7 Realistic Businesses You Can Start With ₦150,000 in Nigeria — And How Much You Can Earn in a Few Months

If you think ₦150,000 isn’t enough to start a real business in Nigeria, think again.

The truth is, you don’t need millions to start — you just need a smart plan, a profitable niche, and consistency.

In this post, we’ll explore 7 realistic business ideas you can start with ₦150,000 or less, how much you can realistically earn in a few months, and simple steps to get started even if you’re new to business.

1. Mini Importation Business

Mini importation remains one of the most profitable businesses in Nigeria. With your smartphone, you can import affordable products from China and resell them for 2x to 5x profit locally.

Startup Cost: ₦100,000 – ₦150,000

Expected Monthly Profit: ₦80,000 – ₦250,000

Steps to Start:

1. Choose hot-selling items — gadgets, beauty tools, wristwatches, fashion accessories.

2. Buy directly from 1688.com or Alibaba.

3. Use a reliable agent to handle shipping and delivery.

4. Sell online via WhatsApp, Instagram, or Facebook Marketplace.

Pro Tip: Start small, test your market, then reinvest profit for bulk restocks.

2. Phone Accessories Business

Everyone uses a phone, and phone accessories are always in demand. Chargers, cases, and cables move like hot bread in Nigeria.

Startup Cost: ₦120,000 – ₦150,000

Expected Monthly Profit: ₦70,000 – ₦200,000

Steps to Start:

1. Buy wholesale from Computer Village (Ikeja) or AliExpress.

2. Start from home or rent a small counter space.

3. Sell online or near busy bus stops and schools.

4. Offer discounts for bulk buyers.

Pro Tip: Focus on fast-selling items like Type-C chargers and Bluetooth earpieces — they move faster and give better returns.

3. Thrift (Okrika) Clothing Business

The thrift clothing business is one of the easiest ways to flip ₦150k into fast cash. Fashion never dies — especially when it’s affordable and stylish.

Startup Cost: ₦80,000 – ₦150,000

Expected Monthly Profit: ₦60,000 – ₦180,000

Steps to Start:

1. Buy “bale” clothes or handpicked items from Katangua Market (Lagos) or online vendors.

2. Wash, iron, and package neatly.

3. Sell via Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok.

4. Create a brand name and showcase “before & after” styling videos.

💡 Pro Tip: Market your thrift clothes as “vintage” or “pre-loved fashion” — it adds a premium feel.

4. Foodstuff Repackaging Business

This business quietly makes big profit. You buy food items in bulk and repackage them into smaller quantities for resale — perfect for students and families.

Startup Cost: ₦100,000 – ₦150,000

Expected Monthly Profit: ₦80,000 – ₦250,000

Steps to Start:

1. Buy items like garri, rice, beans, crayfish in bulk.

2. Repackage them in 1kg, 2kg, or 5kg nylon bags.

3. Print branded labels and sell at shops or online.

4. Offer delivery to offices and homes.

Pro Tip: Clean packaging = customer trust. Keep everything hygienic and professional.

5. Organic Skincare or Perfume Oil Business

The beauty industry is growing fast, and Nigerians love affordable, quality skincare and perfume oils.

Startup Cost: ₦100,000 – ₦150,000

Expected Monthly Profit: ₦100,000 – ₦300,000

Steps to Start:

1. Take an online skincare or perfume-making class (many cost ₦5k–₦10k).

2. Buy ingredients and bottles in bulk.

3. Create your brand label and packaging.

4. Use social media reels and testimonials to build trust.

Pro Tip: Offer mini sizes (₦1,000–₦2,000) to attract first-time buyers.

6. POS (Agent Banking) Business

POS business remains one of the most stable daily-income ventures in Nigeria. Even with ₦150,000, you can start small and grow.

Startup Cost: ₦120,000 – ₦150,000

Expected Monthly Profit: ₦70,000 – ₦200,000

Steps to Start:

1. Register with trusted providers — Opay, Moniepoint, or Palmpay.

2. Secure a busy location (market area, roadside, or bus stop).

3. Keep ₦50k–₦100k as your float.

4. Offer extra services like bill payments and airtime.

Pro Tip: Build relationships — customers stay where they feel safe and respected.

7. Snacks and Small Chops Business

People may skip shopping, but they never skip food. With ₦150k, you can start a small snack business from home and grow into catering for events.

Startup Cost: ₦100,000 – ₦150,000

Expected Monthly Profit: ₦80,000 – ₦220,000

Steps to Start:

1. Learn to make puff-puff, samosa, spring rolls, and chin-chin.

2. Buy a fryer, trays, and mixing tools.

3. Start with home delivery or office supplies.

4. Brand your packaging — it adds class and repeat orders.

Pro Tip: Take clear pictures and post online daily — visuals sell food faster than words.

Bonus Tip: Reinvest, Don’t Relax

When your profit starts coming in, don’t rush to spend it. Reinvest back into your business — that’s how small capital becomes long-term wealth.

Use your first 3 months’ profit to:

• Buy more stock

• Upgrade packaging

• Improve branding

• Invest in small Facebook or WhatsApp ads

Conclusion

Starting a business in Nigeria with ₦150,000 is not a dream — it’s completely possible.

The secret is choosing the right idea, starting lean, and focusing on consistency. Remember, most big businesses today started small — some even smaller than ₦150k.

So stop waiting for “big money.” Pick an idea today, take action, and let your results speak for you.