Top 60 Business Ideas in Nigeria

Nigeria has the largest population in Africa and that can only mean one thing, it is the business hub of Africa. I will be dishing out top 60 business ideas in Nigeria you can invest in.

With the high rate of unemployment and population growth in Nigeria, doing business has become the surest way to put up with the high cost of living.

1. Laundry business

One of the top 100 Business Ideas in Nigeria to go into is Laundry business. This business involves the washing, drying and ironing of clothes and other textile materials.

You don’t need huge capital to start up a laundry business in a small scale. You can start off by washing with hands before thinking of acquiring equipment to ease the work.

2. POS Business

Point of Sale (POS) business is one of the top businesses to go into in Nigeria. With the stress of going to the bank or use ATM, people prefer using POS.

Operating a POS terminal is a legitimate and profitable business people can start with little capital in Nigeria. Check out things you need before going into POS business

4. Skin Care Business

Skin care business is one profitable business you can enter with as low as N100,000. A lot of Nigerians are looking for ways to tone their skin a little bit so going into the business is a nice idea.

5. Car Wash

Car wash is a good business to go into in Nigeria. This business is easy to set up and your capital will determine how it will look like. Before you start, finance, location, borehole, power are some of the things you must consider.

5. Noodles Stand

Noodles stand is a profitable business that you can start with N100,000. Opening a noodle stand, you need the following:

Location: This is very important. Make sure it is a good location that has a lot of young people. You must have basic noodles cooking skills
You need cooking gas, pots, seats and noodles

6. Dropshipping

One small scale profitable business is dropshiping business. This is a business that requires very little capital. You don’t need to own or operate a physical shop. Your job is to stand between the buyer and the manufacturer or store owner.

7. Phone Accessories Business

Phone accessories like headpieces, screen guards and phone cases are some items people buy on a regular basis. You can start-up capital will determine if you want to do it on a large scale or not.

8. Cleaning and Fumigation

Cleaning and fumigation is one nice business you can go into and make money from. There will always be a demand for home cleaning services, which keeps you in business and keeps every client’s home spotless.

9. Blogging

Blogging is a business you can go into with little capital. It can be a very lucrative business idea if you do it well and can also be the biggest time waster if you do not do it right.

Becoming a successful blogger requires patience, time, dedication and diligence to the work. If you enjoy writing, think about what interests you, what you can enjoy writing about without running out of ideas and create a blog around it.

10. Mini Importation

Mini importation is one highly profitable business you can start with little capital in Nigeria. Anyone in Nigeria can go into this business.

To start this business, you have to make a choice of what you want to be selling, source for the products in countries like China, purchase and sell when they are delivered to you.

11. YouTuber

YouTube is one great way to make money in Nigeria with little or no money to start. YouTube is a fantastic tool for connecting with others, building a community, and making money.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to start a YouTube channel. Opening a YouTube channel is free but you will you definitely need gear and creative assets.

12. Freelancer

Freelancing is another lovely way to make money in Nigeria. freelancing is when you use your skills, education, and experience to work with multiple clients and take on various assignments without committing to a single employer.

A freelancer or freelance worker is a self-employed person who earns money by providing services to multiple clients.

13. Social Media Influencer

Social media is a very powerful too you can use to earn money. You can earn commissions by promoting the products or services of other businesses, get paid for reviewing affiliate products.

14. Graphics Designing business

Graphic designing is a nice idea to have a daily income. People constantly need the services of a graphic designer to design their logos, posters, etc.

15. Hair Salon

hair salon is one of the fastest growing business to venture into in Nigeria. You can start a female hair salon that caters exclusively for women or male hair salon that caters for male customers or both. The start-up capital depends on the scale of business.

16. Phone/Computer Repairs

A phone repair/computer business focuses on repairing broken or damaged cell phones, tablets and computers.

The good news about this business is that you can start it with a very little capital and with little experience into the same.

17. Affiliate Marketing

This is a good business one can start with zero capital. With Affiliate marketing, what you are doing is selling other people’s products to earn a commission from them.

International e-commerce brands like Amazon, Ali Express and Jumia, Konga have affiliate programs that you could sign up for and earn per each sale made through your unique link which would be created upon registration.

18. Homeschool/Tutoring

In our top 100 Business Ideas in Nigeria, home tutoring is definitely there. Parents, no matter how qualified, are unable to instruct their children in every subject to the desired level. The great thing about this is that you can get many clients.

19. Auto Repair Shop

Car repair or Mechanic workshop in Nigeria is a business you can open and make money from. Mechanic workshop in Nigeria is still in it’s rudimentary stages although they are some standard mechanic workshop.

If you are good in car repairs or have people who are good in it, you can start a workshop. You can start a local or standard workshop. Starting a standard mechanic workshops requires significant investments in equipment.

20. ONLINE ADVERTISING AGENCY

Advertising is one area that will always make waves in Nigeria. Online advertising agency is one of the most low cost and highly profitable businesses that exists in Nigeria or anywhere else in the world. Being that we are in the age of digital advancement, more and more establishments are creating online presence for their businesses to leverage the massive community of Nigerian internet users.

21. Consultancy Business

Business consultant provide businesses with advice and guidance on various topics, such as finance, marketing, IT, HR etc. This business is highly profitable depending on what you are offering.

22. Makeup Business

Trust me, the beauty industry is growing very fast. New trends are always emerging, which creates opportunities for entrepreneurs in the beauty space.

The great thing about this business is that you do not necessarily require a huge amount of capital before you go into the makeup business.

23. Shoe Manufacturing Business

Shoe is a necessity in the world today. You need shoes and footwear while attending any party, any occasion, or while going for your job, children who are going to their schools, teenagers going to their college, and so on. With the population we have in Nigeria, manufacturing shoes is a great business to venture into.

24. Transportation Business

Looking at our population growth, transportation business is a great business to go into since the market is there for you and beside, those in the business are already making good money.

Types of Transportation Business you can go into:

• Motor cycling (Okada)
• Tri-cycling (keke napep)
• Commercial luxury bus and mini-bus
• Car town service (taxi)
• Haulage transport service

25. Interior Design Business

Interior design business is a balancing act. As a creative, your goal is to create a business where you can use your eye for design on a daily basis.

This business is an industry-driven by connections. You’ll need them to find your clients, to market yourself, and to establish fruitful relationships with suppliers of materials and furniture.

26. Tailoring

After food, clothing is one area you are sure of clients. I encourage a lot of people to go into tailoring. A tailor is a person whose occupation is making or altering garments (such as suits, jackets, and dresses)

You do not need to break the bank to open a tailoring shop. You can start small and grow.

27. Catering Services

A catering company is a business that prepares food for special events. You can then offer your services to events, meetings, individuals and birthdays. Operating a catering business requires much less financial risk and burden than opening a restaurant while still offering you creative freedom.

28. Wallpaper Sale and Installation

Many people love using wallpaper because they give apartments beautiful colours and they are easy to install. With wallpapers, you do not need to paint the interior of your house before it looks beautiful.

To start this business, you need capital to buy equipment and wallpapers and also to rent a shop.

29. Data Reselling

A data reseller is a good business to go into with little capital. Data Reseller is someone who buys data bundles from registered network providers in the country and sells them to consumers. You buy purchase the bundles from firms like Airtel, MTN, GLO or 9mobile in bulk then resell them in small quantities.

30. Event MC

You can make honest money as professional MCs. Master of Ceremony is a person who introduces guests, speakers, or performers at a formal event. It is lucrative in Nigeria, they can charge as high has N2,000,000

31. Eggs Supply

Due to the high demand of eggs, you are sure of making money from it in Nigeria. The uses of eggs are numerous, it can be used for in baking different types of confectioneries like bread, cakes, meat-pie and so on. It is used as cosmetics like shampoo, conditioners, soaps etc.

32. Importation

Importation business in Nigeria has long been considered to be the career of rich businessmen. Because Nigeria is not a productive country, we rely heavily on importation.

Unlike mini importation, importation requires huge capital to buy the items and clear them. But what I can say that it is very lucrative.

33. Fitness Training Business

A fitness training business is a business that provide personal training, fitness instruction, or the use of a fitness facility to those interested in living a healthy life.

Some tips for starting a successful fitness training business

• Find your niche
• Determine your role in the business
• Get some experience
• Make sure you are legally compliant

34. Restaurant Business

Starting and opening a new restaurant is exciting and challenging. It is a profitable business to venture in if you get it right. Starting a restaurant is quite expensive but it also depends on your budget. Restaurant in a good location can fetch huge profit.

35. Okrika Business

Okrika business is very profitable and booming, not only because of the continued recession in the country but because of the popularity of being durable and retaining it original condition for a long time. This business can be started with little capital then grow overtime. You can get male okrika wears from Okmall

36. Recharge Card Printing Business

Printing of recharge card is a very profitable business you can venture into without breaking the bank. You can do it from the comfort of your home once you have the requisite knowledge.

What you need to start this business are:

• A desktop or laptop computers.
• Internet access.
• Printing software.
• Printer.
• Recharge PINs.

38. Soap Production

Soap business either liquid or bar lucrative. This businesses that can be done on a small scale and does not necessarily need a large facility to begin. You can start production from home, make a profit and expand later

Common soap in Nigeria

• Liquid soaps
• Bar soaps
• Powdered soaps

39. Electronic shop

An average home in Nigeria is expected to have at least one electronic device so going into electronics seems like a great idea for many and it is if done properly.

There are different electronic shop business idea in Nigeria:

• Home Appliance Business
• TV and Radio Business
• Computer Business

40. Solar panel sales, install and Repairs

Due to the unreliable power supply in Nigeria, solar energy business has become very lucrative. Solar energy is the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available on earth. Home, offices, industries, and commercial centres can harness this energy for various uses.

You can start with very little capital if you just want to do only installations and repairs but if you want to go into sales, you will need enough money.

41. Baking and Confectionery Business

Bakery business is a very lucrative business because it meets the daily needs of people. The food business is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.

Some Baked Food In Nigeria

• Bread
• Cakes
• Pastries
• Biscuits
• Pizzas

42. Real Estate Business

Real estate business is the process of buying, selling or renting a property, building, home or land. You can make a lot of money by starting a real estate business, whether as a real estate agent or as an investor.

If you do not have huge capital to invest in real estate, you can be a real estate agent and still make money.

43. Courier Service Business

Courier services is one of the top 100 business ideas in Nigeria that you can go into and make cool cash from. You can start a courier business with a reliable vehicle, or even just a bike or scooter, and you could eventually grow into the next UPS!

44. Fish Farming

In Nigeria, fish farming is a very lucrative business to go into. Fish farming is an act of rearing fish for commercial purpose. There are hundreds of species of fish, among which are; sea trout, cyprinids, pangas catfish, freshwater fishes, silver seabream, common carp, catla, greasy grouper, bighead carp, Nile tilapia, grass carp and more.

Here are the major steps you need to take before embarking on this business.

• Write a business plan
• Register your business
• Get adequate trainig
• Construct the pond, a borehole and overhead tank
• Determine the species of fish you want to breed
• Purchase your fingerlings of juveniles
• Marketing

45. Poultry Business

Poultry farming in Nigeria has created and still creating a profitable business opportunity for Entrepreneurs and can provide a great employment source for job seekers. We have different types of Poultry farming – duck rearing, rearing chicken, quails, turkey, emu, broiler, etc.

46. Advertising Agency

All businesses needs to advertise and spread the word to new customers to keep growing. Advertising agency is one business you can make huge profits from if you run it well.

In Nigeria, there are opportunities for you to get more clients in the cities such as Lagos and Abuja. But there is huge competition in those areas because those cities are the focus of other advertising agencies.

47. Juice and Beverage Production

Fruit juice production business in Nigeria is a promising industry with significant growth potential. Nigeria is the largest producer of fruits in Africa, and the industry employs over 20,000 people. You can start very small and grow.

48. Film Production Business

Film production business in Nigeria can be considered as a multi-billion dollar industry. Over the years, Nollywood has turned into a lucrative business for actresses and actors as well as, film producers. This business is a lucrative business but it requires a lot of money to start up.

49. Selling of Car Spare Part

There is a large market for car spare parts business in Nigeria, and the business can be sited anywhere in the country. A lot of cars get damaged in Nigeria daily because of bad roads so starting car spare parts business in Nigeria is a walk on the path to success in life. This business needs a lot of capital to start but you can buy the basic parts and grow.

50. Filling Station

Nigeria currently consumes 60 million litres of fuel daily and it is growing. The people of Nigeria need fuel for their car and generator on a daily basis.

Investing into filling station business is very lucrative but the money used to set up the station will run into millions.

51. Furniture Making

It is difficult to visit a Nigerian home and not see chairs or tables. Offices are not left out too because furniture is an essential tool there. Furniture business in Nigeria is a very lucrative business considering it is necessity for all Nigerians to have. Like many other businesses, you can start small and grow it.

52. Car Dealership

Car dealership business is very expensive because it demands huge capital to buy cars. You can sell tokunbo cars that are imported from USA or Cotonou or deal with only Nigerian used cars.

This business is a profitable one because the Profit in each car you sell is big. For example, your cost price for a car can be N3m and you sell for N3.5m, that is a profit of N500k.

53. Hotel Business

Starting a hotel business in Nigeria can be a promising venture due to the country’s growing tourism industry and increasing business activities. Here are some steps to consider when starting a hotel business:

Market Research:

Conduct thorough research to identify the demand for hotels in your desired location. Analyze the target market, competition, and customer preferences. Determine the type of hotel that will best cater to the needs of your potential guests, such as luxury, budget, boutique, or business hotel.

Business Plan:

Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your hotel’s concept, target market, marketing strategies, operational structure, financial projections, and pricing strategy. This plan will serve as a roadmap for your business and help attract investors or secure financing.

Location and Property:

Select a suitable location for your hotel. Consider areas with high tourist traffic, proximity to business districts, or popular attractions. Assess the property options available, either by purchasing an existing hotel, renovating a building, or constructing a new one. Ensure the property has the necessary infrastructure, utilities, and amenities to support a hotel operation.

Permits and Licensing:

Obtain the required permits and licenses to operate a hotel business in Nigeria. This includes registering your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission, obtaining tax identification numbers, and acquiring necessary permits from local authorities, such as building permits and fire safety certifications.

Facilities and Amenities:

Design your hotel’s facilities and amenities based on your target market. Determine the number and types of rooms, dining options, conference rooms, recreational facilities, parking spaces, and other services that align with the needs and preferences of your guests.

Staffing and Training:

Hire qualified and experienced staff members who can provide excellent service to your guests. This includes front desk personnel, housekeeping staff, chefs, waiters, security personnel, and maintenance workers. Implement training programs to ensure that your staff delivers high-quality customer service consistently.

Marketing and Promotion:

Develop a strong marketing strategy to raise awareness and attract guests to your hotel. Establish an online presence through a well-designed website, social media platforms, and online travel agencies. Use traditional marketing methods, such as advertising in local media and partnering with tourism agencies, to reach your target audience.

Guest Experience:

Prioritize guest satisfaction by providing comfortable accommodations, efficient check-in/check-out processes, personalized services, cleanliness, and amenities that meet or exceed expectations. Encourage and respond to guest feedback to continuously improve the quality of your services.

Operational Management:

Implement efficient operational systems and processes for reservations, housekeeping, inventory management, accounting, and overall hotel management. Utilize hotel management software to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

Quality Control and Maintenance:

Regularly assess and maintain the quality of your hotel’s facilities, amenities, and services. Conduct periodic inspections and repairs to ensure that everything is in good working order. Prioritize cleanliness, safety, and hygiene standards.

Remember to adapt your strategies based on market trends, guest feedback, and changing customer preferences. Providing a memorable and enjoyable experience for your guests will contribute to the success and reputation of your hotel business in Nigeria.

54. Selling Building Material

Selling building materials in Nigeria can be a lucrative business opportunity considering the country’s growing construction industry. To start selling building materials, you’ll need to consider the following steps:

1. Conduct market research to understand the demand for building materials in Nigeria, including popular types, suppliers, and competitors.
   
2. Create a comprehensive business plan outlining your goals, target market, pricing strategy, marketing approach, and financial projections.
   
3. Select reliable suppliers who can provide quality products at competitive prices.
   
4. Obtain the necessary licenses and permits to operate legally in Nigeria.
   
5. Find a suitable location for your business that is close to construction sites or areas with high demand.
   
6. Manage your inventory effectively by stocking a diverse range of building materials based on market demand.
   
7. Develop a marketing strategy using traditional and digital channels to reach your target audience.
   
8. Provide excellent customer service by offering competitive pricing, timely delivery, and quality products.
   
9. Implement proper financial management practices to track expenses, manage cash flow, and plan for growth.
   
10. Stay updated with industry trends and advancements through attending trade shows, seminars, and networking events.

55. Private Educational Institution

Establishing a private educational institution in Nigeria can be a rewarding venture, considering the country’s growing population and the increasing demand for quality education. Here are some steps to consider when starting a private educational institution:

1. Identify Your Niche: Determine the type of educational institution you want to establish, such as a nursery and primary school, secondary school, vocational institute, or specialized educational center. Define your educational philosophy, curriculum, and target student population.

2. Research and Planning: Conduct thorough research on the local education market, including demographic trends, competition, and demand for specific programs. Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your institution’s vision, mission, goals, curriculum, staffing requirements, financial projections, and marketing strategies.

3. Legal Requirements: Register your educational institution with the appropriate government agencies, such as the Corporate Affairs Commission and the Ministry of Education. Obtain the necessary licenses and permits, including school establishment approvals, to operate legally in Nigeria.

4. Infrastructure and Facilities: Secure a suitable location for your institution that meets the space and infrastructure requirements. Consider factors such as classrooms, laboratories, libraries, administrative offices, recreational areas, and security measures. Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

5. Curriculum Development: Design a curriculum that aligns with national or international standards and meets the needs of your target student population. Determine the subjects, teaching methodologies, and co-curricular activities that will enhance students’ learning experiences.

6. Staffing: Hire qualified and experienced educators who align with your institution’s educational philosophy. Recruit teaching and administrative staff members who hold the necessary qualifications and possess a passion for education. Conduct background checks and provide professional development opportunities to support their growth.

7. Admissions and Enrollment: Develop a clear and transparent admissions process that includes criteria for student selection, application procedures, and enrollment timelines. Implement effective marketing strategies to attract prospective students and their parents, such as open houses, online advertising, and collaborations with educational consultants.

8. Financial Management: Develop a sustainable financial plan for your institution. Determine the tuition fees, fee collection processes, and payment schedules. Establish proper accounting and financial management systems to ensure transparency and efficient use of resources.

9. Quality Assurance: Implement mechanisms for quality control and continuous improvement. Regularly evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of teaching and learning processes, student assessments, and overall institutional performance. Seek accreditation or affiliations with reputable educational organizations or examination bodies, if applicable.

10. Community Engagement: Foster strong relationships with students, parents, and the local community. Encourage parental involvement, establish communication channels, and organize events that promote collaboration and support. Engage in community outreach initiatives to enhance the institution’s reputation and contribute to societal development.

Remember to stay updated with educational trends, technology advancements, and evolving pedagogical practices. Continuously adapt and innovate to meet the changing needs of students and provide a quality educational experience.

56. Script-writing

Scriptwriting in Nigeria has gained significant recognition with the growth of Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry. If you’re interested in scriptwriting, here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Study the Craft: Begin by learning the art and technique of scriptwriting. Familiarize yourself with storytelling principles, character development, plot structure, dialogue writing, and other essential elements of scriptwriting. There are various books, online courses, and workshops available that can help you enhance your skills.

2. Understand the Nigerian Film Industry: Gain an understanding of the Nigerian film industry, particularly Nollywood. Familiarize yourself with the types of films being produced, the target audience, popular genres, and the market dynamics. Study successful Nigerian films and analyze their storytelling techniques.

3. Define Your Genre and Concept: Determine the genre or genres you are most interested in writing for, such as drama, comedy, romance, thriller, or action. Develop a unique concept for your script that stands out and appeals to your target audience.

4. Structure Your Script: Plan and outline your script before you start writing. Create a clear structure that includes the beginning, middle, and end. Establish the key plot points, character arcs, and conflicts that will drive the story forward.

5. Develop Engaging Characters: Create well-rounded and relatable characters that will captivate the audience. Give each character a clear motivation, backstory, and personality traits. Ensure that the dialogue reflects their unique voices.

6. Write and Revise: Start writing your script, focusing on crafting engaging scenes, compelling dialogue, and visual storytelling. Aim for clarity, brevity, and emotional impact. After completing the first draft, revise and refine your script multiple times, seeking feedback from trusted peers or professionals in the industry.

7. Formatting: Follow industry-standard formatting guidelines for your script. Use dedicated screenwriting software or templates to ensure your script is properly formatted with the correct industry terminology and structure.

8. Copyright Protection: Protect your script by registering it with the appropriate copyright authorities. This will help safeguard your intellectual property rights and provide legal recourse if necessary.

9. Networking and Collaboration: Attend industry events, film festivals, and scriptwriting workshops to network with fellow writers, filmmakers, and industry professionals. Build relationships and collaborate with others to enhance your skills and increase your chances of getting your scripts noticed.

10. Submitting Your Script: Research production companies, film studios, and independent filmmakers who are open to receiving script submissions. Follow their submission guidelines and prepare a professional query letter or synopsis to accompany your script. Be prepared for potential rejections and continue submitting your work to increase your chances of success.

Remember, writing is a continuous learning process, so keep honing your skills, seeking feedback, and exploring opportunities to grow as a scriptwriter. With perseverance and dedication, you can make a mark in the Nigerian film industry and contribute to its storytelling landscape.

57. Clinic and Hospital

Starting a clinic or hospital in Nigeria can be a compelling endeavor due to the country’s growing demand for quality healthcare services and the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Nigeria’s large population, limited healthcare infrastructure, and rising middle class create a favorable environment for healthcare businesses to thrive. Additionally, the government’s support and policies, advancements in medical technology, and the potential for medical tourism further contribute to the attractiveness of establishing healthcare facilities. Beyond financial considerations, starting a clinic or hospital in Nigeria offers the chance to address healthcare gaps, create job opportunities, and make a significant social impact by improving healthcare outcomes.

58. Pharmacy Business

Starting a pharmacy business in Nigeria can be a lucrative opportunity, given the country’s growing population, increasing demand for healthcare services, and the importance of easy access to quality medications. Pharmacies play a vital role in providing essential medications, health products, and professional pharmaceutical services to the public. With the right planning, knowledge, and adherence to regulatory requirements, you can establish a successful pharmacy business that meets the healthcare needs of the Nigerian population while contributing to their well-being. In this guide, we will explore the key steps and considerations involved in starting a pharmacy business in Nigeria, from obtaining the necessary licenses and permits to building a reputable brand, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering excellent customer care.

59. Event Planning

Event planning in Nigeria is an exciting industry that offers great opportunities for people who enjoy organizing and hosting memorable gatherings. Nigeria’s rich culture and diverse traditions make it a perfect setting for various events, including corporate conferences, weddings, parties, and festivals. If you have a passion for bringing people together and paying attention to details, event planning in Nigeria can be a rewarding career choice. This guide will provide you with essential information on understanding the event market, finding your specialization, planning and executing events, building a network of contacts, effective marketing strategies, managing vendors and budgets, and delivering exceptional customer service.

60. Concrete Block Production

Venturing into concrete block production in Nigeria can be a profitable and impactful business opportunity. With a growing construction industry, increasing urbanization, and a need for affordable and durable building materials, the demand for concrete blocks is on the rise. This guide will provide you with an overview of why you should consider entering the concrete block production industry in Nigeria. We will explore factors such as the country’s booming construction sector, population growth and urbanization, cost-effectiveness and versatility of concrete blocks, availability of raw materials, job creation and economic impact, sustainable building practices, profitability and scalability, government support, technological advancements, and the fulfillment of essential needs. By understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision about starting a concrete block production business and capitalize on the opportunities presented by Nigeria’s construction industry.