Last updated on December 28th, 2023 at 06:22 pm
Several startup business ideas in Nigeria are quite lucrative, so you can start immediately and make a huge profit.
Perhaps you are seeking a full-time business idea to invest in Nigeria as an employee or you want to generate multiple income streams, then this post will be a go-to guide to get started.
The second-best time is now.
Whether you are a student who has decided to venture into a business during holidays and strikes or an individual seeking passive income, now is the best time to start a lucrative business in Nigeria with average capital.
This article is for you if you:
- are looking for hot new business ideas in Nigeria
- want to have multiple streams of income in Nigeria
- want to start a new business that makes a profit
- are employed and want to start a business from scratch
- are seeking what business to start with small capital in Nigeria
- desire to validate your startup business ideas
- are a student who wants to make money while schooling
- looking for new business ideas for a man, woman, teenager, lady or guy in Nigeria.
- seeking for what to sell to make money in Nigeria
- are asking what can I produce to make money in Nigeria?
So, before we get into the list of lucrative businesses in Nigeria, you must bookmark this page for reference.
Before you start, also review How to Register a Business Name in Nigeria (Explained)
Top 45 Lucrative Business Ideas in Nigeria to Start
Highlighted below are some examples and lists of startup business opportunities and ideas to invest in Nigeria that you can start with little capital and make a profit!
Let’s dive in!
1. Real Estate Business
According to Robert Kiyosaki, a real estate tycoon, ”the real estate business is the road to take”.
Can you guess why?
These are passive income sources that you can make money from even when you’re asleep.
Every entrepreneur’s dream is to retire one day and be financially free.
That can only be possible if you build passive income streams like real estate. The real estate business is still an untapped business in Nigeria that you can start today.
We have also highlighted Strategies on How to Generate Leads for a Real Estate Agency in Nigeria.
2. Cake and Cupcake Bakery
In our society today, events are endless – from weddings to birthdays, anniversaries, and end-of-year parties.
This presents a huge opportunity in the baking industry.
Baking, decorating, and selling unique cakes and cupcakes for such occasions is a great business idea for the hobby baker to venture into, and one that is potentially lucrative.
Without an atom of a doubt, baking is a very lucrative business to start.
You can get started on a very small budget by baking and decorating your cakes right from the comfort of your kitchen.
An effective marketing strategy is to forward your cake samples to interested parties and party planners to ensure they partner with you when the need arises, or you can showcase your work on Instagram and Facebook using the most effective hashtags that drive sales.
A cake and cupcake bakery is one of the best business ideas for ladies or women in Nigeria, where you produce to make money. You can go for it.
See Also: How to Sell any Product on Facebook Marketplace in Nigeria at $0
3. Sales of Mobile Phone Accessories
Sales of mobile phone accessories are a very profitable business in Nigeria today.
According to Statista, the number of phone users in Nigeria is projected to grow to more than 140 million in 2025.
There are likely chances that mobile phone owners need one or two phone accessories now and then.
Selling mobile phone accessories can’t be a bad idea as a business to do in Nigeria.
Among the common accessories in demand are batteries, an airpod, battery chargers, memory cards, earpieces, pouches, screen guards, etc.
You can partner with vendors at Computer Village (Lagos) to get your supplies, or you can get them from online stores.
With a phone accessories business, you can easily start an online importation.
See Also: 101 Sure Ways to Make Money Online in Nigeria
4. Blogging
Blogging is one of those businesses that makes you your boss. You work at your own pace, whenever and wherever you want.
You just have to choose a profitable niche and also know where your passion lies to be able to sustain the business.
With just a laptop and a good internet connection, you can start a profitable blog in Nigeria.
Also, every blogger wants their post to be found on search engine result pages without promoting the content all of the time; hence, you would need to acquire top digital marketing skills (SEO) for search engines like Google or hire the services of an SEO Expert in Nigeria.
You can start a free blog with WordPress, Blogger, or Wix, or if you have the budget, set up your blog on a self-hosted server; publish quality content, drive qualified traffic to the content, gain their confidence and trust, and then monetize your blog with Google AdSense, affiliate marketing, display advertisements, or sell quality information products such as ebooks, etc.
See Also: How to Start and Monetize Your Blog in Nigeria
5. Egg Supply and Distribution
Egg supply and distribution isn’t a bad idea, you can as well own a poultry farm to make things easier for yourself.
You can supply the eggs to hotels and retailers.
The egg is consumed daily, and it is a good source of animal protein.
Apart from that, eggs are used in the manufacture of products such as soaps, confectioneries, cosmetics, hair conditioners, shampoo, glue, face masks, etc.
Hence, egg supply and distribution is a very profitable business idea to start in Nigeria to make money.
As you build your customer base, the business will grow, and you will make more profit.
See Also: How to Sell Digital Products in Nigeria That Makes $10,000 Monthly
6. Ice Block Production and Sale
When anyone thinks about startup business ideas for men and women in Nigeria, ice block production always comes to mind.
Perhaps, the tropical climate state of Nigeria with an abundance of sunlight and heat influences such thought.
Besides, it is a profitable business idea to kick start even with a very small capital at your disposal.
All you need to get started is a good freezer, electricity, and water (that’ll become the ice blocks after freezing). Have you seen how easy this is?
In some parts of town, there might be no electricity, and people will look for ways to preserve things, like their soup, especially.
Drinks and even drinking water will need a bit of ice to get cold, at least.
So, can you imagine making money from just water?
Of course, water has been transformed into a solid state (ice block), therefore serving an entirely different purpose.
See Also: 15 High Paying Side Hustle to Start in Nigeria
7. Car Wash Business
The need for a car wash will always be on the increase and anyone irrespective of age and experience can venture into this business in Nigeria.
The car wash business is very lucrative, as most car owners don’t have the time to wash their cars by themselves. Some of them might not also have gatemen at home to help them out.
Hence, considering their busy schedule, the next available option is to go for a car wash.
The requirements to start a car wash business are the space that can be rented, the source of water supply and the washing machine to be used.
You can also go a step further to make your customers comfortable while they wait by installing a TV set in the sitting arena.
See Also: 25 Legit Ways to Make Money Online in Nigeria as a Student
8. Uberpreneur (Driver for Uber)
We all know that Uber is really common in places like Lagos and a few other parts of Nigeria.
Most people choose to become Uber drivers because of the freedom that comes with it.
Besides, it is one of the lucrative business ideas you can start in Lagos and a few other parts of Nigeria.
If you have a car, then you have all it takes to start.
All you have to do is become one of the Uberpreneurs and start making money by getting your commission on each ride.
This is an opportunity to manage your schedule and work at the time that best suits you.
Some Uber drivers work full-time, while others drive at night or during the day. The average Uber driver makes between 80,000 to 120,000 naira every week.
See Also: How To Target Wealthy People With Facebook Ads
9. Fashion Designer and Tailoring
This is one of the skill-based startup home business ideas that you can start in Nigeria today.
Once you have acquired this skill, boom! You’re ready to cash out.
Tailoring is now even more lucrative than it has ever been.
People sew new clothes often, and tailors are highly responsible for this.
Some tailors even advertise their work online using an online marketing strategy that works to attract customers.
Yes, some people do this. This is a daily-income business in Nigeria that anyone can venture into.
10. Freelance Content Development/Ghost Writing
What lucrative business can I start with 5k in Nigeria as a student?
Do you consider yourself a content writer? Then setting up your freelance content development business could be a lucrative side business you can start today, even when you have a full-time job.
Freelance content writing business you can start and make money online in Nigeria with your computer and source of internet.
Sounds cool right?
You can develop content at your convenience, whenever you’re free. And you’ll be getting paid, either monthly or weekly.
Freelancing is one of the most profitable home business ideas in Nigeria can you can venture into.
See Also: Top 20 Best Freelance Websites to Find Work in Nigeria
A ghostwriter is someone who writes a copy of articles, speeches, blog posts, email newsletters, web copy, etc, and is not given credit for the work.
The credit goes to your client or the person that hired you. The ghostwriter definition states that none of your work is credited to you.
Ghostwriting is one of the untapped businesses you can be a part of in Nigeria.
If you’re seeking the best business in Nigeria, consider freelancing as it allows you to earn in foreign currency and work with international clients.
Also, you can refer to this post to see more ways how to make money online in Nigeria.
11. Mobile Food Business
Have you ever asked, what are the fastest-selling products in Nigeria? Food is a fundamental need of man.
Whatever class a man belongs in society, he needs food. Hence, the food business will always be a profitable business in Nigeria.
The mobile food business is one of the street food business ideas in Nigeria that is very profitable.
Most people especially bachelors do not have enough time to cook at home.
This is when the services of a Mobile food vendor are essential. The mobile food vendor might deliver the food to the office or any chosen location.
People eat every day, and most times, junk food is always out of the equation.
As a mobile food vendor, try as much as you can to be different by focusing on a niche and scaling at it.
Then your customers will always come back and even recommend you to others.
12. Plantain Chips Production and Sales
If you are asking, what can I produce to make money in Nigeria? Plantain chip production and sales is the business.
You have probably seen it almost everywhere – the popular, delicious crunchy snack made from unripe and ripe plantain.
Hawkers sell them to travellers and passengers on highways and in traffic.
But the truth is, you probably did not realize it is such a profitable business to invest in Nigeria.
You don’t need to be a big brand like Leventis or UAC Food to start a plantain chip business in Nigeria.
If you are looking for startup business ideas in Nigeria that you can start with 50k or less, then a plantain business is one that you can start.
You can get started today right from your kitchen. Just choose a brand name and place it on transparent packaging nylon, and you’re set to go.
You can also engage the service of a successful coach in the business, learn some recipes, and develop a long-term business plan that is scalable.
See Also: Top 30 Social Media Marketing Strategies For Small Businesses
13. Cosmetics and Hair Saloon
If you are a beauty freak, then going into cosmetics is the best bet.
However, the niche is an ever-changing one which implies that you will need to always keep up to date with the trend to stay relevant.
Cosmetics and hair salons are very profitable businesses for ladies in Nigeria and every part of the world as people naturally want to look good.
You could open a unisex salon and have a team that services the needs of both male and female customers.
Cosmetics and hair saloons are one of the businesses that move fast in Nigeria.
See Also: Top 10 Digital Marketing Strategies to Elevate Your Beauty Brand
14. Boutique
The fashion industry is one powerful sector that will always be vibrant in any economy because all over Nigeria and the world at large, people have a basic need for clothing.
Hence, starting your boutique is a lucrative business idea to launch in Nigeria.
Beyond this need, fashion is ever-evolving due to the huge and diverse interest in styles and wants.
Starting a clothing shop boutique business is a profitable business here in Nigeria especially if you focus on ladies’ wear.
Ladies love fashion and styles, it is not out of place to say that it is a business that will interest you and be fun to grow as you expand.
When you purchase cloth for N3,500 in the market, you are likely to sell at N4,500 – N5,000, with a profit of N1,000 – N1,500 on the spot.
Ok, let’s not be greedy.
So, let’s make it N4,000, if you make N500 per sale and have 10 sales per day, you will make N5,000 for that day.
That’s a profitable business, isn’t it?
See Also: 9 Best Ecommerce Platforms (Top Rated & Reviewed)
15. Call Card Business
Almost everyone owns a mobile phone and definitely will need call cards in them.
You could sell call cards anywhere. In your hostels, offices, beside the road, at restaurants and eateries, etc.
Knowing that people mostly have access to these places. It’s a lucrative business anyone can start in Nigeria with little capital.
Also, the call card business is one of the small business ideas in Nigeria for teenagers to start.
16. Skincare Business
95% of women and about 75% of men use skincare products like creams, soaps, butter, oils, etc.
Starting a skincare business is, of course, one of the most lucrative startup business ideas and most profitable business in Nigeria with low capital you can kick off in Nigeria as a lady.
You might learn the trade from a professional in the field.
Once you have acquired this skill and understand how to use the right quantity and quality of raw materials during production, you’ll make good products.
Your customers will be glued to always patronize you.
17. Supermarket
You’ll always see supermarkets along the road what does this tell you?
People buy every day.
Owning a supermarket is an extremely profitable business in Nigeria.
Though you might need a huge capital to rent or build your own outlet, you’ll surely make sales.
If you’re a busy or working-class person, you can employ the services of a salesboy or girl and pay them either weekly or monthly.
This is one of the startup business ideas you can begin today with the capital and the right location.
18. Okrika Bale Business
It is one of the wholesale business ideas in Nigeria that you could make a profit worth double the actual price of the bale.
You can post the pictures online with the prices attached or you can sell them individually to people.
Okrika is one of the low-cost business ideas with high profit. It will always be bought due to this state of the economy. Hence it is a lucrative business to start in Nigeria today.
Lagos, Onitsha, Kano and Aba, have good markets to purchase a bale of clothes for sale.
The start-up capital may vary as it depends on you. It can be as little as 20,000 to as much as 200,000 Naira. Okrika bale business is one of the cheapest businesses to start in Nigeria.
19. Hotel Business
The hotel business is one of the untapped businesses that are really lucrative in Nigeria.
People travel every single day for various reasons and they’ll need a place to lodge either for a night or for as long as he/she so desires.
And of course, we all know that it goes for a fee.
Hence, a hotel business will always be a profitable business to start in Nigeria.
20. DropShipping
This is one of the new and very lucrative business ideas in Nigeria today. It is one of those businesses you can start with low capital.
All you’ll need is a laptop or smartphone, an internet connection, and your social media platforms e.g. Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat (any of these could serve as an online shop).
You generate millions of Naira drop shipping in Nigeria.
The secret of the business is identifying and knowing what the people need at a particular moment, and knowing where and how to source those items. (Aliexpress is a great platform to start a dropshipping business in Nigeria).
See Also: How to Start a Lucrative Ecommerce Business in Nigeria
21. Hospital
It might interest you to know that you can own a hospital even without necessarily being a medical practitioner.
The health sector is lucrative, people visit doctors every day. Good health is not underrated.
If you have the resources to get land and build a hospital, why not do it?
The next thing on your list will be to employ a doctor and nurses as well as the hospital cleaners and every other worker a hospital needs to be working for you.
Pay them their monthly or weekly salary and you’re good to go.
22. Dry Cleaning Business
Some people just like doing the laundry and isn’t just tired of it.
If you’re this person, why not channel that passion into something that you can be earning from?
Now, washing and drying machines have even helped in making the work easier.
The dry cleaning business is very lucrative because people will always patronize you.
Not everybody has the time to do their laundry probably because of work or because they’re not just free to do it.
Hence, you can start a dry cleaning business in Nigeria today.
See Also: Top 25 Smart Instagram Marketing Strategy that Actually Works
23. Rental Services
Rental services is a profitable business as people are always in need of things they do not have.
It is one of the hottest startup business ideas that you can start and make money in Nigeria.
Events are being done now and then. People will always need help with renting canopies, cars and the like.
Rental services are one of the business services with low capital and high profit.
Once you start, you can deploy digital marketing services to get in front of your audiences and create brand awareness.
24. Small Chops Packaging
Small chops packaging is a business you can start with small capital but surely make a huge profit from it.
You could prepare your small chops, package them very well and sell them at offices and supermarkets.
You can even make supplies at events too if people recommend you where and when it’s needed.
This is one of the fast-moving businesses to invest in or start in Nigeria.
25. Gym Business
It would interest you to know that fitness has always been a source of concern and Nigerians have also been caught up with this.
If you’re a health enthusiast, you can definitely look towards starting a gym business in Nigeria.
You will just need to have enough money to equip your gym centre. Of course, this is a profitable business you can start in Nigeria.
26. Restaurant Business
In a country like Nigeria, the restaurant business has always been on the rise. This simply means that it just will never go out of fashion.
If you’re a great cook, you can start a restaurant business today.
However, you must ensure that you prepare good meals that will keep people coming back.
Everyone needs food irrespective of their condition and that makes the restaurant business a lucrative business idea to start in Nigeria.
Perhaps, you do not need to know how to prepare all the dishes, you can hire a chef to take care of that while you focus on other business processes.
27. Social Media Business
The social media space has suddenly grown to be an important tool that can drive not only the visibility of a business but also its profitability.
Currently, most companies now have a social media strategy as a full-service function within their organization while others outsource this service to a digital marketing agency.
This is the reason why there’s a growing need for people to acquire digital marketing skills.
See Also: How to Make More Money on Fiverr in Nigeria Doing Less
28. Daycare Center
There will always be the need to make a living even after giving birth to children.
Hence, it is a business you can start today if you are looking for startup business ideas in Nigeria.
The services they render are indispensable. If you love taking care of kids, then starting a daycare center is a great decision.
One important thing to note before starting this kind of business is that you’ll need to register it properly to avoid getting into problems with the authorities.
29. Tomato Farming Business
Agriculture still remains one of the best business investments in Nigeria today. This business is lucrative and also, not expensive to start up.
However, one of the fundamentals to kickstart a tomato business in Nigeria is to know what kind of tomatoes are in high demand.
You can easily get this information from seed suppliers, as they’ll be able to inform you better on popular demand.
Based on market demand, they know the fast-selling varieties, which ensures that the seeds you pick are good seeds that’ll grow well.
30. Affiliate Marketing
This online money-making opportunity is a profitable business in Nigeria anyone can start with little or no capital.
An affiliate marketer helps sell a product that he does not necessarily own and earns a certain commission on that.
The affiliate products could either be in form of digital or physical products.
You can sign up with more than one affiliate program as your capacity can carry and use your affiliate links to promote the products through social media or by building dedicated websites to drive traffic and generate quality leads through SEO.
One of the most popular Affiliate Programs in Nigeria is Expertnaire. and Learnoflix. Affiliate marketing is one of the best business ideas for students in Nigeria.
Many people in Nigeria have become millionaires through Expertnaire affiliate program.
31. Tracking & Security Services
With the level of insecurity in the country, starting a tracking and security business is a fast way to become rich in Nigeria.
The sales of CCTV cameras, car tracking devices, alarm systems, security gadgets, mobile trackers, and other security gadgets have proven to be a lucrative business in Nigeria.
We recommend this business to anyone that has a passion for security and safety.
32. Sales and Supplies of Safety Equipment
This is still one of the untapped businesses in Nigeria today that you can venture into and become rich.
You don’t need to become a safety expert or specialist to start this business. However, you need to have the product knowledge to succeed at it.
The business includes the sales of safety apparel, lanyards, harnesses, safety shoes, gas detectors, hard hats, and lots more.
See Also: 10 Best Money Saving Apps in Nigeria (Reviewed)
33. Exportation Business
Perhaps you are thinking that no such thing as an exportation business in Nigeria. Let me burst your bubble, export in Nigeria still exist and highly profitable businesses to invest in in Nigeria.
Exporting raw materials such as cocoa, yam, vegetable oil, cassava, palm oil, textile, groundnut etc are some of the most profitable international trades in Africa.
These items are still very much in high demand in the global market. Hence, you can start an exportation business in Nigeria and succeed at it.
If you are seeking a buying and selling business in Nigeria that is successful, then consider the exportation business.
34. Car Dealership
Undoubtedly, sales of cars, vehicles and other automobiles have proved to be lucrative in Nigeria.
Considering the population in Lagos, Nigeria, starting a car dealership business, especially in Lagos is enough to fetch you an acceptable amount of profit.
Perhaps you don’t have the capital to get started, you can partner with already established car dealers in Nigeria until you have been able to build a customer base and raise capital to stand alone.
35. Starting a Pharmacy
This is one of the most profitable businesses in Nigeria that you can start and make money in Nigeria.
Setting up a pharmacy in Nigeria is very profitable especially if you set up your pharmacy in a community with a high population.
You don’t need to be a doctor to set up a pharmacy business in Nigeria.
However, you might need to have a license to be approved.
36. Furniture Making
From table making to bed frames, cushion chairs, iron chairs, and bookshelf sell really fast in Nigeria.
Whatever adds beauty to homes is a lucrative business to venture into.
Starting a furniture business in Nigeria can be a fast way to make money doing business in Nigeria.
37. Photography
Photography is another good business idea you should consider investing in Nigeria.
There are lots of events happening on a daily basis and people want to capture memories.
Hence, you can profit from this business quickly.
As you start the business, you will improve your skill over time and acquire more customers are your brand grows.
This is a great business idea to start as a student in Nigeria.
38. Bouncing and Security Service
Setting up a bouncing and security service business that offers services to clubs and wealthy individuals and celebrities is a great business idea in Nigeria.
This is a business that can help you make passive income from it.
39. Consultancy
Are you an expert in a particular field? Do you have a special skill that you can share with others? Then you should consider starting a consultancy business.
You can make money by sharing the ideas and experiences that you have gained over the years. The consultancy business is one that can make you a billionaire in Nigeria.
Through this business, you can consult for businesses and people outside of Nigeria and get paid in dollars.
40. Scriptwriting
This is another good business idea for you to start in Nigeria. Writing and publishing series, storybooks, comics, and scenes for movies is an amazing start to financial freedom.
You don’t need to produce your film to succeed at it. You can sell your script and still get the credit for it.
As a scriptwriter, you make money doing what you love doing.
41. Sports Viewing Centre Business
Are you a sports lover and want to make money doing what you love? Then this is one of the cheapest businesses to start in Nigeria.
All that is required is to have a viewing space, television, and a DSTV console and you are ready to go.
You can expand it to include a betting shop as you grow. This will fetch you money really fast in Nigeria as the game of football is one of the hottest sports in Nigeria.
See Also: The 5 Best Lucrative Sports Businesses to Start Today
42. Printing Press
This is one of the oldest and fastest-moving small-scale businesses in Nigeria that is still profitable.
Starting a printing press business where you can mass produce works like news bulletins, magazines, banners and flyers is one of the hot business ideas in Nigeria that is lucrative.
Having the capital and the right geographical location, the printing press is one of the best business ideas to get rich fast in Nigeria.
43. Airbnb Rental Services
If you have a property that you are willing to let out as a short let, this is one of the fastest ways to make money in Nigeria.
With the increasing population in most cities in Nigeria, especially Lagos, starting an Airbnb rental business is a lucrative business.
All you have to do is list your property on the Airbnb website and other vacation rental platforms and start welcoming guest that pays you for your apartment.
Also, you can make money on Airbnb business without owning a property.
44. Fitness Instructor
A lot of people are willing to invest thousands of naira just to get that perfect body.
You can set up a fitness center and work as a personal fitness instructor for those looking for your services.
With social media, getting clients has become even easier. All you need to do is ensure that your gym center is equipped with the right equipment for your students.
45. Forex Trading
This is another profitable business idea in Nigeria that you can start. However, you will need to acquire the training and skill before you can succeed in this industry.
Once you master the art of Forex trading, you can be sure to make a lot of money from trading on the market.
You can also find a Forex coach who will guide you on the right path to success.
FAQs on Top Lucrative Business Ideas in Nigeria to Start
What Business in Nigeria Can I Start with 10k in Nigeria?
There are a lot of businesses that you can start with 10k or less. As highlighted above, the list of hot new business ideas will be a guide to starting your business in Nigeria today.
Can I Start a Business with no Money?
Absolutely. There are a few businesses that you can start with no cash investment. However, you will need to have a computer or mobile phone and a source of internet.
What Business Can I Start as a Student?
As a student, there are lots of businesses you can start, ranging from freelance Content Developers to Ghostwriters. You can also offer social media management services to businesses.
What business can I start with 20k as a student in Nigeria?
There are a couple of businesses that you can start with 20k as a student in Nigeria.
The following are the businesses you can start with 20k as a student in Nigeria; freelancing, photography, email marketing, ice block business, and plantain chips business.
What business can I start with 150k in Nigeria?
The business you can start with 150k in Nigeria includes; ice block business, car wash business, Boutique business, furniture making, photography, Okrika bale business, freelancing, plantain chips business and more.
What Businesses are Currently in High Demand in Nigeria Today
All businesses highlighted above are in high demand in Nigeria. Kindly review the above list of startup business ideas that are profitable to start in Nigeria.
What business can I start with 5k in Nigeria?
The business you can start with 5k in Nigeria includes; ice block business, car wash business, Okrika bale business, freelancing, plantain chips business and more.
Conclusion
Having a successful business in Nigeria to a large extent depends on the individual (what goes well with you).
You should consider important factors such as the geographical location of the business and the market demand before you start any business in Nigeria.
Hence, this requires a bit of market research to be done. Also, it is important to do something that you find passion in, that has a great demand and offers a robust profit margin.
We hope that these lists of the most profitable business in Nigeria with low capital and new business ideas to invest in Nigeria will be a great push for you to get started.