Starting a business can be tasking, filled with excitement, uncertainty, and learning. However,agriculture is one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to build a profitable venture in Nigeria. With endless possibilities in farming, it offers the chance to grow something meaningful, literally and financially.
In recent times, the sector is undergoing transformation, driven by technological advancements, government policies, and increased private sector participation.
Agribusiness is poised to revolutionise Nigeria’s economy in 2025, offering numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors. With the country’s population exceeding 225 million, the demand for food and agricultural products intensifies, making the farming business increasingly profitable. This growing demand is a goldmine for those willing to engage in agribusiness.
This article explores the most lucrative agribusinesses you can start in Nigeria, with startup guides, market outlooks, and profitability insights.
Nigeria’s poultry market is valued at over ₦1.6 trillion. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, at the 2025 AYuTe Nigeria Challenge stated that “The livestock sector is the alternative to crude oil and is a key driver of job creation, food security, and economic transformation.” This is as a result of the growing population driving demand for meat, milk, and eggs.
Livestock farming, particularly poultry, is integral to Nigeria’s food system. The rising demand from various sectors, including hotels, households, and fast-food establishments, further highlights the importance of livestock farming in meeting the nutritional needs of the population.
1. Land Acquisition: If you don’t own land, purchasing a plot in a rural or semi-urban area is necessary.
Cost: ₦500,000 – ₦2,000,000 (location dependent)
2. Pen Construction: Proper shelter protects birds from weather, predators, and diseases.
Cost: ₦700,000 – ₦1,500,000 (based on quality of materials used).
3. Purchase of Day-Old Chicks (Broilers): Buy healthy chicks from reputable hatcheries.
Cost per chick: ₦400 – ₦500
Total (500 chicks): ₦200,000 – ₦300,000
4. Feeding Costs: Feed is the most significant recurring expense.
Feeds: 100 bags
Total cost: ₦2,000,000 – ₦2,250,000
5. Vaccination & Medication: Essential for disease prevention.
Per bird: ₦300 – ₦500
Total (500 birds): ₦150,000 – ₦250,000
6. Labour Costs: 1–2 workers are typically needed.
Monthly salary per worker: ₦40,000 – ₦60,000
Total (3 months): ₦120,000 – ₦180,000
7. Miscellaneous Expenses: Covers water, electricity, transportation, and other overheads.
Estimate: ₦50,000 – ₦100,000
A broiler can get matured in 6–8 weeks if fed well which can yield ₦1,500–₦2,500 profit per bird. Egg-laying birds (Layers)can also generate consistent income.
Fish is a major protein source in Nigeria, and catfish farming has boomed due to its fast growth cycle, high market demand, and relatively low mortality rates. Similarly, Pangasius fish farming presents a viable and sustainable alternative to Catfish farming, offering intending and existing fish farmers the opportunity to boost their farming business and the industry at large. Key advantages of Pangasius farming include lower feed cost, higher feed conversion efficiency, faster growth and high survival rate, tolerance to various water conditions, high market demand and export potential.
Additionally, Pangasius fish can be farmed in earthen ponds, concrete tanks, cages, and even biofloc systems, making them adaptable to different scales of production. This flexibility allows farmers with limited resources to engage in profitable fish farming.
The cost of starting a catfish hatchery in Nigeria varies depending on the scale. A small-scale hatchery may require between ₦500,000 to ₦2,000,000, while a large-scale operation could cost ₦5,000,000 or more. Major expenses include:
Profit Potential: 1,000 mature catfish can generate ₦1 million+ in 4–6 months with proper care.
Rice is a staple food in Nigeria, and households consume it frequently. As the government encourages domestic production, the demand for locally grown rice continues to rise. Investing in rice farming, especially with processing capabilities, can yield significant profits.
There is a high and expanding market demand, potential for multiple harvests per year, and the opportunity to increase profit margins through processing (milling and packaging). Swamp rice cultivation has shown particularly high net returns, with some studies indicating a net return of over ₦700,000 per hectare and a return on investment of over 30%.
Maize is also a staple crop used for food, animal feed, and industrial raw materials. Due to import restrictions and heightened local demand, locally grown maize is a profitable farming business in Nigeria.
Estimated Startup Cost: ₦200,000 – ₦600,000 (for 1–2 hectares)
Profit Potential: Maize farmers can expect ₦150,000+ profit per hectare per season, depending on yield and market price.
Vegetables offer quick returns and high market demand in urban centres. You can harvest within 4–8 weeks with proper greenhouse or open-field farming.
Startup Needs
Estimated Startup Cost: ₦100,000 – ₦400,000 (small scale)
Profit Potential: Profit margins can reach 80–100%. However, risks may arise, especially during dry seasons, if there is no proper plan for irrigation systems.
Snail farming is a low-risk, low-cost agribusiness with high export potential. It requires minimal space and generates high profit over time.
Startup Needs
Estimated Startup Cost: ₦50,000 – ₦200,000
Profit Potential: Snails sell for ₦300–₦1,000 depending on size. A pen of 500 snails could return ₦200,000+ annually.
The year 2025 presents a substantial opportunity for local producers in Nigeria, particularly due to recent import bans on agricultural goods. These restrictions have created market gaps that local farmers can now fill, ultimately boosting domestic production. The establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) further enhances this landscape by providing Nigerian farmers with access to regional markets, fostering greater trade and collaboration within the continent.
Additionally, government initiatives, such as the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme and various intervention funds from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), are crucial in supporting agripreneurs by providing financial assistance and resources.
Moreover, the increasing adoption of technology in agriculture, through innovations in AgriTech, precision farming techniques, and drone mapping, enables farmers to operate more efficiently and scale their operations effectively, making the agricultural sector more innovative and more productive.
With careful planning and the proper training, any of these profitable farming businesses in Nigeria can offer financial stability, food security, and job creation in 2025. Always conduct a feasibility study, start small, and scale sustainably.
Interested in starting your agribusiness in Nigeria? Let us know in the comments what opportunity you’re considering.
