Treasury bills (T-bills) are one of the safest and most popular investment options in Nigeria. Issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), they allow individuals and institutions to invest money for short periods and earn guaranteed returns.
If you have been asking:
- How do I buy treasury bills in Nigeria?
- What is the treasury bills interest rate in Nigeria today?
- Which bank can I use to invest in treasury bills?
This article will give you everything you need, including a step-by-step guide to investing through GTBank, Zenith Bank, and Access Bank.
How Treasury Bills Work in Nigeria
Treasury bills are sold at a discount and repaid at full value on maturity. The difference between the purchase price and the maturity value is your profit.
For example, if you buy a ₦1,000,000 treasury bill at ₦920,000, you will receive ₦1,000,000 at maturity. Your profit is ₦80,000.
The CBN issues T-bills in three tenors:
- 91 days (3 months)
- 182 days (6 months)
- 364 days (1 year)
How to Buy Treasury Bills in Nigeria
There are two ways:
- Through CBN Primary Auctions – Minimum of ₦50 million (for big institutions).
- Through Banks and Brokers (Secondary Market) – Available in smaller amounts (from ₦100,000 upwards).
Most retail investors in Nigeria use the banks.
Step-by-Step Guide: Buying Treasury Bills Through Nigerian Banks
1. Buying Treasury Bills Through GTBank
- Visit your nearest GTBank branch and request the Treasury Bills Investment Form.
- Fill in the amount you want to invest, the tenor (91, 182, or 364 days), and whether you want the proceeds paid back into your account or rolled over.
- Submit the form and fund your account with the investment amount before the auction date.
- GTBank will handle the bidding on your behalf. If successful, the discounted amount is deducted, and your investment certificate is issued.
You can also monitor treasury bills via GTBank’s GTWorld App under “Investments.”
2. Buying Treasury Bills Through Zenith Bank
- Go to any Zenith Bank branch and ask for the Treasury Bills Application Form.
- Fill in your details, investment amount, tenor, and payment instructions.
- Ensure your account is funded before the auction.
- Zenith will submit your request at the CBN auction. Once allotted, your account is debited, and the discounted purchase amount is reflected.
Zenith Bank usually updates customers on current treasury bills interest rates via email or customer service. Always ask before bidding.
3. Buying Treasury Bills Through Access Bank
- Visit an Access Bank branch and request the Treasury Bills Form.
- Enter your preferred amount, tenor, and whether you want the interest paid into your account or reinvested.
- Ensure your account is funded before the auction.
- Once the auction is concluded, Access Bank debits your account and gives you confirmation of your investment.
Some Access Bank branches also allow you to place requests through AccessMore App under “Fixed Income Investments.”
Example: Treasury Bill Investment
If you invest ₦500,000 in a 364-day treasury bill at a 12% discount, you may pay about ₦440,000. At maturity, you get ₦500,000 back, making ₦60,000 profit.
Current Treasury Bills Interest Rate in Nigeria
Treasury bill rates in Nigeria change regularly depending on demand and market conditions. As of recent CBN auctions, rates have been between 10% and 15%. Always confirm the latest rate with your bank before investing.
Final Thoughts
Treasury bills in Nigeria are a safe way to grow your money. They offer guaranteed returns, are backed by the government, and are widely available through commercial banks. Whether you use GTBank, Zenith Bank, or Access Bank, the process is straightforward.
For small investors, the secondary market through banks is the easiest entry point. For larger institutions, bidding directly at CBN auctions provides more flexibility.
If you want a low-risk investment in Nigeria that beats savings accounts, treasury bills are one of the best options.