You don’t need millions to start a business in Nigeria. In fact, with as little as ₦5,000 to ₦50,000, you can begin your entrepreneurial journey, solve real-life problems, and build something sustainable.
Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, stay-at-home parent, or full-time worker looking for a side hustle, this guide is for you.
But starting cheap doesn’t mean running things casually. To grow and earn customer trust, you must operate professionally. That means issuing receipts, keeping records, and presenting your business properly. Tools like ProInvoicehelp you do just that — for free.
Here are 20 affordable business ideas you can start in Nigeria today and scale with consistency.
1. Selling Thrift Clothes (Okrika)
Nigerians love good fashion at affordable prices. With ₦15,000–₦30,000, you can buy first-grade “okrika” pieces from Lagos markets like Yaba or Tejuosho, clean and repackage them, and resell via WhatsApp or Instagram.
🔗 Invoice large orders using this free invoice generator.
2. Liquid Soap and Detergent Production
This is one of the most popular low-cost businesses. With ₦7,000–₦10,000, you can buy the ingredients and bottles needed to make your first batch of soap and sell to households or small businesses.
3. Hair Braiding and Wig Revamp
Do you know how to braid hair or fix old wigs? Then you already have a business. You only need about ₦15,000–₦25,000 to buy the basic supplies to get started.
Market your work online, and take “before and after” photos to show results.
4. Snacks & Small Chops Business
Nigerians love good food. With ₦10,000–₦20,000, you can start frying chin-chin, puff-puff, doughnuts, or making samosas and sell them in your area or at events.
💡 Use ProInvoice to track bulk snack orders for events or corporate deliveries.
5. Digital Product Sales
If you’re good at writing or designing, sell digital products like:
- eBooks
- WhatsApp planners
- Canva templates
- Digital journals
Start for free using your smartphone and Canva. Use Selar or WhatsApp groups to market.
6. Data and Airtime Reselling
You can become a mini-VTU (Virtual Top-Up) agent and sell:
- Airtime
- Data bundles
- Electricity tokens
- Cable TV subscriptions
Platforms like Recharge2Cash or VTU.ng require just ₦5,000–₦10,000 to start.
7. Affiliate Marketing
Sell other people’s products or services and earn a commission. Platforms like Expertnaire, Digistem, or Selar allow you to promote digital products with ₦0 capital.
Market through:
- WhatsApp status
- TikTok videos
- Facebook posts
8. Mini Importation Business
Start by importing low-cost items like:
- Phone accessories
- Fashion jewelry
- Skincare tools
Buy from 1688 or AliExpress and resell in Nigeria. Starting capital: ₦30,000–₦50,000.
🧾 Need to invoice resellers? Use this professional invoice template.
9. Mobile Phone Charging Point
If you live in a community with unstable electricity, set up a charging point using a small generator and extension box. You can charge ₦50–₦100 per device and earn daily income.
Startup capital: ₦30,000–₦40,000.
10. Tutoring and Home Lessons
If you’re good at math, science, or English, teach school children preparing for WAEC, NECO, or JAMB.
Start with no capital and build your clientele via churches, parents, and school groups.
11. CV Writing and Online Registrations
Help people:
- Register for NYSC, JAMB, etc.
- Type CVs and cover letters
- Fill forms for jobs or travel
All you need is a phone, a laptop (optional), and strong digital skills.
12. Laundry Pickup & Delivery
Partner with a local dry cleaner and offer:
- Pickup
- Delivery
- Payment collection
You can act as the middleman and earn per order.
13. Reselling Groceries and Foodstuff
Buy rice, beans, garri, crayfish, and oil in bulk. Repackage in 1kg–5kg packs and sell to:
- Busy families
- Single professionals
- Small caterers
This business is in high demand during festive seasons.
14. Photography with a Smartphone
If you have a good camera phone and editing apps like Snapseed or Lightroom, offer:
- Product photography
- Event snapshots
- Headshots
Market your service on social media and charge per session.
15. Makeup Artistry
Learn makeup via YouTube and start with a basic kit for ₦20,000–₦30,000. Offer home service makeup for birthdays, pre-weddings, or casual outings.
16. Candle Making
Candles are in demand for:
- Romantic décor
- Spiritual use
- Gifts
With ₦15,000, you can buy wax, fragrance, wicks, and containers to start your own candle line.
17. WhatsApp TV or Online Community Manager
If you have 1,000+ contacts or can build a niche audience, start a WhatsApp TV where you:
- Promote ads
- Host giveaways
- Share useful content
Businesses will pay you to advertise to your audience.
18. Selling Fairly Used Phones & Accessories
Source used phones or chargers from trusted vendors and resell with a markup. You can also add phone casing, screen protectors, and earphones.
19. Bead Making or Jewelry Crafting
Use ₦10,000–₦15,000 to buy tools and start making:
- Waist beads
- Bracelets
- Beaded handbags
- Anklets
Sell online or in your local market.
20. Errand and Courier Services
Offer to help busy people pick up parcels, do school runs, or even queue for services. If you have access to a bike or know a rider, this is a win-win setup.
Bonus Tips to Make These Businesses Work
- ✅ Choose one business and start small
- ✅ Market consistently on social media and WhatsApp
- ✅ Use ProInvoice to issue receipts and track payments
- ✅ Always reinvest your profit wisely
- ✅ Treat your side hustle like a real business
Conclusion
With the right mindset and approach, any of these cheap business ideas can grow into a long-term, profitable venture. All it takes is intentional action, consistency, and professionalism.
And no matter how small you start, use tools like ProInvoice to present your business well. Send invoices, track payments, and build trust — all for free.
