5 Profitable Small-Scale Businesses You Can Start with ₦10 Million or Less in Nigeria

Starting a business in Nigeria doesn’t always require hundreds of millions. With the right idea, strategy, and discipline, ₦10 million or less is enough to build a profitable and sustainable small-scale business. Below are five common small-scale businesses in Nigeria that are proven to be profitable.

1. Mini Importation & Distribution Business

Mini importation involves importing goods in bulk from countries like China, Turkey, or Dubai and selling them locally in Nigeria.

What you can sell:
• Phone accessories
• Fashion items (shoes, bags, clothes)
• Hair and beauty products
• Kitchen gadgets and electronics

Estimated Startup Cost (₦5m – ₦10m):
• First importation & shipping
• Branding and packaging
• Online marketing (WhatsApp, Instagram, website)
• Small storage space

Why it’s profitable:
Demand is high, profit margins can reach 30–100%, and turnover is fast if you choose trending products.

2. Food Processing & Packaging Business

Food will always sell in Nigeria. This business focuses on processing and packaging consumable food items for retail.

Popular options include:
• Packaged garri
• Plantain flour
• Palm oil
• Pepper mix and spices
• Local snacks (chin-chin, groundnuts)

Estimated Startup Cost (₦3m – ₦8m):
• Processing equipment
• Packaging materials
• NAFDAC registration (important for growth)
• Branding and distribution

Why it’s profitable:
Food is a daily necessity, and branded local food products sell well in markets, supermarkets, and online.

3. Mini Supermarket / Neighborhood Mini-Mart

A small supermarket serving a residential area can generate steady daily income.

Items to sell:
• Groceries
• Toiletries
• Drinks and beverages
• Frozen foods
• Household items

Estimated Startup Cost (₦6m – ₦10m):
• Shop rent
• Shelves and freezers
• Initial inventory
• POS machine

Why it’s profitable:
It’s a cash-flow business. With good location and stock management, profits are consistent.

4. Poultry Farming (Layers or Broilers)

Poultry farming remains one of the most reliable agribusinesses in Nigeria.

Scale with ₦10m:
• 1,000–2,000 birds
• Layers (eggs) or broilers (meat)

Estimated Startup Cost (₦7m – ₦10m):
• Land or lease
• Poultry housing
• Day-old chicks
• Feed, vaccines, and staff

Why it’s profitable:
Eggs and chicken are in constant demand. With good management, poultry can start generating income within months.

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5. POS & Agency Banking Business (Multi-Location Model)

Instead of running one POS stand, you can operate multiple POS points using agents.

How it works:
• Buy multiple POS machines
• Place them with trusted agents
• Earn commission per transaction

Estimated Startup Cost (₦2m – ₦5m):
• POS machines
• Agent funding
• Branding and monitoring

Why it’s profitable:
Daily transactions mean daily income, especially in areas with limited banking access.

₦10 million is more than enough to start a profitable business in Nigeria if:
• You choose a high-demand market
• You manage cash flow properly
• You reinvest profits
• You stay consistent

If you want, I can:
• Break down one of these businesses step-by-step
• Create a business plan
• Tailor this list specifically to Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, or any state

What are your thoughts???