How to Start a Mini Importation Business in Nigeria with N50,000 (Or Less)

Have you ever wondered how people make real money from the comfort of their homes — importing products and selling them online? Well, here’s the truth: you don’t need millions to start. You can actually begin a mini importation business in Nigeria with as little as ₦50,000 or even less!

Yes, you read that right. Let’s break it down step-by-step, the simple, practical way.

What Is Mini Importation?

Mini importation is simply buying goods at cheap prices from international suppliers (mostly in China) and reselling them here in Nigeria for profit.

Thanks to websites like 1688.com, Alibaba, and AliExpress, you can order small quantities of items like wristwatches, gadgets, fashion accessories, or phone accessories — and sell them online.

It’s one of the easiest ways to start a business in Nigeria with low capital.

Why Mini Importation is a Smart Move in 2025

Low startup cost: You can literally begin with ₦30k–₦50k.
No warehouse needed: You can sell from your room or online store.
High profit margin: Some items can give you 100%–300% profit.
Digital friendly: Everything — from buying to selling — happens online.

If you’re consistent, this side hustle can grow into a full-time business faster than you think.

Step-by-Step: How to Start a Mini Importation Business in Nigeria with ₦50,000

Step 1: Do Your Market Research

Start by checking what’s in demand.

Visit: Jumia, Konga, TikTok shops, Facebook Marketplace

Look for fast-moving products — things people buy repeatedly or impulsively. Examples: Smartwatches, Fashion accessories, Wireless earpods, Mini blenders, Phone chargers

Pro tip: Search “best-selling products in Nigeria” on Google — you’ll get lots of ideas.

Step 2: Create a Reliable Buying Channel

Use trusted platforms like:

1688.com (for cheaper prices)
Alibaba.com (for verified suppliers)
AliExpress.com (for small quantity orders)

If you’re new to 1688, don’t worry — there are agent websites that help you buy and ship your goods directly to Nigeria. Some even help with payment and delivery.

Example search: “1688 agents in Nigeria.

Step 3: Budget Smartly (₦50,000 Breakdown)

Here’s how your ₦50,000 might look:

Product cost: ₦25,000
Shipping: ₦10,000
Delivery/custom fees: ₦5,000
Marketing: ₦10,000

Start small, reinvest your profit, and grow gradually.

Step 4: Promote Your Products Like a Pro

This is where many beginners fail — they buy but don’t market.

Here’s what to do:

Create a simple Instagram page for your products.
Use WhatsApp TV ads and Facebook Marketplace.
Join Facebook buying/selling groups.
Ask friends and family to share your posts.

Remember: Visibility = Sales. The more people see your product, the faster you sell out.

Step 5: Deliver and Reinvest

Once you start getting orders:Use reliable logistics companies (e.g., GIG Logistics, Kwik Delivery).
Keep your profit separate from your capital.
Reinvest until you can start buying in larger quantities.
Consistency is key — most importers didn’t make it overnight, but they stayed the course.

Example: Profit Potential

Let’s say you buy 50 wristwatches at ₦800 each (₦40,000 total).You sell each at ₦2,000.

That’s ₦100,000 in sales — ₦60,000 profit from one batch!