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Business, high quality, Money, Success, Uncategorized

Small Businesses in Nigeria: A Story of Transformation

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April 7, 2025

- Business, high quality, Money, Success, Uncategorized

Step into any Nigerian market today, and you’ll see a well-oiled system of trade in action. The vegetable sellers expertly stack fresh tomatoes in pyramids, the yam traders cut open tubers to prove they are the real deal, and the butchers call out to customers, promising the juiciest cuts. Nearby, shop owners display imported fabrics, beauty products, and the latest fashion trends, while digital-savvy vendors take orders online and send out deliveries.

Business in Nigeria looks structured, exciting, and even glamorous. Buyers can negotiate prices, compare quality, and pay instantly—whether in cash, transfer, or with a simple tap on a POS machine. Trade is smooth, organized, and highly competitive.

But hold on… rewind.

It wasn’t always like this. There was a time when business meant trading yams for fish, carrying baskets of farm produce on foot for miles, and relying purely on word-of-mouth marketing. No digital payments, no storefronts, no fancy business names, or privileges for business loans.

Now, let’s take a trip back in time to see how Nigerian small businesses evolved.

Before Money, There Was the Hustle

Close your eyes and imagine this, well, leave one eye open so you can keep reading…

You’re a farmer in the village decades ago. You grow yams for your family’s consumption, but of course, you can’t just boil yams and start chewing on them; your family would need palm oil. There’s no market where you can simply buy it, so you set off looking for a trader who has palm oil and is willing to swap. But the thing here is, they don’t want yams, they need salt instead. Now you’re running around, trying to find someone who will take your yams so you can finally get the palm oil you need. Sounds pretty interesting, right? Well, it may not have been so interesting to them back then.

You can open them now…

This was the reality of trade by barter, the earliest form of business in Nigeria. It was exhausting, inconvenient, and frankly, very inefficient.

Money came into play starting with cowries, then moved on to metal coins, and eventually, the naira, which made trade much smoother. People could now sell goods for money and use that money to buy what they needed, no more complicated swapping missions.

With money in play, markets started expanding. Instead of just farming to survive (subsistence farming), people grew extra crops, made crafts, and raised livestock specifically to sell. These were the first real Nigerian businesses.

Colonial Influence and Business Expansion

When European traders arrived, they introduced a new business model—large-scale trade and exports. Nigerian traders began dealing in palm oil, cocoa, groundnuts, and textiles, selling goods beyond their immediate communities.

Colonial rule also brought banks, structured business practices, and formal education, allowing Nigerians to expand their trading skills. Soon, people moved from market stalls to proper storefronts and from local traders to nationwide suppliers.

The Government Steps In (Sort Of…)

After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, small businesses gained recognition as the backbone of the economy. The government introduced initiatives to support them, such as:

  • The Nigerian Industrial Development Bank (NIDB) in 1964 to help fund businesses.
  • The Indigenization Decree of 1972, which encouraged Nigerians to take control of local businesses.
  • Various loan schemes aimed at helping entrepreneurs grow.

Despite the government’s intervention, access to funding remained a challenge, and many businesses struggled with high costs, limited resources, and economic instability.

Then Came the Digital Revolution

Fast forward to today, and small businesses in Nigeria look nothing like they used to. Markets are still thriving, but now, many vendors also sell online.

With the rise of fintech, mobile banking, and e-commerce, business is no longer just about physical presence.

Why Small Businesses Matter More Than Ever

Small businesses are the backbone of Nigeria’s economy. They:

  • Provide jobs for millions of people
  • Keep money flowing in local communities
  • Drive economic growth, contributing nearly 50% to Nigeria’s GDP
  • Support families, educate children, and shape futures

Small businesses aren’t just important; they’re essential. And at Market Monie, we don’t take that lightly. We know the real impact you make every day, and we’re here to make sure you’re not doing it alone.

How Market Monie Keeps Small Businesses Thriving

Nigerian small businesses have adapted, innovated, and thrived over time. They are the foundation of our economy, and we believe that they deserve the right support to keep moving forward. Market Monie is here to empower small businesses by providing accessible, flexible loans to small business owners. There is no unnecessary stress, and no impossible requirements at all.

So, are you a small business owner looking for financial support? Market Monie is ready to help. Call us now at (+234) 913-6000-833, let’s build the future together.

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Business, high quality, Money, Success, Uncategorized

What No One Tells You About Growing a Business in Nigeria

By on

March 31, 2025

- Business, high quality, Money, Success, Uncategorized

Oh, the sweet excitement of starting a business in Nigeria! You find yourself gazing at your room ceiling, reminiscing about all the beautiful, high-quality clothes you’ve just ordered in bulk to stock your stunning shop. You can still hear the inspiring story of the renowned businesswoman from your church, recounting how she got a six-figure profit in just one week. The excitement about your new business is through the roof!

But nobody tells you that sometimes business is like frying puff-puff for the first time—you mix the batter with confidence, scoop it into the hot oil, only to watch some sink, some scatter, and the rest come out looking like the map of Africa. Just when you think you’ve gotten the hang of it, the oil starts popping, and you realize you didn’t prepare for the unexpected heat.

The truth is, starting a business in Nigeria is one thing, but growing it is another story entirely. Let’s talk about what no one warns you about—and what you can do differently.

1. The Market Has No Pity

The market is not your friend. In fact, it doesn’t even know you. When you first arrive, you’ll be full of excitement, believing that because your product is top quality, everyone will rush to buy it. E go shock you.

Customers will price your goods as if they’re pricing groundnut “Madam, last price?” you say ₦5,000. They say ₦1,200, and they will still ask for “jara.”

What no one tells you is that selling isn’t just about having the best goods, products or service; it’s about understanding your customers. Why should they buy from you instead of your competitors just three stalls away from yours? Are you offering better service, better packaging, or even a simple smile that makes them feel special? Your business needs strategy.

2. There’s a Bill for Everything

When you were daydreaming about running a business, did you include the cost of fueling a generator every single day or paying electricity bill? No? Welcome to reality.

You thought the only bill you’d be paying was rent? LOL. There is also government levy, association dues, unexpected repairs, and the classic “Oga/Madame, we need to settle boys.”

To survive, you must plan for the unseen expenses. Have a financial cushion because, in Nigeria, surprises are a normal part of business.

3. Pay Yourself, Pay Your Business: Why Profit and Cash Flow Are Not the Same

One of the biggest mistakes business owners make is assuming that all the money their business generates belongs to them. You made ₦500,000 in sales this month? Great! But before you start flexing, ask yourself—have you paid yourself a salary? Have you set aside money for restocking, delivery costs, and other operational expenses?

Many businesses don’t fail because they aren’t making money—they fail because the money isn’t properly allocated. Structure your business in a way that ensures you get paid as the owner while also covering the costs of running the business.

4. Slow and Steady Wins the Race

We love the idea of blowing overnight, but let’s be honest—most of those “overnight successes” were years in the making, you can call that the Compound Effect.You see a big business today and think, “Wow! They’re making millions!” but you don’t see the years of struggle, failed ideas, and small wins that led them there.

Instead of chasing overnight success, focus on steady growth. Build trust with your customers, deliver quality consistently, and reinvest in your business.

5. Who You Know Matters—A Lot

Forget “I can do it alone.” In Nigeria, connections and relationships will open doors that hard work alone cannot. That’s not to say you shouldn’t work hard, but if nobody knows you exist, who will support your business? Yes, good answer—Nobody.

Network, talk to people, and build relationships. That one person you meet today might be the one to introduce you to a big supplier, an investor, or a customer that changes your business forever.

6. Loans Are Not Your Enemy—If You Use Them Well

Ah, loans! The thing most small business owners fear more than bad market. “I don’t want to owe anybody.” Oya bring your ear let me tell you something, do you know that a well-managed loan can be the difference between struggling and expanding.

If you take a loan, use it for something that will grow your business, not for flex. If it’s for restocking, buying better equipment, or increasing production, then it’s an investment. If it’s for throwing an end-of-year party, you are on your own o.

So, What’s the Secret?

Nobody has all the answers, but here’s what will set you apart:

            •          Understand your market. What do your customers want, and how can you serve them better?

            •          Manage your money wisely. Profit is good, but cash flow is king.

            •          Build a network. Business is easier when the right people know and trust you.

            •          Take smart risks. Growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone.

            •          Use financial support wisely. A well-timed loan from Market Monie will definitely take your business to the next level.

Business in Nigeria is tough, no doubt. But with the right mindset, you won’t just survive—you’ll thrive. Now go out there and make that money! Call   Market Monie at (+234) 913-6000-833 for the right financial support.

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