How to Write a Business Proposal in Nigeria (Step-by-Step Guide)

July 22, 2025

A solid business proposal can open doors to funding, partnerships, new clients, or government contracts — but writing one the right way is where most Nigerians struggle.

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blank document, wondering where to start, this article is for you.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to write a compelling business proposal in Nigeria, the key elements to include, and simple tips to make yours stand out.

What Is a Business Proposal?

A business proposal is a formal document you send to a prospective client, investor, organization, or partner to convince them to work with you, fund your business, or buy your product/service.

It’s not the same as a business plan — a business plan outlines your long-term strategy, while a proposal is a pitch for a specific opportunity.

Types of Business Proposals in Nigeria

Solicited Proposal: When a company, government, or NGO requests proposals (RFP, RFQ).
Unsolicited Proposal: Sent without a prior request to pitch your idea, product, or service.
Grant Proposal: Sent to donors, international bodies, or government schemes.
Investor Proposal: Sent to convince someone to invest in your business or startup.

Why You Need a Great Business Proposal

Helps you secure contracts or funding
Builds credibility and trust
Sets you apart from other vendors or service providers
Shows you’re professional and organized

Structure: How to Write a Business Proposal in Nigeria

Here’s a simple and proven structure that works:

1. Cover Page

Include:

Business name
Proposal title
Submitted by (your name/company)
Contact information
Date

📝 Example:
Proposal for Logistics & Delivery Services
Submitted by: RapidGo Express
Phone: 0802 XXX XXXX | Email: info@rapidgo.ng
Date: July 2025

2. Executive Summary

This is the “elevator pitch” — a brief summary of what your proposal is about and why the reader should be interested.

🔑 Focus on:

The opportunity or problem
Your solution
Why you’re qualified
What you’re asking for (partnership, funding, etc.)

3. Problem Statement / Opportunity

Clearly state the problem or need the organization or market is facing.

📝 Example:
“Many SMEs in Lagos struggle with same-day delivery to customers due to poor logistics infrastructure…”

4. Your Solution

Explain how your product/service solves the problem. Highlight what makes you different or better.

Include:

Features
Benefits
Timeline of delivery (if applicable)

🧠 Pro Tip: Use visuals, mockups, or images to illustrate your solution (especially if it’s tech-related).

5. Company Profile / About You

Provide a brief overview of your business, including:

Mission
Team members
Experience
Clients served
Registered name (include CAC status)

This section builds trust and credibility.

6. Pricing / Financials

Clearly state how much your solution costs and what the investment covers.

If it’s a service:

Breakdown by milestones or packages

If it’s a funding proposal:

State how much you’re seeking
What it will be used for (equipment, marketing, operations)

7. Implementation Plan

Break down how you’ll execute the project and how long it will take.

You can present this as:

Timeline (e.g. Week 1 – Setup, Week 2 – Launch)
Milestones
Deliverables

8. Call to Action

End your proposal by telling the reader what you want next:

“We’d love to discuss this further.”
“Please find our contact details attached.”
“Looking forward to scheduling a meeting at your convenience.”

9. Appendices (Optional)

Add supporting documents such as:

CAC registration
Past project samples
Client testimonials
Price lists
Certifications
Bank details or invoice

💡 Use a tool like ProInvoice to create and attach professional quotes or invoices.

Pro Tips for a Winning Business Proposal in Nigeria

✅ Keep it clear and concise (3–5 pages is often enough)
✅ Use simple English — avoid too much jargon
✅ Customize each proposal to fit the client’s needs
✅ Highlight value, not just features
✅ Make it visually appealing with clean formatting
✅ Include your logo and branding for professionalism
✅ Always proofread before sending

Sample Use Cases for Business Proposals in Nigeria

A caterer submitting a proposal for a corporate event
A digital agency pitching for social media management
A fashion entrepreneur seeking N5m investment
A tech startup applying for a grant from a development agency

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re seeking a deal with a corporate client, responding to a tender, or trying to secure an investor, a well-written business proposal can change your business trajectory.

Don’t overthink it — follow this structure, keep it professional, and communicate your value clearly.