If the thought of starting your own business has been at the back of your mind and you need inspiration on small business ideas you can start in Nigeria, you've come to the right place.
Starting a small business can be for several reasons – you want to create a legacy, impact your community, or provide employment for others positively. The Nigerian market is filled with opportunities for small businesses. According to a survey conducted by PwC, small businesses in Nigeria are responsible for 48% of GDP growth, 96% of all companies, and 84% of all jobs.
Catering services are in high demand in Nigeria, especially for events - weddings, birthdays, and corporate gatherings. There might be a growing demand for quick, convenient food options in your city and if you have culinary skills, this is a small business idea you can consider. You can start cooking from your kitchen by buying ingredients and a few kitchen equipment. Start building your client base by cooking for friends and family. You can get more clients by posting your dishes regularly on social media and through word of mouth.
A cleaning business is another small business idea you can start in Nigeria with little capital. In cities such as Lagos, there are a lot of working-class people who need help with keeping their homes clean and don’t have the time to clean their homes. You can also work with organisations to clean their offices. You can start this business with basic cleaning supplies and scale as it grows.
Popularly known as okrika, thrift business is when you sell second-hand items like clothes, shoes, and accessories at affordable prices on social media platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook or even a dedicated e-commerce site. You can start this business in your house by buying these items in bulk, deep cleaning them and uploading high-quality images on your social media pages to attract buyers.
Laundry services are in demand, especially in urban areas where professionals may not have the time to do their laundry. Start small and grow your clientele with a washing machine and ironing board.
Event planning is a lucrative small business idea in Nigeria. Nigerians love events - weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, etc. If you have good organisational skills and attention to detail, you can help your clients plan their dream events. You can start building your portfolio by offering your services for free or at a discounted rate to family and friends to help you gain experience and attract paying clients.
To start content creation, you'll need a phone and a tripod. After you can add other equipment, including a microphone, a camera and better lighting as you grow a community of engaged followers. Start by focusing on a specific platform such as YouTube, Instagram or TikTok, and build a niche audience. With content creation, the riches are in the niches. Fashion, travel, and food are some niches you can explore. Pick a niche and start creating relevant, highly engaging and consistent content to your niche to attract people who will love your content. To get inspiration on how to get started with content creation, Salem King is one of the creators to follow.
Just like catering, you can start a baking business from the convenience of your house. You can bake cakes and sell them through social media. For confectionery, you can begin with pastries such as egg rolls, meat pies, and small chops. Small chops are a staple at Nigerian events, making their production a profitable business. You need ingredients and equipment such as an oven, baking pans, etc to start this business.
With the rise of online businesses, delivery businesses are in high demand. You can start a local delivery service with a bike or two and partner with local restaurants and online stores.
Snail farming is a low-cost, high-profit agricultural business gaining popularity in Nigeria. Snails are in demand for their nutritional value, and farming them can be a lucrative venture. This is a small business idea you can start in your backyard with a few snails and expand your farm as you gain more experience and understand the market better. Depending on the breed, snails can lay from 100 to 500 snails.
Football is a popular sport in Nigeria, and setting up a sports viewing centre can be a profitable business, especially during major tournaments such as UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, Premier League and so on. Football fans are willing to pay to watch matches in a lively atmosphere with other fans. Make sure you choose a location with high foot traffic and consider offering additional services like snacks and drinks to increase your revenue.
Ice blocks are essential in areas with frequent power outages, especially during the hot season. You can partner with event planners or sell to businesses around you that need ice blocks. Start your production during the dry season when the demand for ice blocks is highest. You should have a steady electricity supply to venture into this business.
Selling frozen foods such as poultry and fish is a lucrative business in Nigeria. To start this small business in Nigeria, you will need to rent a shop and invest in quality refrigeration equipment to ensure the freshness of your produce.
Makeup artistry and gele tying are in high demand for weddings, parties, and other special events. If you have a flair for beauty, this could be a profitable business opportunity. Showcase your work on social media to attract clients. Offering home service can also set you apart from the competition.
With these ideas, you can start your small business in Nigeria. The key is to choose a business idea that aligns with your skills, passion, and market needs and to stay committed to your vision even when challenges arise. When you're ready to start your business, read our step-by-step guide to start your small business in Nigeria.
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