19 Small Business Ideas You Can Easily Start in Nigeria in 2025

Starting a business in Nigeria doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. With creativity, consistency, and the right strategy, you can build a profitable venture even with minimal capital. Whether you're a student, stay-at-home parent, recent graduate, or full-time worker looking to earn extra income, here are 19 small business ideas that are realistic and relevant in 2025.

1. Phone & Gadget Repair Services

Smartphones, tablets, and laptops are everywhere, and they break often. Learning how to fix screens, batteries, and ports can make you good money. You can start with basic tools, take a short course, and even operate from home or offer mobile services.

Startup Cost: ₦30,000 – ₦100,000
Skills Needed: Technical repair skills, customer service

2. Food Vending / Meal Delivery

Nigerians love good food, but many are too busy to cook. If you can prepare tasty meals, consider cooking from home and delivering to offices, hostels, or busy residential areas. You can start with pre-orders via WhatsApp or Instagram.

Startup Cost: ₦20,000 – ₦50,000
Target Market: Busy professionals, students, families

3. Mini Importation Business

Import small goods like phone accessories, fashion items, or cosmetics from sites like 1688 or Alibaba. You don’t need to travel; everything can be done online. Resell via social media or e-commerce platforms.

Startup Cost: ₦50,000+
Required Tools: Smartphone, internet, bank/fintech account

4. Thrift (Okrika) Clothing Business

Selling fairly used clothing (Okrika) remains highly profitable in Nigeria. Buy in bulk (bale or “grade A”) and sell via Instagram or in person. Profit margins are high, especially for children’s wear, jeans, or office wear.

Startup Cost: ₦20,000 – ₦100,000
Where to Sell: Markets, social media, or WhatsApp groups

5. Mobile Hairdressing & Grooming

Barbers, hairstylists, and makeup artists offering home services are in high demand. Many prefer home service over visiting salons due to privacy, comfort, or time-saving.

Startup Cost: ₦30,000 – ₦150,000
Tools Needed: Clippers, kits, mirror, combs, products

6. Drop-shipping / Print-on-Demand

This is an online business model where you sell products without keeping inventory. A customer orders, you forward it to a supplier, and they ship directly. With the right marketing, it’s easy to scale.

Startup Cost: ₦10,000 – ₦50,000
Tools: A basic website or Shopify, Instagram page

7. Home/Office Cleaning Services

Cleaning services are increasingly in demand, especially in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Target short-term rentals, offices, or busy professionals. You can offer packages like weekly cleaning or post-construction cleaning.

Startup Cost: ₦30,000 – ₦80,000
Essentials: Cleaning supplies, gloves, branding

8. Poultry or Catfish Farming

Farming is still a strong pillar in Nigeria’s economy. You can start with broilers (for meat), layers (for eggs), or catfish. Begin small in your backyard and grow over time.

Startup Cost: ₦100,000 – ₦300,000
Needs: Space, feed, water, training

9. Online Tutoring / Skill Training

If you're skilled in mathematics, coding, French, or design, start tutoring online. Use Zoom or Telegram for live sessions or pre-record lessons and sell access. The education industry is booming online.

Startup Cost: ₦0 – ₦30,000
Skills: Teaching, communication, content creation

10. Photography & Videography

Events, Instagram influencers, and even SMEs need quality visuals. You can begin with a smartphone and edit with free tools like Lightroom Mobile. Over time, invest in a DSLR and better lighting.

Startup Cost: ₦50,000+
Tools: Camera/smartphone, editing software, tripod

11. Social Media Management

Small businesses often need help managing their social pages. Offer content creation, engagement, and ads management. If you’re creative and organized, this is a great remote job.

Startup Cost: ₦0 – ₦20,000
Tools: Canva, Meta Business Suite, content calendar

12. E-commerce Reseller

You don’t have to make your own product to sell online. Find trending or affordable goods, buy in bulk, and sell on Jumia, Konga, WhatsApp, or your personal site.

Startup Cost: ₦20,000 – ₦100,000
Tip: Focus on niche products (e.g., baby items, fitness gear)

13. Ice Block Production

Due to constant power outages, cold drinks are essential. Sell ice blocks to food vendors, event planners, and shop owners. With a freezer and water, you can start locally and expand.

Startup Cost: ₦100,000 – ₦300,000
Need: Stable water supply, freezer, power source (generator or inverter)

14. Real Estate Agent / Property Management

Many people are constantly looking for apartments or shops. You can be a middleman, linking landlords with tenants or managing short-lets on Airbnb. It’s commission-based and doesn’t require owning property.

Startup Cost: ₦10,000 – ₦50,000 (for marketing, transport)
Tools: WhatsApp, camera, transport, networking

15. Logistics / Delivery Services

Start a local delivery business in your area. Partner with online vendors or restaurants. All you need is a reliable bike (yours or rented), tracking, and customer service.

Startup Cost: ₦150,000+ (if buying bike)
Alt Option: Act as dispatcher agent/manager

16. Bookkeeping / Freelance Accounting

If you understand accounting or finance, offer bookkeeping services to SMEs and startups who can’t afford full-time staff. Use software like QuickBooks or Wave.

Startup Cost: ₦0 – ₦30,000
Skills: Accounting, Excel, software use

17. Cosmetics Production / Sales

Nigeria’s beauty industry is booming. Learn to make natural skincare products, soaps, or lip gloss. Alternatively, buy and resell existing brands.

Startup Cost: ₦20,000 – ₦100,000
Sell On: Instagram, beauty fairs, supermarkets

18. Virtual Assistant Services

Be a remote personal or business assistant. Handle emails, customer service, data entry, or scheduling for busy entrepreneurs locally or abroad.

Startup Cost: ₦0 – ₦20,000
Tools: Smartphone, laptop, internet

19. Baking / Snacks Business

From small chops and meat pies to birthday cakes and chin-chin, snacks sell well daily. You can supply schools, shops, or sell on order.

Startup Cost: ₦30,000 – ₦150,000
Key Needs: Oven, ingredients, packaging

20. POS (Point of Sale) Business

With many Nigerians still underbanked or in areas with few ATMs, POS agents play a vital role in cash withdrawals, deposits, and bill payments. It’s a simple business to start, especially in markets, rural towns, and high-traffic neighbourhoods.

You’ll partner with a fintech company or bank (like Opay, Moniepoint, PalmPay, Firstmonie, etc.) who will provide the POS machine. Your profit comes from small commissions on each transaction.

Startup Cost: ₦30,000 – ₦100,000 (depending on the provider)
Requirements: Valid ID, BVN, utility bill, and sometimes CAC registration
Services You Can Offer:

• Withdrawals and deposits

• Bill payments (DSTV, PHCN, etc.)

• Airtime/data sales

• Account opening (for partner banks)

Tips for Success:

• Choose a busy or underserved location

• Ensure you have network and power backup (e.g., power bank or solar)

• Provide good customer service to retain clients

Final Tips:

• Start small, then scale.

• Learn basic digital marketing (especially social media).

• Stay consistent and offer quality.

• Reinvest your profits.

• Register your business (CAC) once you grow.