Not all small businesses survive beyond three to seven years of operation in Nigeria—and that’s a reality every entrepreneur must understand. From my research, experience, and close observation of the Nigerian business environment, the businesses I’ve listed below stand out as options that can thrive despite Nigeria’s ever-changing government business policies and challenging microeconomic conditions. The good news is that many of these businesses can be started on a small scale with relatively low capital and then grown steadily into large, profitable ventures. That said, if you have more capital available, you can also enter any of these businesses at a medium or large scale right from the start.

If you’re considering starting any of these businesses after reading this article, we’ve created a guide on how to start a small business in Nigeria. It’s a step-by-step resource designed to help you launch successfully—whether you’re a Nigerian or a foreigner looking to invest or do business in Nigeria.

Nigeria is full of vast and lucrative business opportunities waiting to be tapped. As one of the most populous countries in Africa, Nigeria offers a large and ready market for businesses that meet every day needs. Businesses that perform well in Nigeria are those that solve basic problems—such as food, clothing, housing, transportation, importation, and essential services.

The ongoing economic instability in Nigeria has made entrepreneurship less of an option and more of a necessity. Relying solely on the government for job employment, food, and security can make life increasingly difficult in today’s reality. This is why I advise that every Nigerian should start a small business as a reliable way to earn income and build long-term financial stability.

In most cases, what aspiring entrepreneurs truly need is not just capital—but the right business ideas. And here on naijaonlinebiz.com, we specialize in providing practical, tested, and profitable business ideas in Nigeria. If you’re searching for small business ideas you can start with little capital, you’ll find plenty of resources here to help you make money in Nigeria.

The truth is, you don’t need huge capital to start a successful business. Ask any multinational company or big corporation how they began, and you’ll almost always hear about their humble beginnings. What matters most is starting small, staying consistent, and scaling strategically over time.

Becoming successful in a small business in Nigeria is not easy—it requires serious dedication, consistent hard work, and the right mindset. Beyond that, you need some level of financial backup, a willingness to learn, and the discipline to take the right steps at every stage. One of the most important principles I always emphasize is starting small.

Taking the right steps means learning directly from people already operating in the same business niche. When you engage with experienced business owners, share ideas, and ask questions, you stay updated on current trends, common mistakes, and practical strategies that actually work in that line of business. These are some of the often-overlooked secrets to building a successful small business in Nigeria.

Now that you understand what it takes to succeed in small business in Nigeria, let’s explore the businesses you can start with small capital. For clarity and easy assessment, I’ve grouped these business ideas sector by sector to help you identify the opportunities that best match your interest, skills, and available resources.

50 Successful Small Business in Nigeria with low capital

Here are the most Successful Small Businesses in Nigeria with little or no money startup:

PROFITABLE AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS

We have researched so much on Agricultural businesses and have come to conclusion that agricultural businesses are the most successful small business ideas in Nigeria with low capital. Most of the major inputs are space (land), water and the viable breeds (crops and animals). You can start agricultural businesses as a sole-proprietor and then grown to Limited Liability Company as they will be so many means to diversify in the business.

Here are lists of small lucrative Agricultural Businesses;

1. Poultry farming business

Poultry farming is a typical successful business you can start with low capital. You can start poultry business as a home-based business or from the comfort of your backyard. Poultry farming moves so well in places like Jos, Ibadan, Enugu, Makurdi where climatic conditions are favourable.

The capital input may vary depending on your start-up level. But with a capital of two hundred thousand naira to five hundred thousand naira (N200, 000 – N500, 000), you can comfortably rear 50 birds from 2 weeks chicks to market size.

Nigeria poultry industry has the second-largest chicken population in Africa after South Africa.  There is a large market for poultry products in Nigeria. You can sell in the market, to hotels, Restaurants, Confectioneries, and many more.

You can start poultry business with few boilers and then successfully grow it to big poultry industry that include hatchery, poultry eggs production, rearing of broilers and layers, production of poultry feeds and many more.

For more detail guide on poultry faming and poultry business read:

• Poultry farming business plan (Sample & format)
• Which Poultry Farming Is Most Profitable in Nigeria?
• How to Start a Profitable Layer Poultry Farm in Nigeria 
• Top 10 Poultry Farming Challenges in Nigeria, Kenya & Africa
• 4+ Ways to Make Money in Poultry Business in Nigeria 
• Starting a Broiler Poultry Business in Nigeria – Capital, Setup …
• Beginner’s Guide to Poultry Farming in Nigeria – Cost, Profit and Setup Tips
• How to Start an Animal Feed Mill Business in Nigeria (2025 Guide)
• 10 Biggest Mistakes New Layer Poultry Farmers Make (and How to Avoid Them)

2. Fish farming Business (catfish and Tilapia Rearing)

Fish farming business is another successful business in Nigeria you can start from your backyard. The business flourishes well in cities like Port Harcourt, Calabar, Kano, Lokoja, Ibadan, Akure and Enugu Nigeria. With a capital of two hundred thousand naira to five hundred thousand naira (N200, 000 – N500, 000), you can comfortably rear 50 – 100 fingerlings to market size.

There is a huge market for fish and fish products in Nigeria. There is no doubt if you’ll make it in fish farming once you have passion for the business.

You can start fishery business on a low scale and then grow the business to large fishing industry. The industry will include the production of fish feeds, brooding of fingerlings and sales of fish. On a low scale, you can start with an underground tank which is cheaper instead of constructing a fish pond.

Read more on our cost of starting fish farming in Nigeria. We have Fish Farming Business Plan (Sample) that’ll help you navigate successful through fish farming in Nigeria. We’re offering that business plan for just a token. And to whether it will help you to build a successful farming business, always count on us on that.

3. Snail Rearing Business

Heliciculture (aka Snail farming) is raising snails for food as well as for pharmaceutical use. You can start this business from the comfort of your backyard too. Snail farming business is a secret millionaire business. The business is fast selling in big cities. You can make a lot of money selling snail meat in cities like Abuja, Lagos, Onitsha, and so on.

If you’re looking for a small business you can start with no money, snail farming is one of them especially if you are living in a rural area. In a rural area, you can easily gather the wild type of snails from composites and bushes to rear. However, if you are living in a town or urban area, you can purchase high quality breeds of snails from market to rear.

Snail industry is one of those Agricultural sectors that has not been exploited fully in Nigeria. Snail rearing is still been done in its primitive or conservative form. It requires mechanization and commercialization.

To start a successful snail farming in Nigeria, read our full guide on snail rearing business in Nigeria. All you need to rear snail successful is there.

4. Pig farming Business 

Pig farming is the raising and breeding of domestic pigs for consumption. Pig farming business is a lucrative business with low capital startup. With one or two female pigs of about eighty thousand naira (N80, 000) each, you can start piggery business.

One good thing about Piggery business is that it has a good profit margin. One pig can give birth to about 8 – 12 piglets in a single delivery which can be raised and sold at market price of eighty thousand naira. If 10 piglets survive, you will be making like eight hundred thousand naira (N800,000). This makes piggery business profitable.

A lot of SMEs and cooperatives in Nigeria are into piggery business because of its profitability. Banks can comfortably offer you loan if you are into pig farming business. You can start a pig farming on low scale with one or two female pigs and grow your piggery farm to big piggery industry in Nigeria developing piggery feed, weaning piglets and selling them.

Read our detailed guide on how to start a pig farming in Nigeria, if you really want to succeed in piggery farming business in Nigeria.

5. Vegetable farming 

Vegetable farming is one of the profitable low capital businesses. The business is more profitable during the dry season than rainy seasons in Nigeria. You can start vegetable farming from your backyard once; you have enough garden land and sources of water for irrigation.

If you have enough land and source of water for irrigation, five to ten thousand naira (N5000 – N10000) will be enough to start a commercial vegetable farming business.

Viable seeds, insecticides and fertile soil are what you need to succeed in vegetable farming. The appropriate time to make money from vegetable farming is the dry season.

You can start a vegetable farming on low scale from the comfort your backyard and then grow it to commercially mechanized vegetable farm.

This our guide on commercial vegetable farming in Nigeria: how to start and make money is exactly what you need to run a commercial vegetable farming. We also have tips for Vegetable Farming in Nigeria, carefully for those intending to start vegetable farming business.

6. Garden Egg farming 

Garden Egg farming business is fast selling in the north and many other parts of Nigeria. There are different varieties of garden egg, you can go into its farming. Garden Egg thrives very well in the Middle belt and Northern Nigeria. So, if you are living in place like Jos, Makurdi, Kogi and many other middle belt and northern part of Nigeria.

The capital input is low once you have a garden or land for cultivation of the garden eggs. Just like vegetable farming, viable seed, insecticides and fertile soil are important things needed to succeed.

You can start Garden farming on low scale and then grow it to large commercial garden farm. See our detailed guide on garden egg farming in Nigeria. It might be of help to you.

7. Rice farming Business

One of the commonest foods we eat is Rice. With the ban on rice importation in Nigeria, rice farming is now one of the top growing business ideas. Nigeria has a large market for rice. It is a rural and suburban business. Though, the business is a bit capital intensive but it is lucrative one. A bushel of rice can weigh as little as 40 pounds which about seven thousand five hundred naira (N7500) or more.

The most land used for rice farming are swamps and there are such lands in Ebonyi state, Abia state, some part of Anambra State, Benue state, part of Niger state and many others. You can start rice farming and then grow to a rice milling industry. Rice milling industry in Nigeria has grown in recent times with a ban on importation of foreign rice.

8. Cassava processing Business 

Cassava processing business is a rural and suburban business. Cassava product like garri is fast selling in Nigeria. This is because garri is major food eaten by Nigerians. Cassava processing industry is a large industry especially when mechanize. Starting a mechanize cassava processing industry is capital intensive. It is best to start cassava processing business in low scale with a semi-manual cassava processing machine.

There is market for cassava processed products in Nigeria. Starch, alcohol, feed and many more are fast selling products of cassava. You can go into the production of any of these cassava products and then expand or diversify into others

If you looking to start cassava process business, read our full detailed article on how to start a cassava processing business in Nigeria including machines and factory equipment. It is must-read article, if you venturing into cassava processing business in Nigeria. We also have detailed insight on cost of starting Cassava Processing Mill in Nigeria. Note: we’re updating the article to reflect the current cost of starting cassava processing business in Nigeria

9. Dog Rearing and Breeding Business

Dog rearing is the raising of dogs as a pet, security as well as for food. It is a business you can start in Nigeria with little capital. With as little as twenty-five thousand naira to seventy thousand naira you can buy an English dog like police dog, bulldog and many more. However, you need to have enough money for feeding the dog.

Dogs eat a lot and must be well feed to avoid biting people. Again, dogs need proper handling and vaccination. This is because they can easily misbehave.

People living in Calabar, Cross River State, and Jos, some part of southeast and south-south of Nigeria are known for eating dog. So, there is market for dogs on those areas. Dog breeding thrives well in Jos. You can start dog breeding business on low scale and then grow to commercial dog breeding industry.

10. Livestock feed production

Livestock feed production industry thrives well in Nigeria. There are many of them in Ibadan, Jos, Lagos and some other part of Nigeria. Common livestock feeds are chicken feeds, guinea pig feeds, pigs’ feeds, and so on. Starting a livestock feed production industry is capital intensive.

However, you can start on low scale by going into local livestock feed production and then grow commercial livestock feed production industry.

11. Maize processing Business

The maize can be processed to starch, flour, cornflakes, feeds and many more. The industrial starch of maize is convertible to many products. Maize processing business is capital intensive, maybe that is why there are few maize processing industries in Nigeria. Meanwhile, this business may not be suitable for many people. However, if you have the capital and you think you have what it takes to do well, you can start this business.

12. Palm oil Processing Business

Nigeria is one of the highest exporters of palm oil in Africa. However, most of the Palm oil products are imported into Nigeria from other countries. The industry is relatively low in number compared to the usage of palm oil processed products in Nigeria.

Palm oil processing business is lucrative though capital intensive. However, you can start on a low scale by processing palm oil fruits and then grow to a big palm oil processing industry.

13. Carrot farming

Carrot farming is among the crops cultivated in the Northern part of Nigeria and sold in different parts of our country. Carrot’s health benefits are numerous and it is largely consume in Nigeria. Just like other crop farming, you need fertile soil and viable seeds or root tuber to succeed. Carrot can be cultivated in Nigeria throughout the year. But, the best time is between the months of October to May every year before the heavy raining season.

Carrot farming business thrives well in Nigeria. You can start a carrot farming business from your backyard on low scale with little capital you the soil is fertile and then grow it to large commercial carrot farm.

Read more on carrot farming from our ultimate guide on carrot farming in Nigeria. You can also see our top 5 Factors that Affect Carrot Farming/Production

SALES & DISTRIBUTION BUSINESS

Sales and distribution business rank high as one successful business industry in Nigeria. Sales and Distribution business is more like buying and selling of goods and service. However, the difference between ordinary buying and selling and distribution is in quantity you are buying and quantity you are selling to people.

The business is usually capital intensive. If you don’t have enough capital to become a distributor; negotiate with the manufacturer and start marketing their products. From there, you can find your way to become a distributor of their product.

Here are sales and distribution business ideas in Nigeria:

14. Sachets Water Packaging and Distribution

Sachet water packaging and distribution business are profitable and one of the successful businesses in Nigeria. The hot environmental condition of Nigeria, particularly in Northern part of Nigeria has necessitated its increase in demand. To start this business, you need sterilizing and packaging machines, tanks for storing water, distributing bus or truck and many more. So, this business requires huge capital.

If you have little capital and you’re passionate about this business, you can form a partnership. Partner with people who have the same interest as you. Those who have a passion for Sackets water packaging and distribution business.

Meanwhile, you can start sachet packaging and distribution business on low scale and then grow it to a big Sachet and bottled water packing and distribution industry.

15. Importation business 

Importation business involves buying goods from other country and selling in Nigeria at a profit. Exchange rate affects importation business. Electronics are used heavily in Nigeria. You can look for where to buy Electronics in China and get started.

You can start importation business on a low scale (mini-importation) and then grow to become a large importer of different products. Start with a few gadgets and electronics and then expand. If your interest today is to start mini-importation business, our detailed guide on how to start mini-importation business in Nigeria will help you navigate through. It is your blueprint for succeeding in importation business in Nigeria. We have list of 30 hot selling products to import in Nigeria and make profit, you can choose from this list and begin your mini importation business if you don’t want go into gadgets and electronics mini-importation. Additionally, if you’re particularly interested in importing from chain, we have 95 fast selling China products in Nigeria, Ghana, India and others.

16. Cosmetics business

Cosmetic business is fast selling because every woman and young lady want to look good. It is a business you can consider starting if you have the capital. The capital startup may vary depending on your entry point into the business. But with N500, 000 – N1000, 000; you can start a low to medium scale cosmetics business.

You can start a low scale and then grow to large cosmetic industry. Lagos is good place to buy your cosmetic products and China has one of largest cosmetic industries in the world.

To guide you through starting a profitable cosmetic business, we have a detailed article on how to start a cosmetic business in Nigeria. It is a 10 practical steps guide for inspiring cosmetic businesses.

17. Okrika bale business

Okrika bale business (aka Ok clothing business) thrives very well in Nigeria as a result of poor economy. An average income earner in Nigeria hardly enters the boutique in the name to buy first-grade clothing. So, Okrika bale business is a good business to start anywhere in Nigeria but most especially in sub-urban and rural localities. Lagos, Aba, Kano, and Onitsha have a good market to buy bales of clothes for sale.

Startup capital for this business may vary. It depends on you but you can start with a small capital of 200 hundred thousand naira (N200,000) to five hundred thousand naira (N500,000). You can start Okrika bale business and then grow to become a top-selling bouquet company in Nigeria.

As a roadmap to help you get started and succeed, we have detailed steps on how to start okrika business in Nigeria. It is a well-researched article on okrika business in Nigeria that include grading, sourcing and marketing.

TRANSPORT BUSINESS

 Transport business is one of the top successful business sectors in Nigeria. Here are transportation business ideas in Nigeria.

18. Taxi cap transport business 

Taxi transport business is a fast-moving business in Nigeria. The high population of Nigeria has made it so. You can make up to N30,000 to N50, 000 daily as an intra-city taxi transporter if you’re in big cities like Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Kano, Abuja and many other cities.

It is not a must that you own a taxi cab before you can start taxi transport business; you can go in for a hire-purchase when you have little capital. Sign an agreement or drive for someone pending when you will buy your own taxi. You can start taxi transportation in low scale (1 or 2 taxi caps) and then grow the business to big transportation company later.

Read more on how to start transport business in Nigeria, this article might be of help to you.

19. Tricycle or Keke Napep business

There is a sudden spring up of Keke Napep, the tricycle business in Nigeria after the ban on the use of motorcycle in cities in Nigeria. People who make money on tricycle business are those who give out tricycle on hire-purchase. You can go in for hire-purchase when you don’t have money to buy your tricycle. Just like taxi transportation, you can start tricycle business in low scale and grow it to a big transportation company latter.

Currently, tricycle business is gradually fading away as different state government is gradually taking over transport business. However, the business is still viable and profitable

LUCRATIVE SPECIAL SERVICE BUSINESS

The major inputs or materials for this type of business include canopies, chairs, tables, stools, table dress cloth, big cooking utensils, and ribbons for hiring and manpower. These types of businesses are not difficult to start. It will best suit women than men but anybody can start the business.

Here are successful special service business ideas in Nigeria:

20. Fast food Joints & Eateries

Fast food joints and Eateries are one of the fastest incomes yielding business in Nigeria. Fast food Joint and eateries business is like Restaurant business. The business is a ‘quick to start’ type of business and also a fast-moving business in Nigeria.

The startup capital varies. It depends on the categories of your customers you wish to cater for. If you wish to serve High-class customers then you need a huge capital to start up such eateries. But if your target customers are low-income salary earners then you need little capital start-up.

Eateries business is rampant in places like Abuja – Area I and Garki, Lagos Ikeja and Ikoyi, Kaduna, Ibadan, Kano, Enugu, Aba, etc. These are big cities in Nigeria and the business is well patronized there.

You can start up fast food joint in a low scale and then later grow the business to big restaurant.

21. Rental Service Business

Rental service business involves an agreement where a certain amount of money is paid for the temporary use of a good, service or property owned by another. This type of business is lucrative and can be set up in any locality. The business can make six figures for you within a space of time.

Equipment and material to start renting include hall, cars for wedding and special occasions, chairs, tables, canopies, cooking utensils and many more. Car renting services, for example is booming in Lagos, Abuja and many other big cities in Nigeria where there are lot of clients.

You can start a rental business on a low scale (with few renting materials or equipment) and grow to become a top renting company in Nigeria.

22. Event Management business

Event managers ensure events like wedding, festivals, and other occasions are well taken care of. The activities of event manager are necessary for every occasion. Individual who has ability to plan and organize events can startup event management business. Event managers are good event planners.

To start the business, you need to register your event management company. Most clients will rather prefer to deal with you as a company rather than as individual. Event management business is lucrative in big cities like Abuja and Lagos where events and occasions are organized by professional event managers.

You can start on low scale with few workers and grow the business to top event Management Company in Nigeria.

23. Real Estate business

Real Estate Business is a profession of buying, renting out or selling of properties such as land, homes, buildings and apartments for commercial use.

When you talk about successfully and profitable businesses in Nigeria, Real Estate business will rank among the top 10. The sales of landed properties have been on since decades and real estate agents are capitalizing it.

From starting a real estate business to owing an estate and landed properties, this is how successfully real estate businesses started, and you can toll in that line.

With our detailed guide on How to Start Real Estate Business in Nigeria, and How to Make Money from Real Estate in Nigeria, your success is reassured in this business.

24. Bakery confectioneries

Bakers’ confectionery, also called flour confections involves principally making of sweet pastries, cakes, and similar baked goods. Bakery confectioneries are one of the low capital businesses young ladies and housewives who train in bakery can start.

Bakery confectioneries can be started on a low scale and grow to big bakery industry and then catering schools. Bakery confectionaries is a promising business, young ladies and guys are diving into this business.

25. Tailoring 

Tailoring involves designing, cutting, fitting, and finishing clothes.  Tailoring requires skills. So, the first step to your success in this business is to acquire skills. Go for both English and traditional wear tailoring, fashion, and design training. Once done, boom! You’re made.

Cloth designing and tailoring is often a neglected business idea. It pays. The good thing about tailoring business is that you can start on a small scale and then grow into a large fashion and designing industry

If you’re ready to run tailoring business in Nigeria, read our article on How to Start Tailoring and Fashion Design Business in Nigeria. It will guide you in starting and running successful tailoring business in Nigeria

26. Beauty salon

A beauty salon or beauty parlor is an establishment dealing with cosmetic treatments for men and women. It is a lucrative business in Nigeria. Barbing salon or haircut, Hairstylist are also part of beauty salon business, and young ladies and men are venturing into this business.

You can start on a low scale with two hundred thousand naira to five hundred thousand naira and grow the business to a large beauty and fashion industry. This is how to grow in this line of business.

27. Provision store

Provision store deal on beverages, toiletries and many home use products.  And it is one of the fastest businesses you can start and make money without much hassle. As a Provision store trader, you can buy in wholesale from trusted suppliers and sell in retail to retailers and end users.

The capital required to start a provision store business in Nigeria will depend on the size of your store and volume or number of products that you want to stock your shop with.

Go through our guide on how to start a provision store in Nigeria, to get set for the business.

SUCCESSFUL EDUCATIONAL BUSINESS

The major inputs in these businesses are computer, manpower, and space.

28. Home tutoring or Coaching

From Home tutoring (zero kobo beginning) to a private tutorial centre, and then to owing a School, this is how to grow in this line of business. The home tutoring can be started as a one man business from the comfort of your home and grow to Limited Liability Company.

29. Tutorial Business

Tutorial business is a fast-growing business idea in Nigeria. A lot of people who are into education already into tutorial business in Nigeria. You can get tutorial centres in every look and cranny of the states in Nigeria.

It easy to start and may need little capital start-up. You can make huge money from this business if you’re in a good location. From private tutoring with little capital start-up to owing a primary and secondary school and then to building university this is how to grow successfully in this line of business.

In this article, how I started tutorial centre in Nigeria, one of successful tutorial centre owner discusses how he began tutorial centre from his humble beginning of home tutoring to owing a private tutorial centre and establishing a limited liability company. You can read the article and follow or toll his path to succeed.

If you considering starting tutoring centre in a bigger way, see the Cost and Challenges of Starting Public Tutorial Centre

30. Catering Centre

Catering center deals on or provides a wide range of food and event-related services designed to meet the needs of different occasions. At the core of its operations is food preparation and service, which may include full-service catering where meals are prepared, served by trained staff, and cleared after the event.

You can start catering centre a sole business and employ the services of a chef or cater.

Beyond food service, you can provide additional value-added services to support event success. These may include beverage services, dessert tables, and bar setups, as well as trained personnel such as waiters, bartenders, chefs, and event coordinators. Some centers also assist with event planning and coordination, helping clients manage timelines and ensure smooth service delivery during the event.

From starting a catering centre with small capital to building a hotel or big restaurant, you can also grow to a catering school with outdoor catering services.

31. Nanny Service Centre

You can start a Nanny Service centre with little or no money and then grow the business to Daycare business and from daycare to owing primary and secondary school. You can end up by building topmost private university in Nigeria. This is how to be successful in this line of business.

To get started, attend nanny school or training to acquire the perquisite skills of a nanny. These kind of business will demand that you have passion for nanny services.

32. Self-empowerment centre

From starting self-empowerment centre to owning a multi-factory company in Nigeria where different homemade products will be produced. While empowering young graduates, you are at the same time establishing them.

Skill acquisition has become a necessity in this current dispensation, and everybody is scrabbling to acquire one skill or the other. You can tap into this opportunity by providing a mini online or offline empowerment centre. You can establish yourself and become a must go centre for self-empowerment or skill acquisition centre

33. Computer Training school

From starting a computer training school on a low scale to establishing a big ICT firm. High institution can also be incorporated into a large ICT firm. This is how to grow in this line of business.

While the business may require huge capital, you can go ‘small’ if you’re good at what you do. At the beginning, you can run the business alone or employ one or two staff to assist you depending on your capital.

 TECHNOLOGY SERVICES BUSINESS

The major materials needed are computers or laptops, sets of screwdrivers, testers, printing machines, phones. Mobile phones, internet connection and manpower are inclusive.

34. Computer repair and services Business

From starting computer repair and services in low scale to sale of computer accessories and spare parts, this is how to grow the business. From sales of computer accessories and spare parts, you can become a big importer of computer and computer accessories. This is how to grow and diversify in this business line.

If you want to grow fast in this business, you need to locate the business in big city or near tertiary institution, where you have high number of people that use computer or laptop.

35. Mobile phone repairs Business

Mobile phone repairs involve fixing faulty mobile phones of people. You need to be train before starting mobile phone repair. You can start a mobile phone repairs business in low scale and then grow to new mobile phone Production Company.

Mobile phone repair services is a business any young man can go into, once you’re well trained and equipped.

36. Mobile Phone Accessories Business

Mobile phone accessories business involves the sale of cellular and mobile phone accessories such as batteries, battery chargers, mobile phone repair parts, phone jackets and cover, memory card, USB cable, modem, earpiece and many more.

Mobile phone accessory business is a lucrative business though no longer as lucrative as in the years back. If you intend to start a mobile phone accessories business, you can start on low scale and then grow it to an importer of mobile phone accessories.

If you’re ready to get started with phone accessories business, we’ve written this guide on how to start a mobile phone accessory business to help you with the right steps. We also offer Business Plan for Mobile phone Accessories & spare parts in Nigeria. It is a blueprint to mobile phone accessories, and you get it for just a little token.

37. Printing business

Printing business is one of the profitable businesses you can start in Nigeria. Though it can be capital intensive you can start it on a low scale and then grow to a large printing firm. Digital printing business is the current trending printing business, we’ve 10 Advantages of Digital Printing, check it out and see if digit printing business is for you.

Read more on how to Start Printing Business in Nigeria. It is a detailed guide that you need to start printing business in Nigeria.

38. Computer Business Centre

Computer business centre offers things like photocopying, printing, typing and typesetting, laminating, scanning and many more. The business is profitable especially when you offer internet services alongside with it.

You can start a computer business centre on a low scale (mini-computer business centre) and then grow to ICT centre and a printing press company.

Read more on how to Start Computer Business Center in Nigeria and Full detailed Cost for Starting a Computer Business Centre

     39. Games Development

Game development is a fast-growing tech business in Nigeria and globally, offering massive opportunities for programmers and creative developers. Many tech professionals earn a sustainable income by developing mobile, PC, and web-based games for both local and international markets. You can start small by learning game development tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or Godot, and creating simple games for Android devices, which have a large user base in Nigeria.

As your skills and portfolio grow, you can move beyond freelance game development to building a professional website where you showcase your games, offer development services, and attract global clients. With time, this can expand into a full-scale software development company that handles not only games but also mobile apps, web applications, and enterprise software solutions. Game development also opens doors to monetization through in-app purchases, ads, licensing, and partnerships—making it a highly scalable tech business in Nigeria.

As your skills and portfolio grow, you can move beyond freelance game development to building a professional website where you showcase your games, offer development services, and attract global clients. With time, this can expand into a full-scale software development company that handles not only games but also mobile apps, web applications, and enterprise software solutions. Game development also opens doors to monetization through in-app purchases, ads, licensing, and partnerships—making it a highly scalable tech business in Nigeria.

As your skills and portfolio grow, you can move beyond freelance game development to building a professional website where you showcase your games, offer development services, and attract global clients. With time, this can expand into a full-scale software development company that handles not only games but also mobile apps, web applications, and enterprise software solutions. Game development also opens doors to monetization through in-app purchases, ads, licensing, and partnerships—making it a highly scalable tech business in Nigeria.

40. Graphic Designing

Graphic designing is a highly lucrative business in today’s digital economy, and demand continues to grow as businesses compete for online visibility. Companies, brands, and entrepreneurs constantly need logos, flyers, social media creatives, banners, packaging designs, and marketing materials—creating endless opportunities for skilled graphic designers in Nigeria.

One of the biggest advantages of graphic designing is that you can start with little or no capital once you have the skill and a basic computer setup. Many designers begin by offering freelance services online or working with local businesses. As your client base expands, you can scale from offering only graphic design services to running a full graphic design and printing business, handling everything from branding to physical print production.

If you’re interested in starting this business, here’s a detailed guide on how to start a graphic designing business in Nigeria to help you get started the right way.

Read more on how to Start Graphic Designing Business in Nigeria.

41. Directory Publisher

A directory publishing business is one of the underrated online business opportunities in Nigeria, yet it has strong long-term potential. As a directory publisher, you can start small by creating a simple online directory that lists businesses, professionals, services, or resources within a specific niche or location—such as schools, hospitals, artisans, logistics companies, or online vendors.

The beauty of this business is scalability. You can begin with a basic blog or website and gradually grow it into a large online directory and private digital library. Over time, you can monetize your directory through paid listings, featured placements, banner advertising, lead generation, affiliate partnerships, and even subscription-based access to premium data. With consistent updates and proper SEO, a well-maintained directory can become a trusted reference point in its niche and generate steady passive income in Nigeria.

42. Mobile Money Agent

Becoming a mobile money agent is one of the most practical small businesses you can start in Nigeria with relatively low capital. As a mobile money agent, you provide essential financial services such as cash deposits, withdrawals, bill payments, transfers, and airtime purchases—especially in areas with limited access to traditional banking services.

This business offers clear growth potential. You can start as a single agent and gradually expand by opening multiple agent locations, employing staff, or partnering with fintech companies. With experience and the right connections, you can scale from being a mobile money agent to owning and operating a full-fledged financial payment system in Nigeria. As Nigeria continues to embrace a cashless economy, mobile money and digital payment services are becoming increasingly relevant, making this business a sustainable and future-focused opportunity.

PROFITABLE PRODUCTION BUSINESS

Production business will requirement machines for the production however, it depends on the type of production.

43. Liquid Soap Production Business

The liquid soap production business is a highly profitable small business in Nigeria, especially with the growing demand for hygiene products in homes, offices, and commercial establishments. Starting in this business requires learning the basics of mixing chemicals and understanding proper production techniques to ensure your products are safe and effective. Fortunately, there are many entrepreneurial and vocational training centers where you can acquire these skills. A notable example is Basic Empowerment Centre (BEC) in Enugu, which offers practical training for aspiring soap makers.

You can start small with as little as twenty thousand naira (N20,000) for raw materials and basic equipment. Begin by producing small batches of liquid soap to sell to neighbors, local shops, schools, and markets. As your customer base grows, you can gradually expand your product line to include bar soaps, detergents, toilet soaps, hand sanitizers, and even perfumes.

Expanding or diversifying your business can turn your small liquid soap venture into a full-fledged cosmetic and household products industry. By focusing on quality, packaging, branding, and distribution, you can tap into both retail and wholesale markets. With the increasing awareness of hygiene and personal care in Nigeria, this business has long-term growth potential, making it a great opportunity for entrepreneurs with low startup capital.

43. Fruit Juice Production

45. Perfume and body ornamental production

Perfume and body ornament production is a profitable business you can start with little capital. This business is thriving well in cities like Lagos, Abuja and Onitsha where there are large population young ladies and housewives.

You can start this business if you have the knowledge of mixing chemicals. From the production of perfumes and body ornaments to owning a cosmetics industry.

ONLINE BASED BUSINESS IDEAS

Online business ideas are businesses you can start online. There are many online business ideas you can start and they include;

46. Blogging

Blogging is one of the top profitable online business ideas to start with low or zero capital. The blogging takes centre stage in internet marketing.

With your laptop and internet connection, you’re good to go. People like Linda Ikeji; Neil Patel, the English Entrepreneur and a host of others are big-time successful bloggers.

Read more on how to start blogging in Nigeria and also: Real Truth about Making Money Blogging.

Last year, we witness a complete shift in blogging due Artificial intelligence (AI), read more on that: future of Blogging in the Age of AI (2025 & Beyond).

47. Social Media marketer 

One thing is to produce a product; another is for your product to reach your target customers. Most entrepreneurs are faced with the challenge of marketing their products. This is where social media marketers come in.

Social media marketing has made buying and selling so easy. With the fast growth of social media, a good opportunity for marketing every product is assured. Social media provide a large market for selling every quality product. With social media marketing, you can reach a wider population of people who are real buyers of your products. You can take advantage of social media to sell any product and create a stream of income.

You can start social media marketing with little or money and grow to own a social media platform with a large audience base.

48. Ecommerce business

49. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the online business ideas that can make you a millionaire. But it’s not easy to make money online through affiliate marketing. To be successful in affiliate marketing, you need to know the rudiments of affiliate marketing.

One good thing about affiliate marketing is that you can start affiliating with zero kobo. You can grow the business to become a big digital marketing firm. Read more on 10 Best Affiliate Marketing Program for Nigerians

If your interest is to start successful affiliate marketing and you don’t know how to go about it, our detailed guide on How to Start Affiliate Marketing in Nigeria  will definitely help you to navigate through.

50. Web designing and development

Web designing and development is meant those who have coding ability.  There are vast opportunities for coders especially now that every business is trying to establish their web presence.

I have written a post on 20 Ways of Making Cash Online in Nigeria. These are all internet-based Businesses and they are specific means of making money online in Nigeria. We have other 30 Online Money Making Business Opportunities; you can consider starting today. Some of these internet-based businesses require little or no capital to start them up.

51. Dry Cleaning / Laundry Services

Dry Cleaning or  Laundry Services is a classic low-entry business in Nigeria that continues to thrive due to its steady demand. You can start with a basic iron, a washing machine—or even hand washing at the early stage—and offer services within your neighborhood. As your customer base grows, you can reinvest your profits into better equipment, hire staff, and expand into full dry-cleaning services for offices, hotels, and estates. With consistency, quality service, and good customer relations, a small laundry setup can grow into a profitable and reliable business.

But, if you think that capital will serve as a hindrance in starting of any of these business ideas, I will advise you read up  15 Ways to Raise capital to Start Business in Nigeria to help you get started.

If your interest is to start an online business, read more on how to start an online business in Nigeria. You can make money online in those ways if you’re dedicated and hardworking. There is no hard and fast rule about making money.

Conclusion

I know that what you have read above will be resourceful to you. There are some other lucrative and successful small businesses in Nigeria any serious-minded entrepreneur can do . All you need are determination, diligent and hard work.

So, we’ve done our third annual research on successful businesses in Nigeria with less capital. And we’ve added more successful business ideas with low capital in Nigeria. This extra list of businesses in Nigeria with low capital has proven to be profitable. I’ll keep this article on Successful Small Businesses in Nigeria with less capital startup – updated.

I wish you good luck as you set to start up a successful small business in Nigeria.