If you’re looking for a profitable business idea in Nigeria that requires minimal capital, starting a roadside business might be the perfect option for you. Roadside businesses are set up along busy roads and attract a large number of people and vehicles, making them highly lucrative.
With just 30,000 naira, you can start a road side business which will give you the ability and leverage to make lots money. The amount of money you will make depends on how often people want to buy what you sale and also how disable your products is to them.
Roadside business has a high demand, especially during rush hours and peak travel times. In road side businesses there is competition which is why you need to standout. You may not be the only one selling what ever business you want to start, you need to make a very sweet and tasty products that will keep people coming back to you when ever you ware around.
I will be sharing with you some profitable roadside businesses that you can start with as low as 30k naira. This roadside businesses am shearing here are ones which i have made enquires from those already doing it to find out how much the spent and how much the make on daily bases.
So I also will give you some data and analysis of how much you can be making in a day or in a month from these businesses as well equipment’s, strategies and steps you need to start any of them.
1. Popcorn Business
Popcorn is a snack that many Nigerians love to eat, especially when they are watching movies, traveling, or relaxing. It is made from corn kernels that are heated until they pop and become fluffy. Adding different flavors such as sugar, salt, butter, cheese, caramel, or chocolate can enhance the taste and appeal of popcorn.
To start a popcorn business, you will need a few essential items which will help you with the production of a delicious popcorn, the important equipment’s you need are:
- A charcoal grill
- Charcoal
- Plantains
- Fish (optional)
- Groundnut paste (optional)
- Sauce (optional)
- A table and chairs (optional)
Firstly, a popcorn machine is necessary, which can be purchased for around 15,000 naira. Additionally, you will need bags of corn, nylon bags for packaging, sugar, salt, butter, and flavors of your choice. These ingredients are relatively cheap and can be bought in bulk. If you plan to operate in an area with unreliable electricity, a generator or gas cylinder may be necessary to power the popcorn machine.
Setting up your popcorn stand in a strategic location is crucial for success. Consider areas with high foot traffic, such as near bus stops, markets, schools, cinemas, or popular hangout spots. Pricing your popcorn at 50 naira or 100 naira per bag, depending on the size and quality, can attract customers and generate sales.
When we asked a roadside popcorn seller, he said it is possible to make around 5,000 naira daily from the popcorn business, resulting in a monthly profit of approximately 150,000 naira. The actual earnings may vary depending on factors such as location, demand, and competition. Even if you make half of that amount, the popcorn business can still be profitable.
2. Fruit Juice Business
Fruit juice is a profitable roadside business that you can start with 30,000 Naira. Nigerians love to drink refreshing fruit juice, especially during hot weather. To start a fruit juice business, you will need:
- a blender
- a juicer
- fruits
- sugar
- water
- ice
- cups
- straws and optionally
- a cooler or fridge, and
- a generator or gas cylinder.
You can purchase a blender for around 10,000 Naira and a juicer for about 15,000 Naira. Fruits can be bought in bulk from the market or directly from farmers. Sugar, water, ice, cups, and straws are also affordable and can be purchased in bulk.
Setting up your fruit juice stand in a high-demand location is crucial for success. Consider areas near bus stops, markets, schools, gyms, or any place with a lot of foot traffic. You can sell your fruit juice for 100 Naira or 200 Naira per cup, depending on the size and quality.
According to a fruit juice seller, it is possible to make around 7,000 Naira daily from the fruit juice business, resulting in a monthly profit of approximately 210,000 Naira.
Starting a fruit juice business is a great opportunity to provide a refreshing and healthy drink to customers while earning a good profit.
3. Recharge Card Business
Recharge card business is a profitable roadside business that involves selling airtime vouchers for mobile phone users. With the high demand for communication services in Nigeria, this business can be a lucrative venture.
To start a recharge card business, you will need a few essential items that will make the business very easy. These include:
- a mobile phone,
- printer
- a computer or laptop
- a software for generating recharge card pins
- and recharge card papers
Optional items include a table and chair for setting up your stand. Investing in a printer can cost around 15,000 naira, while a computer or laptop may cost around 30,000 naira. The software for generating recharge card pins can be purchased for approximately 10,000 naira, and recharge card papers are available for about 2,000 naira per pack.
Setting up your recharge card stand in a high-demand location is crucial for success. Consider areas near bus stops, markets, schools, or any place with a lot of foot traffic. You can sell recharge cards for 100 naira or 200 naira per piece, depending on the network and denomination.
According to one recharge card seller, it is possible to make around 3,000 naira daily from the recharge card business, resulting in a monthly profit of about 90,000 naira.
Starting a recharge card business allows you to meet the communication needs of customers while earning a good profit.
4. Roasted Plantain (Boli) Business
Roasted plantain, also known as boli, is a popular snack in Nigeria that can be a profitable roadside business. Made from ripe or unripe plantains roasted over charcoal fire, roasted plantain is typically enjoyed with roasted fish, groundnut paste (peanut butter), or sauce.
To start a roasted plantain business, you will need a few essential items. These items needed include as follows:
- a charcoal grill
- charcoal
- plantains
Optional items such as fish, groundnut paste, sauce, and a table and chairs. A charcoal grill can be purchased for around 10,000 naira, while a bag of charcoal costs about 3,000 naira. A bunch of plantains can be bought for approximately 2,000 naira, and fish, groundnut paste, and sauce are relatively cheap and can be bought in bulk.
Setting up your roasted plantain stand in a high-demand location is crucial for success. Consider areas near bus stops, markets, schools, or any place with a lot of foot traffic. You can sell your roasted plantain for 100 naira or 200 naira per piece, depending on the size and quality. Additionally, you can offer fish, groundnut paste, or sauce as extras for an additional fee.
According to one roasted plantain seller, she makes about 10,000 naira daily from her boli business, resulting in a monthly profit of about 300,000 naira.
5. Egg Business
Egg business is a profitable roadside business that involves selling eggs to consumers. Eggs are a rich source of protein and are used for various purposes such as cooking, baking, and eating. The demand for eggs in Nigeria is high, making it a lucrative business opportunity.
To start an egg business, you will need a cooler or basket to store and transport the eggs. You can purchase the following items:
- A cooler or basket
- Eggs
- A table and chair
A cooler or basket for around 2,000 naira. Additionally, you will need to buy eggs, which typically cost about 1,000 naira per crate.
Setting up your egg stand in a high-demand location is crucial for success. Consider areas near bus stops, markets, schools, or any place with a lot of foot traffic. You can sell your eggs for 50 naira or 100 naira per piece, depending on the size and quality.
According to one egg seller, she makes about 2,000 naira daily from her egg business, resulting in a monthly profit of about 60,000 naira.
6. Vegetable Business
Vegetable business is a profitable roadside business that involves selling fresh vegetables to consumers. With the high demand for fresh vegetables in Nigeria, starting a vegetable business can be a lucrative opportunity.
To start a vegetable business, you will need:
- a cooler or basket to store and transport the vegetables.
- Vegetables
- A table and chair
You can purchase a cooler or basket for around 2,000 naira. Additionally, you will need to buy vegetables, which can be sourced in bulk from the market or directly from farmers.
Setting up your vegetable stand in a high-demand location is crucial for success. Consider areas near bus stops, markets, schools, or any place with a lot of foot traffic. You can sell your vegetables at different prices depending on the type and quantity.
According to one vegetable seller, he makes about 5,000 naira daily from his vegetable business, resulting in a monthly profit of about 150,000 naira.
Starting a vegetable business with an investment of 30,000 naira can be a smart and profitable choice. With the right location, quality produce, and effective marketing, you can establish a successful roadside vegetable business and enjoy a steady income.
7. Snack Business
Snack business is a profitable roadside business that involves selling snacks to consumers. Snacks are food items that are eaten between meals or as a light meal. They are popular in Nigeria because they are tasty, filling, and affordable. Starting a snack business can be a smart choice due to the high demand for snacks in the country.
To start a snack business, you will need:
- a frying pan or pot
- cooking oil
- flour
- sugar
- salt
- baking powder
- eggs
- milk
- butter
- flavors of your choice
- and optionally a table and chair
These items can be purchased at affordable prices, with a frying pan or pot costing around 5,000 naira and cooking oil priced at about 2,000 naira per liter.
You can make a variety of snacks such as doughnuts, meat pies, chin-chin, cookies, cakes, and more. Setting up your snack stand in a high-demand location, such as near a bus stop, market, or school, is crucial for success. You can sell your snacks at different prices depending on the type and size.
According to one snack seller, she earns about 7,000 naira daily from her snack business, resulting in a monthly profit of approximately 210,000 naira.
Starting a snack business with an investment of 30,000 naira can be a profitable venture. With the right ingredients, equipment, and strategic location, you can establish a successful roadside snack business and enjoy a steady income.
8. Drink Business
Drink business is a lucrative roadside business that involves selling a variety of beverages to consumers. Beverages are liquid items that are consumed to quench thirst or for pleasure. In Nigeria, drinks are highly popular due to their refreshing and enjoyable nature, making the drink business a profitable venture.
To start a drink business, you will need a few essential items. These include:
- a cooler or fridge to keep the drinks cold
- a stock of different types of beverages
- ice to chill the drinks, cups for serving
- straws for convenience, and optionally
- a table and chair for your setup
A cooler or fridge can be purchased for around 20,000 naira, while drinks can be bought in bulk from the market or distributors. Ice, cups, and straws are relatively inexpensive and can be bought in bulk as well.
You can offer a wide range of drinks such as soft drinks, bottled water, juice, milk, yogurt, and more. Choosing a strategic location for your drink stand, such as near a bus stop, market, or school, is crucial for attracting customers. Pricing your drinks based on their type and size will help you maximize your profits.
According to a drink seller, he earns approximately 4,000 naira daily from his drink business, resulting in a monthly profit of around 120,000 naira.
Starting a drink business with an investment of 30,000 naira can be a profitable venture. With the right equipment, a variety of beverages, and a strategic location, you can establish a successful roadside drink business and enjoy a steady income.
9. Hairdressing Business
Hairdressing business is a profitable roadside business that involves styling hair for customers. With a high demand for hair services in Nigeria, starting a hairdressing business can be a lucrative venture.
To start a hairdressing business, you will need a few essential items. These include:
- a salon or kiosk
- a chair
- a mirror
- a comb
- a scissors
- a dryer
- a curling iron
- a straightener
- a clipper
- and hair products such as shampoo, conditioner, gel, and spray
Optional items include a generator or gas cylinder for power supply. Renting a salon or kiosk can cost around 10,000 naira per month, while other equipment and products can be purchased at varying prices.
As a hairdresser, you can offer a range of services such as cutting, braiding, weaving, relaxing, dyeing, curling, and straightening. Setting up your hairdressing stand in a strategic location with high demand, such as near a bus stop, market, or school, will help attract customers. You can charge different prices for your services based on the type and length of service provided.
Starting a hairdressing business with an investment of 30,000 naira can be a profitable venture. With the right equipment, skills, and a strategic location, you can establish a successful roadside hairdressing business and cater to the high demand for hair services in Nigeria.
10. Food Business
Food business is a lucrative roadside business that involves selling cooked food to consumers. With a high demand for food in Nigeria, starting a food business can be a profitable venture. To start a food business, you will need essential items such as:
- a cooking pot or pan
- cooking utensils
- cooking gas or stove
- food ingredients like rice, beans, yam, plantain, meat, fish, vegetables, and spices
- Plates and spoons are also necessary for serving the food
Optional items include a table and chair for customers to sit and eat. The cost of starting a food business can vary depending on the equipment and ingredients you choose. A cooking pot or pan can be purchased for around 5,000 naira, while cooking utensils may cost around 2,000 naira. A cooking gas or stove can be bought for approximately 10,000 naira. Food ingredients can be purchased in bulk from the market or directly from farmers.
You can cook a variety of dishes such as jollof rice, fried rice, beans and plantain, yam and egg sauce, noodles and egg, and more. Setting up your food stand in a strategic location with high demand, such as near a bus stop, market, or school, will help attract customers. You can set different prices for your food based on the type and quantity of the dish.
According to a food seller, she makes around 8,000 naira daily from her food business, which amounts to approximately 240,000 naira monthly. Food business can be still be a profitable venture. Starting a food business with an investment of 30,000 naira can provide a steady income and meet the high demand for food in Nigeria.
Conclusion
Starting a roadside business with just 30,000 naira is a viable option for generating income in Nigeria. Whether you choose to sell snacks and drinks, mobile phone accessories, or fresh produce, these businesses have high demand and can provide a steady stream of income.