Lagos State, the epicenter of commerce and culture with cities that never sleep, the economic powerhouse of Nigeria, home to over 12 million people, is a thriving metropolis where opportunities abound.
With its dynamic economy, diverse industries, and a pulse that keeps moving 24/7, Lagos offers opportunities for entrepreneurs who are willing to take a bold risk and tap into its ever-expanding market.
If you reside in Lagos or about to relocate to Lagos and are looking for a business opportunity idea that you can start, then you should read this article to the end.
This article highlights not-so-common business ideas you can start in Lagos State, helping you discover new opportunities beyond the typical business landscape.
Lagos State Competitive Advantage
Huge Population
As of 2025, it is estimated that Lagos has a population of over 17 million people, making it the third largest city in Africa, trailing behind Cairo, Egypt with approximately 22 million people and Kinshasha, DR Congo, with an estimated 18 million people.
This rapidly growing population, coupled with Lagos’ status as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, creates a dynamic market for entrepreneurs to tap into. From consumer goods and retail to tech startups and real estate, the sheer volume of people translates into a constant demand for products, services, and innovative solutions.
For business owners, this means a larger customer base, diverse market segments, and opportunities to scale rapidly. However, it also brings challenges such as high competition, limited access to affordable commercial space, and logistical hurdles. In a city where nearly every need scales with population growth, the potential for success is enormous for those ready to meet the demand.
Strong Consumer Market
Lagos also has one of the highest numbers of middle-class residents per square meter in Africa. Unlike a lot of states in Nigeria where only the state’s capital are economically viable, Lagos boasts multiple thriving commercial and residential hubs spread across the mainland and island.
From Ikeja, Yaba to Lekki and Victoria Island, there’s a steady concentration of consumers with disposable income and a growing appetite for quality goods and services.
This widespread economic activity fuels demand across sectors such as fashion, tech, food and beverage, entertainment, and real estate. For entrepreneurs, this means access to a diverse and active market that is both willing and able to spend.
Great Infrastructure
Compared to other states in Nigeria, Lagos has one of the best public infrastructures; key parts of Lagos have access to stable power supply and public health care, there are train rides connecting Okokomaiko to Marina and the red line connecting Marina to Agbado.
You like water transport? Lagos has ferry terminals at Ikorodu, Bariga, Marina, Badore, and Ebute Ero, connecting commuters to different parts of the city — not just from the mainland to the island, but across Lagos’ extensive coastal and inland waterways. This growing water transport system offers a faster and often more reliable alternative to road travel, helping to ease traffic congestion and improve mobility.
Additionally, the proliferation of tech infrastructure, such as widespread 4G and emerging 5G networks, supports the city’s thriving digital economy, enabling businesses to leverage online platforms for commerce and communication.
Strategic Location
Lagos is strategically located on the southwestern coast of Nigeria, giving it direct access to major international trade routes through the Atlantic Ocean and proximity to West African markets like Benin, Togo, Ghana and Ivory Coast.
Also, the African development Bank (AFDB) is planning a major highway project in Lagos State, connecting Lagos to other West African countries as part of the Lagos – Abidjan corridor to boost regional trade and integration.
Upon completion, a manufacturer who produces in Lagos can easily move products from Lagos to any of these markets with ease.
Lagos State has the busiest port in Nigeria, handling over 70% of the country’s import and export activities. The Apapa and Tin Can Island ports make Lagos a critical gateway for international trade, attracting businesses that rely on efficient logistics and distribution networks.
Entertainment Capital
Lagos is widely regarded as the entertainment capital of Africa. It is home to Nigeria’s thriving music, film, fashion, and arts industries, which have gained global recognition through exports like Afrobeats and Nollywood. Major production studios, record labels, and creative agencies are headquartered in Lagos, making it the go-to destination for entertainers, content creators, and cultural entrepreneurs.
The city hosts high-profile events such as The Headies, Lagos Fashion Week, and various international film and music festivals, attracting both local and foreign investment in the creative economy. With a youthful population and a strong digital presence, Lagos offers unparalleled opportunities for businesses and startups operating in entertainment, media, and lifestyle sectors.
Table of Contents
Business Ideas in Lagos
Retail and E-commerce
E-commerce Fulfillment Agency Service
Picture this;
There are 36 states in Nigeria. Out of these 36 states, only 3 have a concentrated urban population with high purchasing power; Lagos, Abuja and Rivers State (Port Harcourt).
Of these three States, Lagos has the highest concentration of wealth with a dense urban population that spreads across the 20 different local government areas, making it the most lucrative market for any kind of business.
Now, not all entrepreneurs in Nigeria can move to Lagos. In fact, for some entrepreneurs, it makes more sense to start or scale outside Lagos due to access to cheap labour and low operational costs.
Not all entrepreneurs want to move to Lagos but every entrepreneur wants access to the Lagos market.
Herein lies the opportunity;
What if you could help businesses operating outside Lagos to store their products in a location, the business owner handles their marketing, when they get an order in Lagos, you help them fulfill the order (delivery).
Jumia, one of Nigeria’s largest online marketplaces, doesn’t officially restrict sellers from other states, but its system is currently designed to for only merchants based in Lagos. As a result, traders outside Lagos often have to relocate, open a branch, or partner with someone in Lagos to manage order fulfillment and logistics.”
You could help businesses outside Lagos to list their items on Jumia. You can also store these items and charge a monthly fee. When there is an order, you drop off the product at the nearest Jumia vendor drop off centre (VDO).
Personal Shopper
The major seaports in Nigeria are domiciled in Lagos State, therefore, most of the goods consumed in Nigeria pass through Lagos State. This has made Lagos a central hub for wholesale markets dealing in textiles, fashion, electronics, home appliances, and other consumer goods.
Markets like Balogun, Trade Fair, Alaba International, and Computer Village attract buyers from all over Nigeria and West Africa.
As a result, there is a growing demand for personal shoppers who can help clients source quality goods at wholesale prices, negotiate with suppliers, and arrange for packaging and delivery to other states or even abroad.
With the right network and trust, a personal shopping business in Lagos can be highly profitable, especially for those serving busy retailers or diaspora customers.
Wedding Dress Rentals
In a state with close to 20 million people, at least hundreds of weddings take place every weekend across different social classes and cultures. Lagos is a city where celebrations are grand and appearances matter, especially at weddings.
The cost of buying a wedding dress can be overwhelming for many brides, particularly those planning their event on a small budget. A wedding dress rental business offers brides who are on a tight budget to rent and wear beautiful and quality wedding gowns without spending a fortune.
A wedding ceremony in Lagos demands a lot of money, from renting halls, hiring vendors, paying for catering, photography, outfits, and sometimes even securing accommodation for guests, the costs add up quickly. A lot of brides do not mind rocking a stunning rented dress and saving that extra cash for something else.
To start this business, you can get wedding dress inspirations from Pinterest, give the design to a tailor to make it, then promote your business on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok.
You could even start buying used wedding dresses from brides who no longer need them, clean and restore them, and add them to your rental collection. This is a cost-effective way to build your inventory while offering a range of stylish options at lower prices.
Product Photography
Lagosians are used to buying online; however, with the high level of competition, businesses must go the extra mile to stand out. One way businesses can stand out is by taking professional images for their products.
As a product photographer, you can help businesses that sell online to take photos of their products and edit them to showcase their items in the most appealing way, highlighting key features and enhancing visual appeal.
Some types of businesses that need this service in Lagos are fashion brands, beauty and skincare businesses, car sellers, gadget stores, and even restaurants that sell on platforms like Chowdeck.
To start this business, you need to invest in a good camera with a quality lens or smartphone, basic lighting equipment, editing software, and knowledge of how to take product photos. Armed with these, you can start showcasing your skills by taking photos of items in your home, edit into professional product images, add a watermark of your brand and upload online.
You could also reach out to potential clients who are already selling online and tell them you can improve their product images.
Home & Personal Services
Residential Cleaning Services
In a fast-paced city like Lagos, many working professionals, busy families, and even bachelors simply don’t have the time or energy to keep their homes spotless. With the growing demand for convenience, residential cleaning services have become a highly sought-after solution.
From apartments in Lekki to duplexes in Ikeja and flats in Alagomeji, there’s a wide market of Lagosians willing to pay for a clean, fresh living space. Services can include general house cleaning, deep cleaning, post-construction cleaning, and even regular weekly maintenance.
This business doesn’t require heavy capital to start. With basic cleaning tools, a strong online presence and paid advertising, you can start getting clients almost immediately. You don’t need to hire staffs when you are just starting out, you can handle the cleaning jobs yourself or work with freelance cleaners on a per-job basis.
Laundry and Dry Cleaning
Many cities have 9-5 jobs but Lagos has 5am to 8pm; people live home as early as 5am to beat traffic and return home by 8pm due to traffic congestion. With such a hectic routine, most residents barely have time to do their own laundry, let alone iron clothes or wash delicate fabrics properly.
This is why laundry and dry cleaning services are in high demand across Lagos. Busy professionals, students and even small families, are willing to pay for the convenience of having their clothes washed, ironed, and neatly packaged. Services that offer home pickup and delivery have an even bigger advantage in a city where every minute counts.
Starting small is very possible—you don’t even need a washing machine at the beginning (If you have the funds, getting one will save you a lot of stress). You can start by washing clothes manually, and reinvest your profit into better equipment as your customer base grows. With just a good pressing iron, quality detergents, buckets, and a clean space, you can begin offering laundry services right from your home or a small shop.
To get your first clients, you can print some flyers or business cards, and give it to your potential clients e.g bankers, corporate executives, or members of your religious community.
House Maid Employment Agency
Lagos residents have extremely busy lives, often spending long hours in traffic or at work. As a result, many households depend on domestic help to keep things running smoothly at home. This has created a strong demand for reliable, trained housemaids, especially in urban areas where both partners in a home work full-time.
A House Maid Employment Agency helps families find trustworthy maids by handling the entire process, from sourcing and screening to training and placement. Clients value agencies that save them the stress of searching and ensure they are bringing someone dependable into their home.
You can have a training facility outside Lagos where you teach people (above the age of 18) how to cook different dishes, home management, childcare and other basic etiquettes. Give them a certificate of completion after undergoing the training; the training could be free or paid.
When there is a job offer, you can reach out to anyone who has completed the training for the job. In this business, you should carry out ID verifications and background checks, placement contracts and dispute resolution.
You could also offer live-in and daily worker options to cater to the different needs of households. Some families prefer full-time maids, while others only need assistance during the day or on specific days of the week.
TV and Sound System Installer
As more Lagos residents move into new apartments or upgrade their living spaces, the demand for professional TV and sound system installation services is growing steadily. Many people are investing in smart TVs, home theater systems, wall brackets, surround sound, and other entertainment gadgets, but lack the time, tools, or technical skills to set them up properly.
That’s where a skilled installer comes in.
You can offer services such as:
- Wall-mounting flat-screen TVs
- Installing and wiring soundbars or full home theater systems
- Concealing cables for a clean, modern look
- Calibrating systems for the best audio and visual performance
- Setting up streaming devices and smart home features
This business is ideal for those with basic technical knowledge or experience in electronics. You don’t need a shop to start, just essential tools, good word of mouth, and visibility on platforms like YouTube, X, and Instagram. You can also partner with electronics sellers, interior designers, or landlords to get regular referrals.
With many Lagosians placing high value on aesthetics and comfort, this is a service people are happy to pay for, especially if it’s done neatly and professionally.
Home Lesson Tutor
Gaining admission into high-level institutions in Nigeria is competitive. Parents are increasingly seeking extra academic support to give their children an edge, especially in key subjects like Mathematics, English, and the Sciences.
A home lesson tutor service is not applicable to regular school subjects alone, parents also want their kids to learn valuable skills like Coding, Public Speaking, Financial Literacy, and even Creative Writing, skills that prepare them for a future beyond the classroom.
This is where home lesson teachers come in. By offering private tutoring at the student’s home, you provide personalized experience that helps students grasp difficult topics and improve their grades. Many parents in Lagos are willing to invest in these services to ensure their children succeed.
What about adult education? There are many older folks in Lagos who missed out on formal education or want to improve their literacy, learn basic computer skills, or even prepare for professional exams, and they’re actively looking for private tutors who can teach at their pace and comfort level.
You can offer your services as a private home tutor to older people in this category. You can get started by registering on SuperProf.
Private Fitness Coach
People want to lose weight, look fit and sharp but have no idea what to do at the gym or how to stay consistent. Many start with enthusiasm but quickly give up due to lack of guidance, unrealistic routines, or poor results.
As a private fitness coach, you can offer personalized training plans tailored to your clients’ goals. Your services can include:
- One-on-one home or gym sessions
- Meal planning and nutrition advice
- Virtual coaching via WhatsApp or Zoom
- Progress tracking and motivation
There’s growing demand in Lagos among working-class professionals, new moms, and even older adults who want to stay healthy but prefer privacy and convenience. For clients like this, you can offer private sessions at their homes.
You can start this business by offering free workout tutorials, fitness tips, or transformation challenges on YouTube or Instagram to build trust, attract followers, and convert them into paying clients.
Private Dating Service
Imagine a discreet dating service where members fill out an online form on the kind of partner they want; values, interests, lifestyle, age range, etc and get matched with carefully vetted individuals who meet those preferences. No swiping, no random DMs, just curated connections based on real compatibility.
In Lagos, where many professionals are too busy for casual dating or simply prefer privacy, a private matchmaking service can be both meaningful and profitable.
You can cater to working-class individuals, entrepreneurs, and even elites who don’t want their faces plastered on the internet.
To start, you’ll need:
- A secure online form or intake process.
- A vetting system for identity and background checks.
- A clear privacy policy and confidentiality guarantee
- A matchmaking database and simple onboarding process
You can charge for membership, premium matches, or offer packages that include coaching, styling, or date planning services.
Real Estate & Accommodation
Shared Accommodation
Rent in Lagos is getting more expensive and it’s not coming down anytime soon. The only place people can find cheap accommodation are in towns that border Ogun State e.g Ikorodu, Epe, Ayobo. Unfortunately, there are no major jobs in these places and people want to live closer to where they work, hence why places like Yaba, Oshodi, Ikeja, Surulere are densely populated and in high demand.
Shared accommodation solves this problem by allowing people, especially young professionals, corps members, and fresh graduates to split the cost of rent and live in decent, central locations without breaking the bank. Instead of paying ₦800,000 per year for a self-contained apartment, they can split the rent among 3 roommates.
You can lease an apartment for as long as 10 to 15 years, install multiple beds or bunk beds and rent it out to young professionals or students as a shared accommodation.
Content Studio
With the rise of social media influencers, YouTubers, online coaches, and digital entrepreneurs in Lagos, the demand for professional content spaces has exploded. Many content creators have the ideas and audience, but lack the clean, well-lit environment to shoot high-quality videos, take great photos, or host live streams.
A Content Studio is a rentable space designed specifically for creators. It can include:
- Aesthetic backgrounds or themed sets.
- Softbox lights, ring lights, and tripods.
- Podcast mics and soundproofing.
- Props, furniture, and minimal decor.
- High-speed internet and power backup.
This business is ideal for locations like Lekki, Ikeja, Surulere, Yaba, or any creative hub where influencers and small brands operate. You can rent your studio by the hour or offer content packages that include shooting, editing, and even social media strategy.
To stand out, consider offering:
- Flexible booking hours (including evenings/weekends)
- Allow online bookings to avoid scheduling conflicts.
- Add-ons like makeup artists, photographers, or editors
In a city as visually driven and trend-conscious as Lagos, providing creators with a content-ready space can quickly become a profitable niche business, especially as video marketing continues to dominate online platforms.
Co-Working Spaces
A lot of freelancers and remote workers love to work from home, but working from home comes with some disadvantages; distractions from family or friends, unreliable power supply, slow internet or lack of a professional environment. Over time, this can affect productivity and motivation.
That’s why co-working spaces are becoming increasingly popular in Lagos. They provide a quiet, focused atmosphere where individuals can work, network, and grow without the overhead cost of renting a private office.
In areas like Yaba, Festac, Ikeja, Lekki, Surulere where tech hubs, creatives and freelancers prefer to live or work, there is a growing demand for co-working spaces.
Your co-work spaces can offer the following services;
- Private offices
- High-speed internet and constant power supply
- Meeting rooms and event spaces
- Coffee/snack stations and relaxation corners
- Membership plans (daily, weekly, monthly)
There are entrepreneurs both in Lagos and outside Lagos who work from home/other states but need an office address to fill forms online, receive customers or even packages. You can offer private offices in your co-work space as a service and charge your clients a monthly or yearly fee.
Professional Real Estate Agent
Yo yo, chill. Just chill. Don’t chew me yet. The real estate agency niche in Lagos might seem saturated but how many professional real estate agents do you know? Not just anybody with a “To Let” sign or a WhatsApp group. I mean agents who show up on time, know their listings, understand paperwork, and actually care about helping clients, not just chasing commission.
That’s your advantage. The bar is low, and if you can bring professionalism, honesty, and organization into this space, you’ll stand out fast.
There’s a huge demand in Lagos for agents who:
- Know the market
- Have verified listings
- Can help clients avoid scams
- Understand lease agreements and basic real estate laws
- Provide smooth and respectful client experiences
You don’t even need an office to start. With a good smartphone, internet, and verified property connections, you can build your personal brand on Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, or a simple website. If you do your job well, words will spread quickly.
Food Services
Event Catering Services
Parties are not only held on weekends in Lagos, they happen every day. From weddings and birthdays to corporate meetings, naming ceremonies, housewarmings, and even funerals, Lagosians love to celebrate. And at every event, food is non-negotiable.
This makes event catering a consistently profitable business in Lagos. People are willing to pay for good food, timely delivery, and professional services. If you do not have experience catering for a large audience, you can start small by catering for birthday parties, religious events, office get togethers etc.
Soup Sales and Delivery
Lagosians are busy people and they love convenience, heck, if these people could outsource taking their baths, they will. Now imagine giving them the option to stop worrying about cooking soups after a long day in traffic. That’s where soup sales and delivery comes in.
From Ogbono to Egusi, Oha, Afang, and Seafood Okra, many working-class professionals, single folks, and even busy moms would gladly pay for fresh, delicious homemade soup delivered straight to their doorstep. All they need to do is to make Eba or buy Fufu.
If you are a good cook, you can start with a few soups, then expand into the rest.
Logistics & Transportation
Moving Company
The last time you or your friend needed to relocate to a new apartment, how did you move your belongings? Chances are, it involved begging a pure water company to lend you their van, prostrating to a danfo driver and screaming “twale baba” at the top of your voice, and risking damage with careless handlers.
That’s the problem a professional moving company solves.
Many Lagos residents are looking for reliable, affordable, and stress-free moving services. Whether it’s moving from a one-room apartment or a 3-bedroom flat, people want their items handled with care and delivered on time. Businesses also need moving services when switching office locations or delivering bulk furniture.
Car Rentals
Lagos is a city where expatriates, tourists, and professionals from other states frequently come in to do business, attend events, or explore investment opportunities. Many of them need reliable transportation during their stay but don’t want to deal with the stress of public transport or ride-hailing apps with unpredictable pricing and availability.
What about grooms who want a fancy car to convey they and their brides to a wedding ceremony? These are your clients.
A car rental business rents vehicles to individuals or businesses for short-term use, typically for a day or more.
You can offer car rental services in two ways: you could provide chauffeur-driven options or let the client drive the car themselves, depending on their preference and the type of vehicle rented.
Before starting this business, you have to create a system for verifying clients identity and car tracking solutions.
Entertainment & Lifestyle
Dance Studio
There’s a man somewhere who has not gotten married because he is scared of embarrassing himself during the couple’s first dance. And he’s not alone. Many people in Lagos want to learn how to dance, not just for weddings, but for fitness, fun, and confidence.
You know the saying ‘There is no party like a Lagos party’, at Lagos parties, you must shake your body or risk being the odd one out. Dancing isn’t just entertainment here; it’s part of the culture.
A dance studio caters to a wide range of clients: brides and grooms preparing for their big day, fitness enthusiasts looking for fun workouts, kids learning coordination, and adults who just want to move better at parties.
You can start this business in Lagos by first offering private dance sessions if you do not have the funds to set up a studio. As your client base grows, you can get a dance studio in places like Gbagada, Ikeja or Lekki.
Talent Scout and Management
There are many talented young creatives in Lagos. A lot of good singers, dancers, actors, models or people talented in different kinds of sports but nobody to guide, mentor, or manage them professionally. While some of them go viral by luck, many remain undiscovered, lacking the right support system to help them grow and reach the spotlight.
As a talent scout and manager, your job is to spot this raw potential and shape it into something the world can’t ignore. You’re the one who helps them refine their brand, negotiate deals, avoid exploitation, and connect with the right people in the industry. It’s about more than fame, it’s about building careers and giving structure to what could easily remain just a hobby.
To start this business in Lagos, you could focus on a niche. You could be a talent manager for basketball players or football prodigies and link the talents you manage to Universities abroad or sports teams.
Start a Movie Blog
There are so many times I have wanted to watch a movie on Netflix or Showmax and I end up scrolling endlessly, unsure of what to pick. Sometimes, I even start a movie and stop halfway because it’s not as good as the trailer made it seem.
That’s where a movie blog comes in. People are constantly looking for honest reviews, curated recommendations, and updates on what’s trending across streaming platforms. A blog that helps people decide what to watch next, based on mood, genre, or rating, can quickly build a loyal audience.
You can write about Nigerian films, Hollywood blockbusters, underrated gems, and even compare streaming platforms. As your blog grows, you can monetize through affiliate links, sponsored content, or ads. Imagine you have an audience of 100,000 movie enthusiasts, movie houses will reach out to you to promote their movies.
With the rise of streaming culture in Nigeria, especially among young people in Lagos, this is a content niche with real demand and endless material.
Who else is best suited to start a movie blog if not someone who lives in Lagos, the entertainment capital of Nigeria where Nollywood thrives, Cinema culture is booming and streaming is part of everyday life.
Travel & Hospitality
Travel Consultants
There are lots of people in Lagos who are saving money aggressively; some with dreams of relocating for greener pastures, and others simply looking to unwind on a well-deserved vacation. There’s also a growing group of individuals and families exploring second passport options, study visas, and citizenship-by-investment programs.
While the desire to travel is strong, the process can be overwhelming. As a travel consultant, you help clients navigate these decisions, whether they’re planning a quick getaway to Dubai, applying for a study visa in Canada, or relocating entirely. Your role includes offering honest advice, assisting with paperwork, avoiding costly mistakes, and recommending the best options based on your client’s goals and budget.
In a city like Lagos, where people are constantly looking for better opportunities or unforgettable experiences, this is one business that won’t slow down anytime soon.
Escort services
Lagos is a city where appearances matter, especially in high society and corporate circles. Escort services have become a discreet and in-demand offering. Contrary to common misconceptions, escorting when run legally and professionally isn’t always about intimacy. It can include companionship for social events, business dinners, travel, or simply spending time with someone who understands how to blend class, conversation, and appearance.
Clients may need someone to accompany them to high-end functions, act as a hostess at private gatherings, or even just help them navigate Lagos in style and comfort. When properly structured, an escort service can operate as a lifestyle concierge business, where clients book time with well-trained, well-groomed companions for non-sexual companionship, appearances, or event representation.
To succeed in this space, discretion is key. This includes vetting both clients and escorts, protecting identities, and operating through secure, professional booking channels.
Thank you for reading our article on business ideas you can start in Lagos State. You can also check out our article on business ideas you can start in Imo State and how to generate a business name.
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