Profitable Business in Nigeria: 20 Ideas You Can Start with 100K

In today’s Nigeria, where prices go up before salaries catch up, starting a profitable business in Nigeria has become more than just a dream; it's a smart survival move.

With unemployment still affecting over 33% of the population (Statista, 2022), small-scale entrepreneurship is the next best path for many.

Luckily, you don’t need millions to begin. With just ₦100,000, there are practical businesses you can start, both online and offline, and grow gradually.

This guide highlights 20 profitable businesses in Nigeria that you can start with minimal capital and scale with consistency.

‍

Top 20 Profitable Businesses to Start With ₦100,000 in Nigeria

• POS Business
• Perfume Oil Sales
• Thrift Fashion (Okrika)
• Copywriting
• Liquid Soap Production
• Foodstuff Resale
• Wig Making & Revamping
• Poultry Farming
• Social Media Management
• Gift Curation
• Mini Importation
• Catering & Snacks
• Phone Accessories
• Shawarma Business
• Car Wash
• Data Reselling
• Phone Charging Point
• SEO Services
• Freelance Proofreading
• Amazon KDP Publishing

‍

Why a Profitable Business in Nigeria Still Starts With Small Capital

Starting with ₦100k may not sound glamorous, but it works. Most of Nigeria’s successful small business owners today started just like that: testing, failing, tweaking, and growing.

With the right strategy and understanding of your market, your 100k can go far, especially if you run lean and smart.

Also, don’t forget, starting small gives you room to learn. As your customer base and cash flow grow, you can scale or pivot based on real data.

‍

Profitable Business in Nigeria: Online Ideas to Start with 100K

In today’s tech-driven economy, online businesses have become the most scalable and low-risk ventures to start. Thanks to digital tools and social media, you can launch a highly profitable business in Nigeria with nothing more than your smartphone, an internet connection, and consistent effort. With just ₦100,000, you can join the wave of digital entrepreneurs turning side hustles into full-time income.

Let’s break down viable online businesses you can start today, without owning a shop or paying rent.

1. POS Agent Business (Hybrid Model: Offline + Online)

POS services remain among Nigeria's most consistent small businesses. These mobile financial hubs offer cash-in, cash-out, and bill payment services, especially in underbanked areas.

Start-up Cost: ₦70,000–₦100,000
Revenue Potential: ₦3,000–₦7,000 daily
Expansion Ideas: Combine with mobile airtime/data reselling, sports betting wallet top-ups, or mini grocery resale.

Value Add: As Nigeria shifts toward a cash-lite society, being a "trusted cash point" in your community builds influence and earns daily.

2. Perfume Oil Resale

Fragrance never goes out of style. This is one of the most profitable business ideas in Nigeria that suits working professionals and side hustlers alike.

How to Start: Purchase quality perfume oils from wholesalers, package them in 3ml/6ml bottles, and sell them online via WhatsApp or Instagram.

Capital Range: ₦30k–₦70k
Platforms: Instagram shops, Twitter threads, WhatsApp catalogues
Profit Tip: Offer bundle deals (e.g. 3 for ₦1000), and target working-class customers.

3. Thrift Fashion (Okrika)

Okrika has evolved into an Instagram-worthy niche. Youths are buying vintage jeans, branded shirts, and jackets as part of the streetwear trend.

Startup: ₦80k–₦100k for a bale or mini-bale
Sales Channel: Pop-up sales on Instagram or Twitter, WhatsApp catalogues, or TikTok styling reels.

Extra Tip: Focus on seasonal drops (e.g. "ember months slay", "back-to-campus fits"). Use lifestyle photos instead of plain clothes shots.

4. Amazon KDP Publishing

With more Nigerians reading eBooks, KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) gives you access to global buyers without printing costs.

Best Niches: How-to guides, fiction, motivational books, religious topics, and educational content.

Tools Needed: Grammarly, Canva Pro (for covers), Google Docs
Revenue Source: Royalties (30% to 70% of each sale)

Growth Tip: Repurpose your books into audiobooks or launch an online writing class.

5. Mini Importation

Mini importation remains a high-margin business. Import trending products from China and sell locally.

Popular Items: Waist trainers, ring lights, smart watches, facial cleansers, USB gadgets
Start-up Budget: ₦70k–₦100k
Marketplaces: 1688.com (with agent), Alibaba, or AliExpress

Selling Tip: Use influencers or micro-influencers to test product traction.

6. Copywriting & SEO Writing

Good with words? Sell your writing services to Nigerian SMEs, bloggers, or even foreign clients. Content is still king.

Niches: Website content, email newsletters, Instagram captions, ad scripts, product descriptions
Skill Tools: Hemingway App, Surfer SEO, Grammarly
Getting Clients: LinkedIn outreach, Upwork, local Facebook business groups

Income Range: ₦20k–₦300k monthly (with 2–5 regular clients)

7. Social Media Management

Many small businesses need help managing their Instagram pages, replying to comments, or running ads. If you’re social-savvy, this is for you.

Setup: Canva Pro, Meta Business Suite, and a smartphone
Niches: Fashion vendors, real estate agents, restaurants
Pricing Model: Monthly retainers from ₦20k to ₦150k depending on content volume

Extra Tip: Offer analytics reports or weekly insights to build credibility.

8. Proofreading & Editing Services

If you have a keen eye for grammar, offer to clean up documents, CVs, academic theses, and business proposals.

Startup Tools: Grammarly Premium, MS Word, Google Docs
Client Source: Student WhatsApp groups, research consultants, freelance platforms

Extra Edge: Create bundles with resume writing or LinkedIn optimization.

9. Data & Airtime Reselling

This is an easy entry point. You buy data at bulk/discount rates and sell in smaller units.

Capital: ₦10k–₦30k to get started with platforms like VTU.ng, Clubkonnect, or JumiaPay

Marketing Tip: Use WhatsApp groups, Telegram broadcast channels, and direct referrals.

‍

10. SEO & Digital Marketing Services

Every Nigerian brand that wants to rank on Google needs SEO. Every startup that wants leads needs digital marketing.

Startup Cost: Invest in short SEO courses, create a simple portfolio, start offering keyword research or basic on-page optimization.

Tool Stack: Ubersuggest, Google Keyword Planner, Canva, Google My Business

Monthly Income Range: ₦60k–₦200k depending on your scope

‍

Profitable Business in Nigeria: Offline Ventures Under 100K

If you prefer hands-on business or want to serve physical communities, these offline ventures are tested and trusted. Whether it’s laundry, food, or basic retail, they meet daily needs and earn repeat customers. Many of Nigeria’s most consistent side hustles are physical service-based businesses.

1. Liquid Soap Production

With ₦30k–₦50k, you can learn soap-making, buy raw materials, and start small batch production.

Demand: Schools, homes, offices, salons
Unique Edge: Add antiseptic or scented variants to differentiate
Growth Tip: Package in refillable containers, and offer subscription pricing

2. Wig Making & Revamping

Hair is serious business in Nigeria. Many women spend monthly on hair maintenance. Learn to make and refurbish wigs.

Startup Cost: ₦50k–₦100k (training, mannequin, sewing machine, hair glue, needles)
Clients: Office workers, students, brides

Marketing Tip: Use WhatsApp before/after transformations and Instagram testimonials.

3. Foodstuff Resale

Staple foods are always in demand. Buy wholesale and sell in smaller quantities around your area or to busy households.

Starter Pack: Rice, beans, crayfish, pepper, palm oil
Budget: ₦70k–₦100k
Sales Points: Churches, markets, estate WhatsApp groups

4. Gift Curation Services

Gift-giving is part of Nigerian culture. Curate affordable but thoughtful boxes for birthdays, baby showers, or festive seasons.

Startup Cost: ₦40k–₦80k
Sourcing: Local supermarkets or online bulk vendors
Bonus: Offer branded options for corporate clients

5. Catering & Snacks

You can start a food business right from your kitchen. Popular entry options: meat pies, puff-puff, small chops, zobo.

Start-up: ₦50k–₦100k
Clients: Schools, offices, small events
Pro Tip: Use branded disposable packs and encourage repeat orders

6. Laundry & Ironing Services

Many professionals don’t have time to wash or iron. Offer home pickup/delivery and win loyal clients.

Startup: ₦30k–₦70k (iron, washing buckets, branded nylons)
Ideal Clients: Estate residents, students, banks

Expansion Tip: Offer ironing-only weekly plans

7. Car Wash

This is still relevant in busy areas. You don’t need fancy equipment to start — just water, soap, brush, and space.

Capital: ₦50k–₦100k
Extra Services: Interior detailing, tyre polish
Revenue Tip: Offer daily wash subscriptions for offices or bolt drivers

8. Phone Charging Booth

Poor power supply = business opportunity. Offer phone charging at ₦100–₦200 per device.

Tools: Extension board, small bench, branded pricing sign
Locations: Junctions, schools, hostels, student towns

9. Poultry Farming (Starter Scale)

With just 20–40 birds, you can begin. Chickens grow quickly and sell well during festive seasons.

Startup Cost: ₦80k–₦100k (chicks, feed, vaccine)
Tips: Clean environment, proper feeding, and community marketing

10. Basic Event Decor

You don’t need full equipment to start. Focus on balloon garlands, table covers, and floral props.

Clients: Churches, birthdays, bridal showers
Budget: ₦50k–₦100k

Scale Tip: Offer rentals and collaborate with MCs or DJs for referrals

Ready to Launch? Don’t Forget to Register Your Business

Once your idea gains traction, the next smart step is formalizing your hustle. It builds credibility and helps you open a business account.

Here's How to Register Your Business Name in Nigeria: A Step-by-Step Guide for Entrepreneurs

‍

Conclusions

Whether you choose food, beauty, tech, or service, the most important step is to begin. A profitable business in Nigeria doesn’t always need millions — it needs boldness, clarity, and consistency.

Your 100k won’t be the last money you’ll ever use — but it can be the seed of something big.

Don’t keep all these ideas in your head. Pick one, write a plan, and start testing it within 30 days. 

‍