Starting a business in Nigeria doesn’t always require millions. With just ₦5,000 to ₦50,000, you can launch a small venture and grow it into something sustainable.
In 2025, the smartest entrepreneurs are starting lean, leveraging free tools, and offering services that meet everyday needs—from food to fashion, digital support to household essentials.
But as you launch your hustle, remember that being affordable doesn’t mean being unprofessional. Use tools like ProInvoice to create clean, branded invoices and track payments as you build your business.
Let’s explore 20 low-capital business ideas that are perfect for Nigerians looking to start small and earn big.
1. Reselling Products on WhatsApp
All you need is:
- A smartphone
- Good supplier contacts
- Daily updates on your WhatsApp status
You can sell:
- Hair products
- Accessories
- Household items
- Gadgets
💡 Create a broadcast list and use ProInvoice to invoice bulk buyers.
2. Palm Oil Retailing
Palm oil is always in demand in Nigeria. Buy 5–10 liters from wholesalers and resell in smaller bottles to families, markets, or food vendors.
Start with as little as ₦10,000.
3. Selling Fairly Used Clothes (Okrika)
Go to Yaba, Tejuosho, or local thrift markets and pick “Grade A” pieces. Wash, style, and resell on Instagram or WhatsApp.
With ₦15,000–₦20,000, you can begin your thrift fashion brand.
4. Mobile Phone Charging Point
In communities with unstable power supply, a generator and charging rack can become a source of steady daily income.
Start-up capital: ₦20,000–₦40,000 (for generator + setup).
5. Home Cleaning Services
A mop, bucket, gloves, and social media page can get you started. Market to:
- Busy professionals
- Offices
- Airbnb hosts
You can offer ₦5,000–₦15,000 per cleaning session and build client loyalty.
6. Cooking & Food Prepping Services
If you love cooking, offer:
- Meal prep packs
- Small chops
- Homemade soups or jollof
- Office/lunch delivery
Take pre-orders, use WhatsApp to manage clients, and invoice weekly with this professional invoice.
7. Recharge Card and Data Reselling
With just ₦5,000–₦10,000, you can start selling:
- Airtime top-ups
- Data plans
- Cable subscriptions (e.g., DStv, GOtv)
Use apps like VTU.ng or Recharge2Cash to manage your reselling.
8. Social Media Management for Small Businesses
Many Nigerian businesses need someone to:
- Post consistently
- Reply to DMs
- Create captions
- Grow their audience
If you’re good at Instagram or TikTok, you can start this with just your phone.
9. Tutoring and Lesson Services
If you’re good in subjects like math, chemistry, or English, offer:
- After-school tutoring
- WAEC/JAMB coaching
- Weekend group sessions
Market to parents in your area or run virtual classes on Zoom.
10. Liquid Soap and Detergent Production
This is a hot-selling essential, especially in compound houses and markets. Learn the formula online and start with as low as ₦7,000 for raw materials.
Package in recycled bottles to save costs.
11. Hair Braiding or Wig Making
If you know how to braid or revamp wigs, you can start from home or offer mobile services.
With basic tools and good lighting for pictures, you can start a hair brand on Instagram.
12. Mini Importation
Start small by importing:
- Phone accessories
- Skincare tools
- Wearables
You can use ₦30,000 to ₦50,000 to buy in bulk from platforms like 1688, AliExpress, or local suppliers. Resell for profit.
Use this invoice template to invoice resellers or wholesalers.
13. Dry Cleaning Pickup and Delivery
Partner with local laundries and offer:
- Pickup
- Delivery
- Payment collection
You’re simply the logistics middleman and can earn per order.
14. Freelance Writing or Content Creation
If you can write articles, emails, or captions, you can work from your phone using:
- Upwork
- Nigerian Facebook groups
No capital needed, just skill and consistency.
15. Baking Small Chops or Snacks
Bake:
- Chin-chin
- Cupcakes
- Doughnuts
- Puff puff
Package and supply to schools, churches, or stores in your area. Reinvest your profits weekly.
16. Photography and Photo Editing
If you have a smartphone with a decent camera, learn mobile editing (Lightroom, Snapseed) and start taking pictures of:
- Events
- Products
- Headshots
Charge per session or per photo and invoice professionally using ProInvoice.
17. Face Beating (Makeup Services)
Learn basic makeup, buy a few products, and start as a mobile makeup artist for:
- Birthdays
- Church events
- Photoshoots
Use Instagram to share your work and book appointments.
18. Digital Product Creation
Create and sell:
- Notion templates
- WhatsApp planners
- Canva editable flyers
- Mini eBooks
Sell via Selar, Paystack, or WhatsApp groups.
19. Online Errand Running
Offer help for:
- JAMB/WAEC registration
- School applications
- CV typing
- Business name registration
Charge per task, and issue receipts for trust using this free online invoice tool.
20. Affiliate Marketing
Refer digital products or courses from platforms like:
- Expertnaire
- Learnoflix
- Selar
- Amazon Associates
Create content on WhatsApp, Instagram, or YouTube and earn commissions for every sale made with your link.
Track your payments and commission invoices with ProInvoice.
Bonus: Things to Remember Before You Start
- Start with what you have
- Focus on offering real value
- Market aggressively, even with a small budget
- Use free tools to stay professional
- Build trust by invoicing and following up
- Reinvest your profits wisely
No capital? Start with a skill-based idea (e.g., writing, social media) and scale up.
Conclusion
You don’t need millions to become a business owner in Nigeria. These 20 cheapest business ideas prove that all you really need is a smartphone, some creativity, and the willingness to start.
And no matter how small your hustle is, act like a professional. Use ProInvoice to send branded invoices, track your sales, and grow your customer base with credibility.
