Starting a business in Nigeria can feel overwhelming, especially when you hear stories of people needing tens of millions of naira to get off the ground. The truth is, many of the most successful entrepreneurs began with little and built gradually by focusing on solving everyday problems. From selling foodstuff in bulk to running a Point-of-Sale (POS) outlet, from small-scale farming to digital services, the opportunities are everywhere if you know where to look.
This guide was created for aspiring entrepreneurs who have less than ₦2 million to invest but are determined to make their mark. In a country with over 200 million people, constant demand for food, clothing, transport, education, and digital services creates a fertile ground for small businesses. The beauty is that many of these businesses are not only affordable to start but can also scale into much bigger operations over time.
We will explore 100 business ideas across different categories: financial services, food and agriculture, fashion and beauty, digital and knowledge-based ventures, lifestyle products, transport and logistics, entertainment, low-capital quick wins, and more. Each section explains the startup cost, estimated profit margin, best regions to start, training needs, and possible partnerships. You will also find a roadmap on how to pick a business idea and launch it within 90 days.
Whether you are a student looking to earn extra income, a worker tired of salary dependence, or a young entrepreneur ready to build a legacy, this guide will show you that starting small is not a weakness but a strength. With determination, strategy, and consistent effort, these small beginnings can grow into businesses that provide stability, jobs, and long-term wealth.
Index of 100 Business Ideas
- POS / Agency Banking
- Tutoring Services
- Real Estate Agency (Commissions)
- Laundry Pick‑up & Delivery
- Mobile Phone Repairs
- Bookkeeping & Small-Biz Accounting
- Tax Filing & Business Registration Help
- Errand & Concierge Service
- House Cleaning Agency
- Pest Control (Residential/Office)
- Event Ticketing & Gate Management
- HR/Recruitment Micro‑Agency
- Coworking Micro‑Space (Hot desks)
- Printing/Photocopy Kiosk
- Courier/Parcel Shop (Agent)
- Fish Farming (Catfish)
- Poultry (Broilers/Layers)
- Snail Farming
- Grasscutter Farming
- Goat Rearing (Intensive)
- Vegetable Farming (Leafy/Spinach)
- Fruit Farming (Pineapple/Orange)
- Mushroom Cultivation
- Beekeeping & Honey
- Pig Farming (starter pens)
- Garri Processing & Packaging
- Palm Oil Trading (Bulk/Resale)
- Plantain Chips Production
- Yam Flour (Elubo) Packaging
- Spice Blending & Packaging
- Sachet Water Distribution
- Foodstuff Resale (Bulk→Retail)
- Frozen Food Retail (Chest Freezer)
- Rice Rebagging & Retail
- Fish Smoking & Packaging
- Thrift Fashion (Okrika)
- Wig Making & Revamp
- Tailoring & Alterations
- Bespoke Native Wear (Agbada/Kaftan)
- Shoe & Bag Repair (Cobbler)
- Small Leather Goods (Belts/Wallets)
- Bead & Costume Jewelry
- Makeup Artistry (Bridal/Events)
- Nail Tech & Press‑on Nails
- Barber Shop (Modern Cuts)
- Kids’ Haircare Studio
- Mobile Spa/Massage
- Artisanal Skincare Brand
- Perfume/Fragrance Oil Blending
- Styling & Personal Shopping
- Digital Skills Training Hub
- Blogging / Niche News Site
- YouTube Channel (Niche)
- Podcasting
- Graphics/Branding Studio
- Branded Merchandise (T‑shirts/Mugs)
- Web Design / No‑Code Sites
- App Development (MVPs)
- Social Media Management
- SEO & Content Agency
- Online Course Creation
- E‑book Publishing
- UI/UX Design Service
- Data Entry / BPO Micro‑Center
- Photography Studio
- Videography & Editing
- Drone Photography (Entry‑level)
- Animation/Motion Graphics
- IT Support & Computer Repairs
- Cybercafé & Print Shop
- Scented Candles & Diffusers
- Liquid Soap & Detergent
- Laundry Bar Soap
- Small‑Batch Paint Production
- Furniture Refurbishing
- Interior Decoration
- Home Cleaning Products (Disinfectants)
- Water Filter Sales & Installation
- Gas Refill Retail (Exchange)
- Pet Supplies & Grooming
- Bike Delivery Service
- Haulage Brokerage (Trucks on Demand)
- Car Wash & Detailing
- Mobile Mechanic
- Tyre & Battery Kiosk
- Auto Spare Parts Retail
- E‑hailing Driver (Uber/Bolt)
- School‑Run Coordination Service
- Courier Point/Agent Shop
- Bicycle Sales & Repairs
- Daycare Center
- After‑School & Exam Prep Center
- Private Home‑Lesson Agency
- Fitness Coaching / Personal Training
- Yoga / Meditation Studio
- Balloon & Party Decor
- Mini Cinema Nights (Projector‑Based)
- Short‑Let Co‑hosting & Airbnb Management
- Event Rentals (Chairs/Canopies)
- Photo Booth Rental (Events)
Financial & Service-Based Businesses
POS / Agency Banking
Startup Cost: ₦30k–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 20–30% monthly ROI
Best Regions/Cities: Lagos, Abuja, Kano
Training Needed: Fintech onboarding
Smart Partnerships: Microfinance banks, shops
Tutoring Services
Startup Cost: ₦0–₦200k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: High (skills-based)
Best Regions/Cities: Ibadan, Enugu, Abuja
Training Needed: Subject expertise
Smart Partnerships: Schools, parents groups
Real Estate Agency (Commissions)
Startup Cost: ₦0–₦500k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 5–10% on deals
Best Regions/Cities: Lagos, Abuja, PH
Training Needed: Market knowledge
Smart Partnerships: Developers, landlords
Laundry Pick‑up & Delivery
Startup Cost: ₦300k–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 30–40%
Best Regions/Cities: Urban estates
Training Needed: Ops & customer care
Smart Partnerships: Dry cleaners, riders
Mobile Phone Repairs
Startup Cost: ₦150k–₦500k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 50–70%
Best Regions/Cities: All major cities
Training Needed: Vocational (₦100k+)
Smart Partnerships: Phone stores
Bookkeeping & Small-Biz Accounting
Startup Cost: ₦50k–₦300k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 60–80%
Best Regions/Cities: SME clusters
Training Needed: Basic accounting
Smart Partnerships: Trade associations
Tax Filing & Business Registration Help
Startup Cost: ₦50k–₦200k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 60–80%
Best Regions/Cities: All cities
Training Needed: CAC/FIRS know-how
Smart Partnerships: Lawyers, consultants
Errand & Concierge Service
Startup Cost: ₦50k–₦200k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 50–70%
Best Regions/Cities: Lagos, Abuja
Training Needed: Ops planning
Smart Partnerships: Busy professionals
House Cleaning Agency
Startup Cost: ₦100k–₦500k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 30–50%
Best Regions/Cities: Estates/cities
Training Needed: Basic training
Smart Partnerships: Estate managers
Pest Control (Residential/Office)
Startup Cost: ₦200k–₦800k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 30–50%
Best Regions/Cities: Urban centers
Training Needed: Safety/chemical handling
Smart Partnerships: Property managers
Event Ticketing & Gate Management
Startup Cost: ₦200k–₦800k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 25–40%
Best Regions/Cities: Cities/campuses
Training Needed: Event ops
Smart Partnerships: Event planners, venues
HR/Recruitment Micro‑Agency
Startup Cost: ₦100k–₦500k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: Fees per hire
Best Regions/Cities: Urban hubs
Training Needed: Interviewing skills
Smart Partnerships: SMEs, startups
Coworking Micro‑Space (Hot desks)
Startup Cost: ₦500k–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 20–35%
Best Regions/Cities: Lagos, Ibadan
Training Needed: Space mgmt
Smart Partnerships: Freelancers
Printing/Photocopy Kiosk
Startup Cost: ₦300k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 20–30%
Best Regions/Cities: Near schools/courts
Training Needed: Basic IT
Smart Partnerships: Students, legal firms
Courier/Parcel Shop (Agent)
Startup Cost: ₦300k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 25–35%
Best Regions/Cities: All cities
Training Needed: Basic logistics
Smart Partnerships: Major courier firms
Food & Agriculture
Fish Farming (Catfish)
Startup Cost: ₦500k–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 20–25% per cycle
Best Regions/Cities: Ogun, Rivers, Delta
Training Needed: Aquaculture training
Smart Partnerships: Restaurants, markets
Poultry (Broilers/Layers)
Startup Cost: ₦1m–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 25–30%
Best Regions/Cities: SW, SE
Training Needed: Poultry training
Smart Partnerships: Food vendors, hotels
Snail Farming
Startup Cost: ₦200k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 25–35%
Best Regions/Cities: SW rainforest
Training Needed: Snailery training
Smart Partnerships: Restaurants
Grasscutter Farming
Startup Cost: ₦200k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 25–35%
Best Regions/Cities: Nationwide
Training Needed: Small livestock training
Smart Partnerships: Meat sellers
Goat Rearing (Intensive)
Startup Cost: ₦500k–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 30–40%
Best Regions/Cities: North & SW
Training Needed: Livestock training
Smart Partnerships: Butchers, markets
Vegetable Farming (Leafy/Spinach)
Startup Cost: ₦200k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 25–30%
Best Regions/Cities: Peri‑urban belts
Training Needed: Agri basics
Smart Partnerships: Markets, eateries
Fruit Farming (Pineapple/Orange)
Startup Cost: ₦500k–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 30–40%
Best Regions/Cities: Benue, Plateau
Training Needed: Agri co‑ops
Smart Partnerships: Wholesalers
Mushroom Cultivation
Startup Cost: ₦300k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 30–40%
Best Regions/Cities: SW
Training Needed: Specialised training
Smart Partnerships: Restaurants
Beekeeping & Honey
Startup Cost: ₦200k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 40–50%
Best Regions/Cities: North, Middle Belt
Training Needed: Beekeeping training
Smart Partnerships: Health shops
Pig Farming (starter pens)
Startup Cost: ₦1m–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 30–40%
Best Regions/Cities: SW, SE
Training Needed: Livestock training
Smart Partnerships: Butchers
Garri Processing & Packaging
Startup Cost: ₦500k–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 35–50%
Best Regions/Cities: Ondo, Ogun, Kogi
Training Needed: Processing know‑how
Smart Partnerships: Supermarkets
Palm Oil Trading (Bulk/Resale)
Startup Cost: ₦200k–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 20–40%
Best Regions/Cities: Anambra, Edo, CR
Training Needed: Market insight
Smart Partnerships: Retailers
Plantain Chips Production
Startup Cost: ₦200k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 40–60%
Best Regions/Cities: Lagos, Onitsha
Training Needed: Food hygiene
Smart Partnerships: Schools, shops
Yam Flour (Elubo) Packaging
Startup Cost: ₦300k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 30–45%
Best Regions/Cities: Yam belts
Training Needed: Processing basics
Smart Partnerships: Grocers
Spice Blending & Packaging
Startup Cost: ₦200k–₦800k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 35–55%
Best Regions/Cities: Urban markets
Training Needed: Food safety
Smart Partnerships: Retail chains
Sachet Water Distribution
Startup Cost: ₦200k–₦800k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 20–30%
Best Regions/Cities: Hot zones
Training Needed: Basic ops
Smart Partnerships: Producers, retailers
Foodstuff Resale (Bulk→Retail)
Startup Cost: ₦100k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 15–25%
Best Regions/Cities: Ibadan, Enugu, Jos
Training Needed: Market knowledge
Smart Partnerships: Churches, offices
Frozen Food Retail (Chest Freezer)
Startup Cost: ₦300k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 20–30%
Best Regions/Cities: Estates, towns
Training Needed: Cold chain basics
Smart Partnerships: Fish/meat suppliers
Rice Rebagging & Retail
Startup Cost: ₦300k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 15–25%
Best Regions/Cities: All markets
Training Needed: Weighing/branding
Smart Partnerships: Wholesalers
Fish Smoking & Packaging
Startup Cost: ₦300k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 30–45%
Best Regions/Cities: Riverside towns
Training Needed: Smoking technique
Smart Partnerships: Stores, hotels
Fashion & Beauty
Thrift Fashion (Okrika)
Startup Cost: ₦100k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 30–70%
Best Regions/Cities: Lagos, Aba, Onitsha
Training Needed: Curation/marketing
Smart Partnerships: Online vendors
Wig Making & Revamp
Startup Cost: ₦50k–₦500k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 50–80%
Best Regions/Cities: Lagos, PH
Training Needed: Beauty school (₦50k+)
Smart Partnerships: Hair vendors
Tailoring & Alterations
Startup Cost: ₦200k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 40–60%
Best Regions/Cities: Every city
Training Needed: Tailoring school
Smart Partnerships: Boutiques
Bespoke Native Wear (Agbada/Kaftan)
Startup Cost: ₦300k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 40–60%
Best Regions/Cities: Urban centers
Training Needed: Advanced tailoring
Smart Partnerships: Stylists
Shoe & Bag Repair (Cobbler)
Startup Cost: ₦100k–₦300k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 40–60%
Best Regions/Cities: Markets
Training Needed: Apprenticeship
Smart Partnerships: Fashion shops
Small Leather Goods (Belts/Wallets)
Startup Cost: ₦200k–₦800k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 35–55%
Best Regions/Cities: Aba, Lagos
Training Needed: Leather craft
Smart Partnerships: Boutiques
Bead & Costume Jewelry
Startup Cost: ₦50k–₦300k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 40–70%
Best Regions/Cities: Festive cities
Training Needed: Bead craft
Smart Partnerships: Event planners
Makeup Artistry (Bridal/Events)
Startup Cost: ₦100k–₦500k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 60–70%
Best Regions/Cities: Urban centers
Training Needed: Makeup school
Smart Partnerships: Bridal houses
Nail Tech & Press‑on Nails
Startup Cost: ₦100k–₦400k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 50–70%
Best Regions/Cities: Cities, campuses
Training Needed: Short courses
Smart Partnerships: Salons
Barber Shop (Modern Cuts)
Startup Cost: ₦500k–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 30–45%
Best Regions/Cities: High‑density areas
Training Needed: Salon ops
Smart Partnerships: Estates
Kids’ Haircare Studio
Startup Cost: ₦1m–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 30–40%
Best Regions/Cities: Lagos, Abuja
Training Needed: Childcare salon skills
Smart Partnerships: Schools, daycares
Mobile Spa/Massage
Startup Cost: ₦200k–₦800k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 40–60%
Best Regions/Cities: Affluent estates
Training Needed: Massage training
Smart Partnerships: Hotels, gyms
Artisanal Skincare Brand
Startup Cost: ₦200k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 50–70%
Best Regions/Cities: Lagos, Kano
Training Needed: Cosmetic GMP
Smart Partnerships: Spas, beauty shops
Perfume/Fragrance Oil Blending
Startup Cost: ₦150k–₦600k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 40–60%
Best Regions/Cities: Urban
Training Needed: Scent formulation
Smart Partnerships: Lifestyle stores
Styling & Personal Shopping
Startup Cost: ₦50k–₦300k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 60–80%
Best Regions/Cities: Cities
Training Needed: Fashion curation
Smart Partnerships: Influencers
Digital & Creative
Digital Skills Training Hub
Startup Cost: ₦1m–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 40–60%
Best Regions/Cities: Ibadan, Enugu, Benin
Training Needed: Bootcamps
Smart Partnerships: NGOs, schools
Blogging / Niche News Site
Startup Cost: ₦50k–₦200k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: Ad revenue after scale
Best Regions/Cities: Online
Training Needed: SEO/content
Smart Partnerships: Brands
YouTube Channel (Niche)
Startup Cost: ₦50k–₦300k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: High after growth
Best Regions/Cities: Online
Training Needed: Video editing
Smart Partnerships: Sponsorships
Podcasting
Startup Cost: ₦100k–₦500k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: Ads after audience
Best Regions/Cities: Online
Training Needed: Audio skills
Smart Partnerships: Brands
Graphics/Branding Studio
Startup Cost: ₦300k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 20–30%
Best Regions/Cities: Urban hubs
Training Needed: Design training
Smart Partnerships: SMEs
Branded Merchandise (T‑shirts/Mugs)
Startup Cost: ₦300k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 20–35%
Best Regions/Cities: All cities
Training Needed: Heat press/printing
Smart Partnerships: Clubs, schools
Web Design / No‑Code Sites
Startup Cost: ₦100k–₦500k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 70–80%
Best Regions/Cities: Nationwide
Training Needed: Web courses
Smart Partnerships: Freelance platforms
App Development (MVPs)
Startup Cost: ₦200k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 60–70%
Best Regions/Cities: Tech hubs
Training Needed: Coding bootcamps
Smart Partnerships: Startups
Social Media Management
Startup Cost: ₦50k–₦200k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 70–80%
Best Regions/Cities: Lagos, Abuja
Training Needed: SMM training
Smart Partnerships: SMEs
SEO & Content Agency
Startup Cost: ₦100k–₦500k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 50–70%
Best Regions/Cities: Nationwide
Training Needed: SEO courses
Smart Partnerships: E‑commerce
Online Course Creation
Startup Cost: ₦100k–₦500k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 70–80%
Best Regions/Cities: Remote
Training Needed: Subject expertise
Smart Partnerships: Udemy, self‑host
E‑book Publishing
Startup Cost: ₦0–₦100k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: High (royalties)
Best Regions/Cities: Online
Training Needed: Writing/editing
Smart Partnerships: KDP, OkadaBooks
UI/UX Design Service
Startup Cost: ₦100k–₦400k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 60–80%
Best Regions/Cities: Online
Training Needed: UX courses
Smart Partnerships: Startups
Data Entry / BPO Micro‑Center
Startup Cost: ₦100k–₦500k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 50–70%
Best Regions/Cities: All cities
Training Needed: Excel/admin
Smart Partnerships: SMEs
Photography Studio
Startup Cost: ₦500k–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 40–60%
Best Regions/Cities: Lagos, Abuja, PH
Training Needed: Photo training
Smart Partnerships: Event planners
Videography & Editing
Startup Cost: ₦700k–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 50–60%
Best Regions/Cities: Urban centers
Training Needed: Film/editing
Smart Partnerships: Weddings, ads
Drone Photography (Entry‑level)
Startup Cost: ₦500k–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 40–60%
Best Regions/Cities: Tourist/real estate
Training Needed: UAV basics
Smart Partnerships: Realtors
Animation/Motion Graphics
Startup Cost: ₦200k–₦700k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 60–80%
Best Regions/Cities: Online
Training Needed: Animation courses
Smart Partnerships: Agencies
IT Support & Computer Repairs
Startup Cost: ₦100k–₦500k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 50–70%
Best Regions/Cities: All cities
Training Needed: CompTIA‑style
Smart Partnerships: Offices, schools
Cybercafé & Print Shop
Startup Cost: ₦700k–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 25–35%
Best Regions/Cities: Near schools
Training Needed: IT operations
Smart Partnerships: Students, exam bodies
Home & Lifestyle Products
Scented Candles & Diffusers
Startup Cost: ₦200k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 40–70%
Best Regions/Cities: Urban mid‑market
Training Needed: Workshops (₦30k+)
Smart Partnerships: Lifestyle stores
Liquid Soap & Detergent
Startup Cost: ₦30k–₦500k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 40–60%
Best Regions/Cities: Everywhere
Training Needed: Community training
Smart Partnerships: Schools, salons
Laundry Bar Soap
Startup Cost: ₦100k–₦800k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 40–60%
Best Regions/Cities: Nationwide
Training Needed: Formulation basics
Smart Partnerships: Wholesalers
Small‑Batch Paint Production
Startup Cost: ₦300k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 25–40%
Best Regions/Cities: Building sites
Training Needed: Chemistry basics
Smart Partnerships: Builders
Furniture Refurbishing
Startup Cost: ₦300k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 50–60%
Best Regions/Cities: Ibadan, Benin
Training Needed: Carpentry skills
Smart Partnerships: Movers, landlords
Interior Decoration
Startup Cost: ₦300k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 30–50%
Best Regions/Cities: Urban affluent
Training Needed: Design short courses
Smart Partnerships: Event centers
Home Cleaning Products (Disinfectants)
Startup Cost: ₦150k–₦700k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 40–60%
Best Regions/Cities: All cities
Training Needed: Formulation safety
Smart Partnerships: Retailers
Water Filter Sales & Installation
Startup Cost: ₦200k–₦800k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 25–40%
Best Regions/Cities: Urban estates
Training Needed: Plumbing basics
Smart Partnerships: Realty firms
Gas Refill Retail (Exchange)
Startup Cost: ₦500k–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 20–30%
Best Regions/Cities: Residential belts
Training Needed: Safety training
Smart Partnerships: Gas suppliers
Pet Supplies & Grooming
Startup Cost: ₦200k–₦800k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 30–45%
Best Regions/Cities: Urban
Training Needed: Animal care basics
Smart Partnerships: Vet clinics
Transport & Logistics
Bike Delivery Service
Startup Cost: ₦500k–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 20–30%
Best Regions/Cities: Lagos, Abuja, PH
Training Needed: Logistics ops
Smart Partnerships: E‑commerce vendors
Haulage Brokerage (Trucks on Demand)
Startup Cost: ₦200k–₎1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 30–40%
Best Regions/Cities: Industrial towns
Training Needed: Logistics knowledge
Smart Partnerships: Fleet owners
Car Wash & Detailing
Startup Cost: ₦200k–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 30–40%
Best Regions/Cities: Cities nationwide
Training Needed: Customer service
Smart Partnerships: Fuel stations
Mobile Mechanic
Startup Cost: ₦100k–₦500k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 40–50%
Best Regions/Cities: Urban centers
Training Needed: Vocational (₦100k+)
Smart Partnerships: Fleet firms
Tyre & Battery Kiosk
Startup Cost: ₦500k–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 20–30%
Best Regions/Cities: Transport hubs
Training Needed: Auto retail basics
Smart Partnerships: Mechanics
Auto Spare Parts Retail
Startup Cost: ₦1m–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 20–25%
Best Regions/Cities: Onitsha, Lagos
Training Needed: Market knowledge
Smart Partnerships: Transporters
E‑hailing Driver (Uber/Bolt)
Startup Cost: ₦0–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 25–30%
Best Regions/Cities: Cities
Training Needed: Driver training
Smart Partnerships: Platforms
School‑Run Coordination Service
Startup Cost: ₦100k–₦500k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 30–40%
Best Regions/Cities: Estates/schools
Training Needed: Ops & safety
Smart Partnerships: Parents groups
Courier Point/Agent Shop
Startup Cost: ₦300k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 25–35%
Best Regions/Cities: All cities
Training Needed: Parcel handling
Smart Partnerships: Major couriers
Bicycle Sales & Repairs
Startup Cost: ₦300k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 25–35%
Best Regions/Cities: Estates/towns
Training Needed: Bike repair skills
Smart Partnerships: Schools, gyms
Community, Education, Wellness & Hospitality
Daycare Center
Startup Cost: ₦500k–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 30–40%
Best Regions/Cities: Urban estates
Training Needed: Childcare courses
Smart Partnerships: Schools, churches
After‑School & Exam Prep Center
Startup Cost: ₦300k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 40–60%
Best Regions/Cities: Student cities
Training Needed: Teaching skills
Smart Partnerships: Parents groups
Private Home‑Lesson Agency
Startup Cost: ₦100k–₦500k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 60–80%
Best Regions/Cities: All cities
Training Needed: Teacher network
Smart Partnerships: Schools
Fitness Coaching / Personal Training
Startup Cost: ₦100k–₦500k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 60–70%
Best Regions/Cities: Urban
Training Needed: Fitness certification
Smart Partnerships: Gyms
Yoga / Meditation Studio
Startup Cost: ₦500k–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 40–50%
Best Regions/Cities: Lagos, Abuja
Training Needed: Yoga certification
Smart Partnerships: Wellness brands
Balloon & Party Decor
Startup Cost: ₦100k–₦500k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 40–60%
Best Regions/Cities: Event cities
Training Needed: Decor training
Smart Partnerships: Event planners
Mini Cinema Nights (Projector‑Based)
Startup Cost: ₦200k–₦700k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 25–40%
Best Regions/Cities: Campuses/estates
Training Needed: Basic AV skills
Smart Partnerships: Food vendors
Short‑Let Co‑hosting & Airbnb Management
Startup Cost: ₦100k–₦500k
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 20–35%
Best Regions/Cities: Tourist/business hubs
Training Needed: Hospitality ops
Smart Partnerships: Hosts, cleaners
Event Rentals (Chairs/Canopies)
Startup Cost: ₦500k–₦2m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 25–35%
Best Regions/Cities: All towns
Training Needed: Inventory mgmt
Smart Partnerships: Event planners
Photo Booth Rental (Events)
Startup Cost: ₦300k–₦1m
Estimated Profit Margin/ROI: 30–45%
Best Regions/Cities: Cities
Training Needed: Photography basics
Smart Partnerships: Venues, planners
Conclusion: Your 90‑Day Roadmap
First 30 Days — Clarity & Setup:
• Shortlist three businesses that match your skills and your city’s demand.
• Talk to 3–5 practitioners, price tools/supplies, and register your business name.
• Take a short course or do a week of apprenticeship to cover skill gaps.
Next 30 Days — Launch Small:
• Start with a small target (20–50 customers or 1–2 corporate clients).
• Offer promos to friends, estates, churches, and student groups.
• Track costs, time, and feedback; refine your offer and pricing.
Final 30 Days — Grow Visibility:
• Partner with nearby shops, schools, estates, or online sellers.
• Focus on reliability and clean branding; ask every happy customer for a referral.
• Plan your next hire or location once weekly revenue is consistent for four weeks.
References & Useful Sources
entrepreneurs.ng – https://entrepreneurs.ng/business-to-start-with-2-million-naira/
moniepoint.com – https://moniepoint.com/blog/19-small-business-idea-in-nigeria
therosepreneur.com – https://therosepreneur.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-start-a-virtual-assistant-business-in-nigeria/
goidara.com – https://www.goidara.com/blog/profitable-business-in-nigeria-20-ideas-you-can-start-with-100k
theknowledgeacademy.com – https://www.theknowledgeacademy.com/ng/courses/management-training/business-startup-training-course/lagos/
Wikipedia (Micro-MBA) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micro-MBA
Wikipedia (3MTT) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3MTT
Wikipedia (Tuteria) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuteria
Wired – https://www.wired.com/story/nigeria-fintech
