Business to Start in Nigeria with Less Than ₦2 Million Naira in 2025

Starting a business in Nigeria doesn’t always require a huge amount of money. With smart planning, discipline, and the right idea, you can build a profitable business with less than ₦2 million. Whether you’re a graduate, a 9-to-5 worker looking for a side hustle, or someone ready to be self-employed, there are several ventures you can realistically start in 2025.

This guide walks you through profitable small business ideas under ₦2 million, along with practical tips for getting started and promoting your business online — including how you can list your products or services on Marketplace Naija, a trusted Nigerian classified platform.

1. Foodstuff and Provision Store

Food is one of the safest investments in Nigeria. No matter what happens, people must eat. With around ₦1.5 million, you can rent a small shop, stock essential food items like rice, beans, garri, noodles, vegetable oil, spices, beverages, and toiletries, and still have some money left for signage and marketing.

Tips to start:

• Choose a busy area or a residential community with good foot traffic.
• Build relationships with local wholesalers or distributors.
• Offer delivery within your area for convenience.
• List your items on Marketplace Naija to reach more buyers online — especially those searching for bulk food supplies in your city.

2. Mobile Phone and Accessories Business

Phones and accessories move fast in Nigeria — from chargers, power banks, earphones, and cases to budget smartphones. With ₦1.5–₦2 million, you can rent a small space, stock trending phone accessories, and even start small repairs or swaps.

How to make it work:

• Focus on high-demand accessories with good turnover.
• Sell both new and used items to attract a wider range of customers.
• Use Marketplace Naija to showcase your phones and accessories. You can upload photos, set prices, and chat with buyers directly without paying high advertising fees.

3. POS (Agent Banking) Business

The POS business continues to thrive in Nigeria as more people rely on agents for withdrawals, transfers, and bill payments. With about ₦500,000 to ₦1.5 million, you can buy a POS machine, get the required float, rent a small kiosk, and brand your stand.

What you’ll need:

• A good location (bus stops, markets, or residential areas).
• A reliable bank or fintech provider (Moniepoint, Opay, Palmpay, etc.).
• Strong customer service and transparency.

With consistent transactions, POS operators can earn between ₦5,000–₦15,000 daily in profit. Once you’re established, you can use Marketplace Naija to advertise your POS services or expand into airtime and bill payment solutions.

4. Mini Importation or E-Commerce Business

Online shopping is booming, and small importers are taking advantage of it. You can start a mini importation business with less than ₦2 million, importing fashion items, electronics accessories, or beauty products from sites like Alibaba, Aliexpress, and reselling them locally.

How to start:

• Pick lightweight, high-margin items like wristwatches, hair extensions, or Bluetooth speakers.
• Learn basic import procedures or work with an agent.
• Build trust with customers through quick delivery and quality control.
• Post your inventory on Marketplace Naija under the “Phones & Accessories” or “Fashion” categories to get free visibility and attract real buyers.

5. Laundry and Dry Cleaning Business

Urban areas have high demand for dry cleaning and laundry services. With about ₦1.5 million, you can rent a small shop, buy washing machines, pressing irons, detergents, hangers, and packaging materials.

Profit potential: Medium to high, especially in busy areas with professionals or students.

Tips:

• Offer pickup and delivery services to stand out.
• Build customer loyalty through consistent quality.
• Promote your services on Marketplace Naija — include your location, prices, and contact so people nearby can find you easily.

6. Photography and Videography

If you have creative skills or an eye for visuals, this is a great business under ₦2 million. You can start small by investing in a mid-range DSLR camera, lighting equipment, a tripod, and editing software.

How to make it profitable:

• Focus on events like birthdays, weddings, and business shoots.
• Offer digital packages and quick delivery through WhatsApp or Google Drive.
• Promote your portfolio and service listings on Marketplace Naija under “Services – Events & Photography.”

7. Restaurant or Small Eatery

Starting a small food outlet, “mama put,” or takeaway joint can be very profitable with a ₦1.5–₦2 million budget. Nigerians love affordable, well-cooked meals.

Start-up needs:

• Rent a clean space in a high-traffic area.
• Basic equipment: cooking utensils, freezers, tables, and signage.
• Hire one or two assistants if needed.

Pro tip: Offer delivery or online ordering. You can post your menu and contact info on Marketplace Naija, where local customers can easily discover you.

8. Fashion and Tailoring Business

Fashion will always be in demand. With ₦2 million, you can start a small fashion studio, buy sewing machines, fabric, and hire an assistant.

Ways to grow:

• Focus on trendy styles or ready-to-wear outfits.
• Create a social media page to show your designs.
• List your tailoring or fashion items for sale on Marketplace Naija under “Clothing & Fashion.”

This approach combines both physical and online sales, helping you reach more customers without spending extra on marketing.

9. Car Wash and Auto Care

If you have access to land near a busy road or residential area, a car wash business is another good option within a ₦2 million budget. You can set up a small structure, install water tanks, and buy pressure washing machines.

Extras that increase profit:

• Add tire inflating and engine cleaning services.
• Offer car air fresheners or small car accessories.
• Use Marketplace Naija to advertise your car wash deals or loyalty discounts.

10. Farming and Agro Products

Agriculture remains one of the most stable business options in Nigeria. With ₦2 million or less, you can start small-scale ventures like poultry, fish farming, or vegetable farming.

Example budget for poultry farming:

• 300 birds – ₦450,000
• Feed and vaccines – ₦800,000
• Coop construction and equipment – ₦600,000
• Miscellaneous – ₦150,000

You can sell fresh eggs, broilers, or vegetables locally — and even list them on Marketplace Naija to connect directly with consumers and retailers in your area.

Promote Your Business on Marketplace Naija

Whatever business you decide to start, visibility is key. One of the fastest ways to reach real customers across Nigeria is to promote your business on Marketplace Naija. The platform allows you to:

• Create a free seller profile
• Upload photos, descriptions, and prices
• Chat with potential buyers directly
• Get access to thousands of local users every day

This makes it easier for small businesses to build trust, attract customers, and grow without spending heavily on advertising.

Conclusion

Starting a business in Nigeria with less than ₦2 million is not only possible but realistic — if you plan carefully and focus on solving real problems. From POS and food sales to fashion, phone accessories, and mini importation, there are plenty of ways to build steady income.

The key is to start small, stay consistent, and make your business visible. By promoting your products and services on Marketplace Naija, you’ll reach more customers, gain credibility, and protect your transactions through a trusted online platform that ensures buyers get what they paid for.