40 Hidden Business Opportunities Untapped In Nigeria (Low Capital Needed)

For many, the dream of establishing a business in Nigeria may be more of a nightmare, considering that most people feel it requires much capital.

However, there are so many hidden business opportunities in Nigeria, untapped business ideas that require very minimal investments but yield quite substantial returns.

The key to succeeding in most businesses in Nigeria is finding niches that most people often overlook. Many profitable hidden business ventures exist in areas with less competition, and new entrepreneurs are at liberty to create their niche in the marketplace.

What are the untapped businesses in Nigeria that an entrepreneur could venture into to make some money?

Therefore, this article seeks to answer this question by bringing out to you 40 hidden business opportunities in Nigeria that are not only low-cost in terms of startup but very profitable.

Therefore, if you are ready to start your journey in entrepreneurship and maximize this plethora of untapped businesses in Nigeria, read on.

What are Untapped Business Opportunities in Nigeria 

Untapped business opportunities in Nigeria include lucrative and very viable businesses that have either not been fully tapped or touched at all, allowing them to get a foothold and maximize market demand.

Some of the opportunities are as a result of, among others:

1. Fast-growing population with an increase in consumer demand

2. Low competition in some sectors

3. New technological development  creating new markets

4. Government policies and initiatives in support of entrepreneurship

5. Unmet needs in rural or underserved areas

Identifying and making the most of these untapped business ideas could garner an immense reward to the entrepreneurs, drive innovation, and act as a source of economic growth and development in Nigeria. By venturing into untapped territories, entrepreneurs can:

– Fill up gaps in the market

– Meet unsatisfied needs

– Generate new industries

– Disrupt traditional markets

– Power economic growth.

It is one of the chances to make a difference, be successful, and leave a lasting legacy among many of the untapped business opportunities in Nigeria.

Read Also – How Digital Marketing can Help with Business Growth

What are the 40 Hidden Business Opportunities Untapped In Nigeria?

The Nigerian economy is brimming with potential, and many profitable hidden businesses await exploring. Here are some untapped business ideas to get you started:

1. Online Tutoring

Online tutoring is one of the hidden business opportunities in Nigeria that needs small capital.

You will leverage increasing internet penetration to deliver tailored educational services to students across several subjects.

This untapped business idea is highly profitable, coupled with flexible working hours and a location of your choice.

Such hidden businesses in Nigeria, like online tutoring, respond to students’ educational needs, making them worthwhile ventures.

2. Virtual Assistant Service

Being a virtual assistant is another untapped business idea in Nigeria with immense potential.

Businesses can benefit from your remote support with administrative, technical, or creative tasks. 

It is a very lucrative secret business with little or no startup fee, allowing one to deal with clients worldwide. In a country like Nigeria, companies such as these are growing in popularity, particularly in light of the recent spike in demand for remote work solutions. 

3. Ebook Publishing

Ebook publishing stands out as one of Nigeria’s most profitable hidden business opportunities. Technology has made it very easy to develop an Ebook or sell it; hence, with increased consumption of digital content, a lot of income can be realized.

This untapped business idea will help share expertise or stories with many people while earning some passive income.

The hidden businesses in Nigeria, such as ebook publishing, are used by these creative minds as a platform to make some money off their minds and skills.

4. Drone Photography Business

A drone photography business is another interesting and untapped business idea in Nigeria.

Considering the fast-growing demand for these services in capturing events, real estate, and other related businesses, this would be a very lucrative business.

This is one of the most overlooked business ideas that requires an initial investment in buying drone equipment but can pay off. It capitalizes on the growing demand for unique and high-quality visual content.

5. Resale Vintage Clothing

One of Nigeria’s most profitable, hidden business opportunities is vintage clothing resale, which caters to a fashion-conscious marketplace.

By sourcing and selling unique, high-quality vintage apparel, you can appeal to a niche base of customers.

The little capital needed for inventory makes this untapped business idea entirely sustainable and fashionable; it can be operated online or from a physical storefront to replace fast fashion.

6. Personalized Pet Products

This is a beautiful, largely untapped business idea in Nigeria. Money can be made from the manufacture and sales of more personalized pet products, including pet collars, beds, and clothes, to meet pet owners’ needs.

Such a lucrative secret business requires only your creativity and very little capital. Hidden businesses in Nigeria, like personalizing pet products, are some of the latest trends in business that tap into the public’s increasing propensity to keep pets.

7. Customized Meal Planning Service

Nigeria has many health-conscious people who open a stealth business for customized meal plan providers. 

This is an untapped business idea where clients would be provided with customized nutrition plans and delivery to enable them to reach their dietary goals. 

With a low level of investment, this is one such profitable secret business that bridges the gap between consumers looking for convenience and nutrition expertise. 

8. Digital Marketing For Local Businesses

If there’s something Nigeria’s local businesses are in dire need of, it’s online marketing, which presents another profitable hidden business.

Help them develop their online presence with services such as social media management, SEO, and content creation.

This untouched business idea calls for digital marketing skills. It requires minimal investment and is one of the essential services businesses demand in this digital age. Digital marketing services are among the hidden businesses in Nigeria that are in high demand.

Also Read – 20 Most Trusted Online Daily Earning Websites Without Investment in 2024

9. Niche Fitness Classes

Niche fitness classes, an underappreciated business opportunity drive the demand. Specializing in niche classes like yoga, Pilates, or dance-based exercise draws a specific clientele.

One of the most profitable hidden businesses requiring a minimal investment in equipment and space, particularly for the interest of fitness enthusiasts.

10. Smart Home Consulting

Increasing interest in home automation creates a blind business opportunity for smart home consulting. You can advise on smart home gadgets and install them to aid people in enhancing their homes.

A small investment, knowledge of smart home systems, and you’re in business. These untapped business ideas in Nigeria are where entrepreneurs are carving out niche businesses, especially the blind ones like smart home consulting.

11. Urban Farming and Gardening Services

Due to urbanization in Nigeria, increasing demand for fresh produce disguises a hidden business opportunity in urban farming and gardening services.

Starting a small urban farm or providing gardening services caters to city dwellers who lack gardening space. This low-cost capital business is very lucrative and thus supplies fresh produce to many city dwellers in need.

12. Language Translation Services

The country’s linguistic diversity, coupled with international business engagements, disguises a hidden opportunity in language translation services.

Since such services are in high demand, local language translation should also be provided. This business idea is underexploited and requires minimal investment and language expertise.

The need to bridge the gap caused by linguistic differences within these businesses makes the language translation service quite necessary.

Hidden businesses in Nigeria, like language translation services, make intercontinental communication a reality.

13. 3D Printing Services

Other hidden business opportunities in Nigeria include 3D printing services, which provide any industry of interest with custom-designed products, be it education, healthcare, or manufacturing.

This is a low initial investment business idea with so much potential.

3D printing services are hidden businesses in Nigeria covering a wide range of industries with innovative solutions through technological innovation.

14. Podcast Production Service

The podcast production service is among the hidden business opportunities that can be started profitably with low capital.

This untapped business in Nigeria provides recording, editing, and publishing services—ideal for those with audio production skills.

Such concealed businesses as podcast production services will benefit evermore from the growing demand for professional production that empowers people and organizations to share stories with more and more audiences.

15. Handmade Soap Production

Another easy and profitable business venture is producing handmade soaps. This untapped business idea will play a key role in creating unique eco-friendly soap products that solve the health problems of many customers.

With very little investment, this makes for an attractive hidden business in Nigeria. Business people can utilize such opportunities to cash in on the rising demand for natural and organic products.

16. Car-Sharing Service for Communities

The car-sharing service solves transportation challenges by making cheap and convenient alternatives available.

This will be a concealed business in Nigeria if investing in cars and a friendly user app is achieved to list it as one of the lucrative concealed businesses with growth potential. 

The basic philosophy of car-sharing services is to provide sustainability and reduce carbon emissions, offering alternative ownership.

17. Snooker and Table Tennis Centers

Snooker and table tennis centers are business opportunities that represent a concealed investment with low capital involvement.

These recreational centers are answering the increasing demand for indoor sports and games, becoming another lucrative hidden business enterprise. 

Snooker and table tennis centers provide a social venue for the enthusiasts and, in the process, facilitate community integration and healthy lifestyles. 

Read Also – Top 10 Most Profitable Businesses in Nigeria with Low Capital

18. Agro-processing Business

An agro-processing business can be based on value addition to agricultural products to meet the ever-growing demand for packaged and processed foods.

This is a hidden business opportunity in Nigeria that will involve investment in processing equipment and sourcing raw materials, thereby making the business very lucrative and a no-known hidden business supporting the agricultural sector. 

The agro-processing enterprise contributes to food security and economic growth by reducing post-harvest losses and extending shelf life.

19. Massage Centres

Massage centers are also highly profitable as many people visit them for relaxation and other therapeutic purposes.

Hand in hand with this untapped business in Nigeria is the low investment in space and massage equipment, making the massage business an alluring hidden opportunity.

With a serene environment and expert therapists, massage centers advertise wellness and depress stress. 

20. Nylon Manufacturer 

The business of nylon manufacturing requires low capital to set up; this includes the production and supply of nylon to retailers and business circuits.

Well, this is another untapped business idea representing a profitable hidden business in the country, considering the steady demand for its output.

A nylon manufacturer produces strong yet multi-purpose products to support industries from packaging to construction.

21. Fuel Pump Repair Service

A fuel pump repair service is a hidden low-capital business opportunity. Learning how to repair fuel pumps is all there is to this untapped business idea, and a constant flux of customers in need of reliable services makes it a profitable hidden business.

Fuel pump repair services ensure continuous transport and sustain economic activity with efficient and economical solutions.

22. Mini Importation

One of the most profitable hidden businesses is mini importation, which imports modest items to be profitably resold within the nation.

This relatively unknown business idea requires little capital and can be operated online. This reduces costs and gives this hidden business an edge in terms of success.

Mini-importation businesses thrive in Nigeria’s dynamic market by being leverage-worthy and responding to global market trends and consumer demand.

23. Modern Floor Design Services

Modern floor design services meet the increasing demand for beautiful and long-lasting floors; it is an unseen business opportunity.

The untapped business in Nigeria requires some initial investment in training and materials. Still, it guarantees a very high return to the owner, thus making it a worthwhile hidden business with relatively low competition.

Entrepreneurs will cash in on the skyrocketing demand for stylish, multi-functional spaces by offering personalized, made-to-order flooring solutions.

24. Selling Used Cars

Reselling second-hand cars is a lucrative side activity that entails purchasing, repairing, and reselling for a healthy profit. 

This untapped business idea can be started with modest capital due to growing demands for cheap transport, hence offering a profitable secret business.

Giving reliable and affordable vehicles will help business people tap from the immense market of those needing transport solutions.

Also Read – 12+ Small Business Loans for Startups and How to Get Them

25. Adult Education Service

The literacy and vocational training needs create a hidden business opportunity in terms of providing adult education services.

This is an underexploited business that can be started with little capital in Nigeria. In terms of its social impact and financial returns, it is among the most profitable hidden businesses.

An entrepreneur will help in societal development by offering new skills and knowledge to adults. 

26. Solar Installation Services

Solar installation services have been an unseen business opportunity, taking advantage of Nigeria’s abundance of sunshine and the growing need for reliable electricity.

It is a virgin business idea that requires some upfront investment in training and equipment but yields huge returns in the long run, propelled by solving critical infrastructure needs.

There is the chance to cash in on the soaring demand by offering eco-friendly alternatives for sustainable energy solutions.

27. Beekeeping and Honey Production

Beekeeping and honey production is a hidden business opportunity requiring low startup capital, offering a high-return business undertaking.

This untapped business idea involves setting up beehives, harvesting honey, selling it locally or internationally, supporting environmental sustainability through pollination.

Through the production of highly marketable honey and other bee products, entrepreneurs can cater to the profitable demand for natural food products,

28. Guest House

Guests are always on the lookout for decent accommodation at an economical fee, so running a guesthouse is a potential untapped business idea. 

It is one of the hidden business opportunities in Nigeria that may be started with a smaller investment by converting an existing property.

Furthermore, it will not only earn you a consistent inflow of money but also has the potential to expand into an enterprise later on. 

Comfortable, clean, and friendly spaces will help entrepreneurs exploit the booming tourist industry. 

29. Teeth Whitening Services

Teeth whitening services will meet the increased demand for cosmetic dental care and thus be another hidden business opportunity.

This scantily explored business concept requires investment in equipment and certification, but it can be run with low overheads, attracting clients who want affordable dental aesthetics. 

Provide in-office teeth whitening services to meet the ever-increasing demand for wellness and cosmetic products. 

30. Shawarma Business

The Shawarma business is a profitable hidden business opportunity due to the high demand of people wanting fast and tasty street food.

It is an untapped business idea that requires little capital, just ingredients and utensils. It can be implemented near populated urban areas and has the potential for quick returns and growth.

Entrepreneurs can make high returns with the rapidly increasing demand for street delicacies by providing tasty and more convenient food.

Read Also – 21 Best Tools For Market Research For Startups To Grow Their Business

31. Livestock Farming

Livestock farming is one of the hidden businesses in Nigeria’s areas, including poultry, goats, and cattle rearing. It involves relatively low capital.

This untapped business idea realizes good profits due to the high demand for meat and its related products, milk and eggs, making this one of the most profitable hidden agribusinesses. 

Livestock products of high quality can be produced to meet the ever-increasing demand for protein-rich foods in the country.

32. Travel Planning Agent

You could even become a travel planning agent, which is a concealed business that entails creating travel itineraries and booking flights and hotel rooms for others.

This untapped business idea will require little start-up capital, but it can be very lucrative with an increasing number of Nigerians who travel for business and leisure purposes. 

Those entrepreneurs who provide travel services in a more customized way can hence meet the increasing demand for travel solutions.

33. Cyber Cafes

Cyber cafes are still a mostly untapped business in Nigeria, targeting localities having low internet access at home.

A cyber café is a profitable hidden business that demands only a modest amount of capital to invest and earns good and steady money.

34. Organic Farming

Organic farming is a relatively new and unexploited business opportunity in Nigeria, triggered by increasing awareness of health matters and the environment.

Establishing an organic farm involves farming without synthetic chemicals in vegetables, fruits, or herbs for a very niche market.

This is one of the hidden businesses in Nigeria, and it’s very profitable since it involves high prices for organic products.

35. Betting Centers

Betting centers are another hidden business opportunity in Nigeria, leveraging on the increasing popularity of sports betting.

Anyone can quickly set up a betting center with low start-up capital and work towards attracting a large customer base. This is yet another untapped business idea to capitalize on the interest in sports and gaming.

Read Also – Shoprite Ventures into Business-to-Business Online Sales

36. Exotic Wine Sales

Selling exotic wines is another unique and hidden business opportunity in Nigeria, targeting the growing middle and upper class.

This untapped business idea involves sourcing unique wine brands and selling them at a premium. It requires moderate capital in inventory but can be very profitable, serving a niche market of wine enthusiasts.

37. Pig Feed Production

Producing and selling pig feed is one of the business ideas yet to take off fully in Nigeria. This is because of the increasing demand for quality feed by pig farmers.

This is a low-capital business in terms of raw materials and equipment. It is among the profitable hidden businesses involving the need for livestock feeds that farmers always come to buy.

38. Podcasting

Podcasting is another hidden business opportunity in Nigeria, yet with great potential. One can make great audio content and attract a huge audience to monetize from sponsorships and ads.

It’s an untapped business idea that requires little capital to buy recording equipment and could become very profitable with the right content and marketing strategy.

39. Recording Studio

The boom in the entertainment industry has catapulted having a recording studio as an untapped business in Nigeria.

This is a hidden business opportunity in Nigeria that requires investment in equipment and space but can prove highly profitable.

40. Virtual Reality Entertainment

Virtual reality entertainment is one such emerging business opportunity in Nigeria. A VR center will attract so many tech-savvy people and gamers to have these immersive experiences.

This is one of the untapped business ideas that may require one to invest in VR equipment but is otherwise an extremely profitable business venture due to the innovation and rising interest in VR technology.

Also Read – David Lanre Messan Joins Lagos Business School’s Tech-Leap Initiative Board

How to Get Started With These Hidden Business Opportunities in Nigeria 

Setting up a business in Nigeria would require identifying unique opportunities, comprehending the market, and using available resources.

Herein is a step-by-step guide for you to start with the hidden business opportunities in Nigeria:

1. Market Analysis/Research: Use full knowledge of the niche in which you find interest, use market research, and ask relevant questions. Identify the target market, size, competition, age of customers, and potential threat to market entry.

2. Legal Framework: Be aware of the legal and regulatory laws in Nigeria regarding the sector you choose. These laws explain actions one can take, like company registration, key licenses necessary, or tax implications.

3. Partnerships: Having local investors or people as your partners can again help you read cultural nuances and consumer behaviors more precisely.

4. Funding: Other funding options to get ready to explore are banks, local banks, savings, investors, or incentives, either in terms of governmental grants or institutional support, specifically designed to support start-ups and SMEs.

From the steps and following through on diversified opportunities, you will have had a head start in finding and maximizing such hidden business gems in Nigeria.

Final Thoughts 

Nigeria is replete with hidden business opportunities that are relatively cheap in capital resources but can return much more. From business ideas in tech to profitable hidden businesses in agriculture and services, there is always room for everyone.

Nigeria is one business archive that, when unearthed, could quickly catapult the next wannabe entrepreneur. Do not miss out on these undiscovered businesses in Nigeria that can warrant your next big thing. 

So, if this article was helpful, leave a comment and a like below, and follow us on Facebook, Silicon Africa; Instagram, Siliconafricatech; and Twitter, @siliconafritech, for more information and updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference

• centsandbeyond.com – 53 Hidden Business Opportunities in Nigeria( #45 Made Me $600 Monthly)
• www.primebusiness.africa – 40 Hidden Business Opportunities In Nigeria (No Capital Needed)

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