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The Businesses That Refuse to Die: 10 Ways Nigerians Are Still Making Real Money in 2025
Welcome to Daily Reality NG, where we break down real-life issues with honesty and clarity. If you've been wondering what's still working in this economy, you're in the right place.
I'm Samson Ese, founder of Daily Reality NG. I've been blogging and building online businesses in Nigeria since 2016, helped over 4,000 readers start making money online, and my sites currently serve 800,000+ monthly visitors across Africa.
Last week, I sat with my friend Chinedu at a bukka near Yaba. Between spoonfuls of rice and stew, he asked me the question I've been hearing everywhere: "Bro, which business dey pay for this Nigeria sef? Everything don turn upside down."
Truth be told, I understand the frustration. When fuel prices jump from 200 naira to over 600 naira in less than two years, when dollar keeps climbing like it's training for Olympics, and when NEPA — sorry, "grid collapse" — happens almost weekly, it's easy to think nothing works anymore.
But here's what I've learned from watching thousands of people succeed and fail in Nigerian business since 2016: the rules have changed, but money hasn't stopped moving. It's just flowing in different directions now.
Some businesses that looked unshakeable five years ago are struggling. Others that nobody took seriously are printing money quietly. The question isn't whether business is dead in Nigeria — it's whether you're looking at the right opportunities.
I've spent the last six months studying what's actually working, not just talking to people who claim success on social media, but tracking real businesses with real numbers. Small business owners who are buying land, building houses, and sending their children to good schools while many others complain.
What I found surprised me. This article breaks down the ten businesses that are not just surviving but genuinely thriving in Nigeria right now, with real examples and honest numbers.
📋 Table of Contents
- 1. Solar Energy Installation & Maintenance
- 2. Digital Products & Online Courses
- 3. Food Delivery & Catering Services
- 4. Logistics & Dispatch Services
- 5. Content Creation & Social Media Management
- 6. Skincare & Beauty Products
- 7. Phone & Laptop Repair Services
- 8. Modern Agriculture & Food Processing
- 9. Real Estate Agency & Property Management
- 10. Fintech Services & POS Business
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Solar Energy Installation & Maintenance
If there's one business that has exploded in the last two years, it's solar energy. And I'm not talking about the big companies installing industrial panels for banks and hotels. I'm talking about the young guy in your area who installs home solar systems and makes between 500,000 to 2 million naira monthly.
💡 Why It's Working
The power situation has gotten so bad that solar is no longer a luxury — it's a necessity. When you're spending 40,000 to 80,000 naira monthly on fuel for generator, a 300,000 to 800,000 naira solar investment starts looking like wisdom, not wahala.
I know someone who started this business in 2023 with just 150,000 naira capital — he used it to buy basic tools and partner with a Chinese supplier for panels. Today, he installs 3-5 systems weekly and clears over 1.2 million naira monthly after expenses.
The beautiful thing about solar business is that it doesn't end with installation. There's maintenance, battery replacement, expansion of existing systems, and repair work. Once you build trust in your community, customers keep calling you back.
What You Need to Start
- Basic electrical knowledge (you can learn in 2-3 months)
- Starting capital: 100,000 - 300,000 naira
- Reliable supplier connections
- Good customer service skills
The CBN/BOI solar loan at 9 percent interest has made it easier for Nigerians to afford installations, which means more business for installers. If you're thinking about this, now is the time. Read our detailed guide on how to start solar installation business in Nigeria.
2. Digital Products & Online Courses
Let me be honest with you — I make more money selling digital products than I ever made doing client work. And I'm not alone. Thousands of Nigerians are packaging their knowledge and selling it online for passive income.
The reason this works so well now is simple: Nigerians have finally accepted that they can learn valuable skills online. COVID-19 forced people to take online learning seriously, and the habit stuck.
📚 What's Selling
- PDF guides on profitable side hustles (5,000 - 15,000 naira)
- Video courses on digital skills (20,000 - 100,000 naira)
- Ebooks on relationship, health, money management (3,000 - 10,000 naira)
- Business templates, proposal formats, CV designs (2,000 - 8,000 naira)
- Membership communities with monthly value (5,000 - 15,000 naira monthly)
I've seen stay-at-home moms make 300,000 naira monthly selling parenting guides. University students making 150,000 naira selling study templates and exam prep materials. Young professionals making millions teaching others how to start online businesses.
The best part? You create it once and sell it forever. No inventory, no shipping, no physical stress. Just good content and smart marketing.
How to Start
Pick something you know well — a skill you have, a problem you've solved, an experience you've gained. Package it into a PDF, video course, or membership group. Start selling through WhatsApp status, Facebook groups, and Instagram.
Check out our comprehensive guide on 7 digital products Nigerians are buying right now, and learn how to automate your digital product sales so you can earn while you sleep.
3. Food Delivery & Catering Services
People will always eat, and busy Nigerians will always pay for convenience. That's why food businesses — especially delivery and specialized catering — keep making money no matter what's happening in the economy.
But here's the twist: the most successful food businesses in 2025 are not generic restaurants. They're specialized operations that solve specific problems.
🍱 What's Working
Meal prep services: Cooking and delivering healthy weekly meals to busy professionals (30,000 - 60,000 naira per client monthly)
Office lunch delivery: Consistent daily delivery to specific office complexes
Specialized catering: Small chops, cakes, pastries for events
Niche food items: Healthy smoothies, protein meals, vegan options, diet-specific meals
A lady I know in Lekki started making healthy meal preps from her one-bedroom apartment. She targeted young professionals who wanted to eat well but had no time to cook. Within eight months, she had 45 recurring clients paying 40,000 naira monthly each. That's 1.8 million naira monthly revenue from just 45 people.
The food business rewards consistency and quality. If your food tastes good and you deliver on time, customers will market you for free through word of mouth.
Realistic Starting Capital
- Small-scale meal prep: 50,000 - 150,000 naira
- Small chops/pastries: 30,000 - 100,000 naira
- Delivery service only (no cooking): 20,000 - 50,000 naira
4. Logistics & Dispatch Services
E-commerce is booming in Nigeria, and every online seller needs one thing: reliable delivery. If you can move items from point A to point B consistently and safely, people will pay you well.
The logistics business works because trust is everything. When a dispatch rider proves reliable, customers stick with them. I've seen dispatch riders in Lagos make 200,000 to 500,000 naira monthly just by being consistent and trustworthy.
🚴 Business Models That Work
Independent dispatch: Own your bike/car, take orders directly from customers
Logistics aggregator: Coordinate multiple riders, take percentage from each delivery
Niche logistics: Specialize in fragile items, documents, medical supplies, or food delivery only
Inter-state courier: Move goods between cities (very profitable but needs more capital)
The beautiful thing is you can start small. Even with just a bicycle and WhatsApp business account, you can begin taking delivery orders in your neighborhood. As you build reputation and capital, you upgrade to motorcycle, then car, then multiple vehicles.
One guy started with a bicycle doing local deliveries in Surulere for 500 to 1,000 naira per drop. Two years later, he now has four dispatch riders working under him and drives a car himself. He makes nothing less than 400,000 naira monthly.
5. Content Creation & Social Media Management
Every business in Nigeria is finally understanding that they need online presence. But most business owners don't have time or skill to manage their social media, create content, or run ads. That's where you come in.
If you can create good graphics, write engaging captions, and understand how social media algorithms work, businesses will pay you between 50,000 to 300,000 naira monthly to handle their pages.
📱 Services You Can Offer
- Social media management (30,000 - 150,000 naira per client monthly)
- Content creation: graphics, videos, reels (20,000 - 100,000 naira per client)
- Facebook/Instagram ads management (50,000 - 200,000 naira + ad budget)
- Blog writing and website content (10,000 - 50,000 naira per article)
- Email marketing setup and management (40,000 - 150,000 naira monthly)
I know creators who manage just 5-7 business pages and make over 500,000 naira monthly. The key is specializing in specific niches — real estate, restaurants, beauty brands, or fashion — so you understand exactly what content works.
You can learn everything you need for free on YouTube and start practicing by managing accounts for friends' businesses for reduced rates. Within 3-6 months of building portfolio, you'll be charging premium rates.
Read our guide on top content creation tips for Nigerian creators, and discover the best AI tools for Nigerian content creators to speed up your work.
6. Skincare & Beauty Products
The Nigerian beauty industry is worth billions, and it's still growing. Both men and women are investing more in skincare, and they're willing to pay premium prices for quality products.
What makes this business work is that it combines low starting capital with high profit margins. You can start with 50,000 naira, source products, rebrand them beautifully, and sell at 100-200 percent markup.
💄 Profitable Approaches
Reselling imported products: Buy in bulk from wholesalers, sell individually online
Creating your own brand: Work with local manufacturers to produce under your brand
Subscription boxes: Monthly skincare boxes for consistent income
Specialized products: Men's grooming, natural/organic skincare, anti-aging treatments
A young lady in Port Harcourt started selling skincare products through WhatsApp status and Instagram in 2023. She focused on natural, organic products for people with sensitive skin — a specific niche that big brands weren't addressing well. Today, she makes nothing less than 800,000 naira monthly and has opened a physical store.
The key to success in beauty business is education. Don't just sell products — teach people how to use them, explain ingredients, show before-and-after results. When customers see genuine results, they become loyal and refer others.
Our detailed post on affordable skincare products that actually work shows you what Nigerians are buying right now.
7. Phone & Laptop Repair Services
Here's a truth many people overlook: Nigerians can't afford to buy new phones and laptops every time something spoils. With dollar rates climbing and economic pressure increasing, people are choosing repairs over replacement.
If you know how to fix phones and laptops, you have a business that will never lack customers. The demand is constant, the profit margins are healthy, and you can start from your bedroom.
🔧 Why Tech Repair Is Booming
A cracked iPhone screen costs 15,000 - 40,000 naira to fix, but a new iPhone costs millions. A laptop keyboard replacement is 8,000 - 20,000 naira, but a new laptop is hundreds of thousands. The math is simple — people will keep repairing.
I know a guy in Ikeja who repairs phones from a small shop. He handles 10-15 repairs daily at an average profit of 3,000 - 5,000 naira per device. That's 30,000 to 75,000 naira daily, which translates to 600,000 to 1.5 million naira monthly. Not bad for someone who learned the skill in six months.
What Makes You Successful
- Speed: Fix devices within 24 hours when possible
- Honesty: Don't overcharge or fix problems that don't exist
- Warranty: Offer 1-3 months warranty on repairs
- Location: Be near high foot traffic areas or do mobile repairs
You can learn phone and laptop repair through YouTube tutorials, physical training centers (50,000 - 150,000 naira for comprehensive courses), or apprenticeship with established technicians. Starting capital for tools and spare parts: 100,000 - 300,000 naira.
The beautiful thing is that once you build reputation in your area, customers will keep coming. And many of them will become repeat clients as their devices develop new issues over time.
8. Modern Agriculture & Food Processing
Before you skip this section thinking "agriculture is stressful," hear me out. I'm not talking about going to the farm with cutlass and hoe at 5am. I'm talking about smart, modern agricultural businesses that are making people serious money.
Food prices keep rising, which means food production remains profitable. But the smart farmers today are not just growing crops — they're adding value through processing and packaging.
🌾 Profitable Agriculture Models
Poultry farming: Layers for eggs or broilers for meat (200,000 - 500,000 naira to start small)
Catfish farming: High demand, good returns (150,000 - 400,000 naira start-up)
Vegetable farming: Quick turnover, constant demand (50,000 - 200,000 naira)
Food processing: Packaging garri, beans flour, pepper, palm oil for retail
Mushroom farming: Low space requirement, high value (100,000 - 250,000 naira)
A young man in Ogun State started catfish farming with just 200,000 naira in 2023. He used his family's backyard space, bought fingerlings, and learned everything from YouTube. His first harvest brought him 180,000 naira profit after six months. Today, he's expanded to multiple ponds and makes over 400,000 naira every harvest cycle.
The game-changer in agriculture today is adding value. Don't just grow tomatoes — process them into paste. Don't just harvest cassava — process it into different flour grades. Packaging and branding turn farm produce into premium products that command better prices.
Government programs like the Nigeria agriculture policies and support programs are making it easier to access funding and training. The agricultural sector is one area where government is genuinely trying to support entrepreneurs.
9. Real Estate Agency & Property Management
You don't need to own property to make money in real estate. As a real estate agent or property manager, you're the middleman who connects property owners with tenants or buyers, and you get paid handsomely for it.
In Lagos alone, thousands of people are searching for apartments every single day. In Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and other cities, the demand for housing never stops. If you can help people find accommodation or help landlords manage their properties, there's serious money to be made.
🏠 How Real Estate Agency Works
Agent commission: Typically 10 percent of annual rent when you connect tenant to landlord. For a 500,000 naira yearly rent apartment, you make 50,000 naira per deal. Close 3-5 deals monthly and you're making 150,000 - 250,000 naira.
Property management: Manage properties for landlords (collect rent, handle repairs, find tenants) for 5-10 percent of monthly rent income.
I know a lady who started as a real estate agent with just a smartphone and good people skills. She joined Facebook groups, started posting available properties, and connected people. Within her first year, she had closed over 40 deals and made well over 2 million naira in commissions.
The beauty of this business is that it costs almost nothing to start. You need good communication skills, knowledge of your area, a smartphone, and the ability to network. You can even specialize — some agents focus only on student accommodation, others on luxury apartments, some on commercial properties.
Keys to Success
- Build a database of available properties
- Join landlord and real estate groups on social media
- Always inspect properties before showing clients
- Be honest about property conditions and neighborhoods
- Follow up consistently with both landlords and potential tenants
For those interested in property investment rather than agency work, read our comprehensive guide on real estate investing in Nigeria to understand how to build wealth through property ownership.
10. Fintech Services & POS Business
The POS business might look saturated, but smart operators are still making between 200,000 to over 1 million naira monthly. The key is understanding that POS is no longer just about withdrawals — it's a full financial services hub.
With banks reducing their physical branches and many Nigerians still preferring cash transactions, POS operators have become essential in every neighborhood. And beyond basic transactions, fintech services are opening new revenue streams.
💳 Modern POS Business Model
- Cash withdrawals: 100 - 300 naira per transaction
- Transfers: 50 - 100 naira per transaction
- Bill payments: Electricity, cable TV, airtime (small commission per transaction)
- Bank account opening: Commission from banks for new accounts
- Loan referrals: Commission from fintech companies when customers take loans
- Selling financial products: Insurance, investment products
The successful POS operators today are those who treat it as a proper business, not just something to do on the side. They open early, close late, keep enough float, and build relationships with customers.
A young man in Ajah area of Lagos runs three POS points. He hired two people to handle two locations while he manages one himself. On average, each location makes 8,000 - 15,000 naira profit daily. That's about 24,000 - 45,000 naira daily from all three points, translating to 720,000 - 1.35 million naira monthly.
Starting Requirements
- POS machine: Free from banks or 30,000 - 60,000 naira to buy
- Float capital: 200,000 - 500,000 naira minimum
- Shop or kiosk: 20,000 - 50,000 naira monthly rent
- Business registration for higher transaction limits
Location is everything in POS business. High-traffic areas like markets, bus stops, residential estates, and near banks (ironically) are the most profitable spots. The real money comes from volume — the more transactions you process, the more you earn.
Understanding the broader picture of Nigerian economy updates and what you need to know helps you position your POS business to take advantage of economic trends.
Let Me Be Honest With You
I've shared ten businesses that are genuinely working in Nigeria right now. But knowing what works isn't the same as making it work for you.
The truth that most business articles won't tell you is this: every single one of these businesses has people failing at it right now, even as others succeed. The difference isn't just about picking the right business — it's about execution, consistency, and genuine commitment.
I've watched people start solar installation businesses and quit after two months because they didn't see instant millions. I've seen others start with less capital, face more challenges, but succeed because they refused to give up.
The Nigerian business environment is tough, no question about that. But it rewards those who are strategic, patient, and willing to learn continuously. Don't just jump into a business because it's on this list — study it, understand it, talk to people already doing it, then start small and scale gradually.
And please, don't put all your money into one business at once. Test the waters with small capital, learn the ropes, understand the challenges, then expand as you gain confidence and experience.
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Solar energy installation is booming due to poor power supply and is projected to keep growing as more Nigerians seek alternatives to generators.
- Digital products and online courses offer passive income opportunities with minimal overhead — you create once and sell repeatedly.
- Specialized food services like meal prep and niche catering are more profitable than generic restaurants in 2025.
- Logistics and dispatch services thrive on the back of e-commerce growth, with reliable operators making consistent income.
- Content creation and social media management are in high demand as businesses recognize the need for strong online presence.
- Skincare and beauty products enjoy high profit margins and loyal customer bases when you focus on quality and education.
- Tech repair services will continue growing as Nigerians choose repairs over buying new devices due to economic realities.
- Modern agriculture and food processing remain profitable when you add value through processing, packaging, and branding.
- Real estate agency requires minimal capital but offers significant commission income for those with good networking and people skills.
- POS and fintech services have evolved beyond basic withdrawals into full financial services hubs with multiple revenue streams.
- Success in any of these businesses depends more on execution, consistency, and customer service than on the business model itself.
- Start small, test your chosen business with limited capital, learn from mistakes, and scale gradually as you gain experience and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which of these businesses can I start with 100,000 naira or less?
You can start digital products creation, content creation and social media management, food delivery services, logistics and dispatch with a bicycle, POS business with bank-provided machines, and real estate agency with almost zero capital. These businesses rely more on your skills and hustle than on heavy capital investment.
How long does it typically take to start making profit from these businesses?
It varies by business type and your execution. POS and food delivery can generate income within the first week. Content creation and real estate agency might take 1-3 months to land your first clients. Solar installation, skincare, and agriculture typically take 2-6 months to see significant returns. Digital products can make sales within days if you have an existing audience or marketing skills.
Do I need special training or certification to start any of these businesses?
Most of these businesses do not require formal certification. Solar installation benefits from electrical knowledge which you can learn in 2-3 months. Tech repair requires technical skills learnable through YouTube or training centers. The others primarily need business sense, good customer service, and willingness to learn on the job. Real estate agency in some states may eventually require registration with professional bodies, but you can start without it.
Which business has the highest profit margin?
Digital products typically have the highest profit margins at 80-95 percent since there is no production cost after creation. Skincare products can give 100-200 percent markup. Content creation and social media management offer 60-80 percent profit margins since your main cost is time. Solar installation offers 30-50 percent margins but on much larger transaction values.
Can I run more than one of these businesses at the same time?
Yes, many successful entrepreneurs combine complementary businesses. For example, you can run digital products alongside content creation, or manage a POS terminal while doing logistics services. However, start with one, master it, establish systems, then add another. Trying to do everything at once usually leads to doing nothing well.
What is the biggest challenge facing small businesses in Nigeria right now?
The three biggest challenges are inconsistent power supply which increases operational costs, high cost of logistics and transportation due to fuel prices, and difficulty accessing affordable capital for business expansion. However, businesses that adapt by using solar power, optimizing delivery routes, and starting small with reinvested profits are navigating these challenges successfully.
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Stay With Me
Thank you for reading this far. It means you're serious about finding a business that works in today's Nigeria, and I respect that.
I didn't write this article to sell you dreams or make business sound easier than it is. I wrote it because I've been where you are — frustrated with the economy, tired of regular jobs that barely pay enough, looking for a real way forward.
The businesses I've shared here are working for real people right now. Not celebrities or people with rich parents. Regular Nigerians who decided to start something, faced challenges, learned from mistakes, and kept pushing until things clicked.
Your own success will depend on which business aligns with your skills, your capital, your location, and most importantly, your willingness to stay consistent even when results are slow at first.
I'll keep sharing honest, practical business insights here on Daily Reality NG. Bookmark this site, check back regularly, and let's build something meaningful together. This is your community for real talk about making money and building a better life in Nigeria.
— Samson Ese, Founder, Daily Reality NG
About the Author
Samson Ese is the founder of Daily Reality NG, a platform dedicated to providing honest, practical insights for everyday Nigerians. Since 2016, Samson has been helping Nigerians navigate business, finance, technology, and personal development through real-world experience and verified information. His work has helped over 4,000 people start their online business journeys, and his websites serve more than 800,000 monthly readers across Africa.