3% Corporate
UBA Eurobond 2030 8.75% 9.8% Corporate
Seplat Energy Eurobond 2026 7.75% 8.5% Corporate

Risks to Consider

Currency Risk: If the naira appreciates (rare but possible), dollar value locally may adjust.

Liquidity Risk: Some Eurobonds are not easily tradable before maturity.
Interest Rate Risk: When global rates rise, bond prices fall temporarily.

Minimum Capital: Some Eurobond options require higher starting amounts.

Mitigation: Choose professionally managed Eurobond mutual funds if you have limited capital or prefer less complexity.

Expert Strategy — Combine Dollar Savings with Eurobond Investment

Here’s how smart Nigerian investors structure their portfolios:
Investment Type Purpose Example
Dollar Savings (30%) Liquidity & safety Risevest or PiggyVest Flex Dollar
Eurobond Funds (70%) Long-term income in USD FBN Eurobond Fund or ARM Eurobond Fund
This combination ensures you earn interest in dollars while maintaining easy access to emergency cash

Conclusion

In a time when naira inflation and devaluation threaten local savings, Dollar Savings and Eurobond

Investments offer Nigerian investors a solid, inflation-proof path to wealth preservation.

Whether you start with $50 or $5,000, what matters is consistency and choosing the right platform.

Save smart, earn in dollars, and let your money work globally — not just locally.