Ogun state is one of the 36 states in Nigeria, located in the Western part of the country. Ogun state shares a border with Lagos state, Oyo state, Osun state, and Ondo state, and an international border with the Republic of Benin. The major ethnic group in the state is the Yoruba tribe and the religions that are practised in the state are Christianity, Islam, and Traditional religion. The languages that are generally spoken in Ogun state are English and Yoruba.
The major sources of income for people in Ogun state are farming, commerce and trade, the services industry, real estate, transportation, and the hospitality industry. Because of the closeness of Ogun state to Lagos state, it ensures maximum economic gains for the state.
Best Business Opportunities in Ogun State
1. Real estate industry: A lot of people who live and work in Lagos state choose to do so in Ogun state. The truth is that lodging is far less expensive in Ogun State than it is in Lagos State, even though some places in Ogun State are impossible to distinguish from Lagos State.
Therefore, you might think about starting a real estate firm in Ogun state if you have the sufficient financial capability. In places around Lagos State, you can construct mini-estates, and as soon as they are finished, you can be sure that renters will be living there.
And if you do not have enough capital, you can become a real estate agent by connecting landlords to potential clients and getting commissions from the rent or sale of a house.
Related: How to become a real estate agent in Nigeria.
2. Farming: Ogun State has a ton of inexpensive farmland. If you live in Lagos and are interested in farming, you might think about beginning your operation there. Farm products have a sizable market in Ogun state and its neighbouring states, particularly Lagos. You only need to generate farm products that are simple to market. For instance, fruits, fruits, cucumber, yam, cassava, and maize.
3. Poultry Business: Starting a profitable poultry business in Ogun State is another option for business owners. If you live in Ogun and want to create a poultry farm but are having trouble finding the perfect area, all you need to do is relocate to one of the state's strategic locations, such as Ijebu Ode, Sagamu, Abeokuta, etc. to build your farm efficiently.
4. Diesel Supply Business: One of the great ways to make money in Ogun State is through the diesel supply business. Numerous workplaces, institutions of higher learning, and manufacturing facilities require diesel fuel. You only need to promote your company to these institutions, buy a tanker, and then transport fuel from the Mosimi storage in Sagamu. It is profitable to operate this kind of business due to the existence of a fuel depot in the state of Ogun.
5. Transportation Business: Another industry that investors might venture into in Ogun State is transportation. Many people who live in Ogun State still commute to or operate their enterprises in Lagos State, therefore they will always require transportation to and from those locations. You only need to start your own transportation company to capitalize on this and profit from it. You will see high returns on your investment if you position your buses or vehicle such that you can pick up passengers from Ogun State to Lagos State or other areas of the state with ease.
6. Mechanic Business: In any of the places in Ogun State, if you are a mechanic, you should open your auto mechanic shop. In Ogun State, business is thriving, especially if you are good at what you do and your workshop is strategically placed in a prominent location.
7. Timber Business: Another successful business an entrepreneur might launch in Ogun State is the timber industry. The state of Ogun is covered with extremely productive forests. You must obtain a license from the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Ogun State Government to legally conduct this type of business. If you are caught cutting trees in any Nigerian forest without a permit, you risk being arrested and prosecuted. After receiving a license, you can start selling timber to businesses that process wood and start earning enough money.
8. Paper Making Factory: If you're trying to open a business in Ogun State, you should consider investing in a paper manufacturing factory. Simply put, Ogun state is a good place for this kind of business since it offers cheaper access to manpower, cheaper raw material prices, and Nigeria's largest paper market. Therefore, before spending your money on this kind of business, make sure you have all the necessary licenses and your feasibility studies are completed. You have a strong probability of succeeding in this business financially.
9. Car Wash Business: One of the businesses that an entrepreneur may simply start up in any of Ogun State's main cities and still make decent money is the car wash business. Your cash wash will draw customers every day whether you put it up in Sango, Ota, Abeokuta, or even Ijebu Ode.
10. Catfish Business: Another industry that is popular in Ogun State is the catfish business. The demand for catfish is rising, and it appears that Lagos has a shortage of catfish suppliers. Building your catfish pond in nearby Ogun State towns and selling your catfish in Lagos State are two options if you want to take advantage of this requirement to earn money.
11. Adire Distribution: One of the Ogun people's traditional and cultural occupations is tie-and-dye. Buying and selling the renowned admire fabric both inside and outside of Nigeria has made certain people incredibly wealthy. Adire Distribution businesses, also known as "Kampala" businesses, don't always need a lot of cash, especially in the digital era. You can start buying and selling adire cloth with little investment. You may use social media to sell your products and generate revenue without having a physical store. Instagram, Facebook Marketplace, and bulk SMS are all effective ways to sell your goods to the appropriate demographic.
Related: Marketing small business. Reasons you should market your business .
12. The tourism industry: Ogun State is most known for its historical sites and cultural landmarks, including Olumo Rock, Centenary Hall, the Ake, and the home of the traditional king of Egbaland, among others. Building halls and conference centers inside these historic structures are only two ways that a tourism investor might package some of the locations for business use. Due to insecurity issues in Ogun State, considering a tourism business, you need to make provision for top-notch security for people coming within and outside Nigeria.
13. Export of agricultural products: Agriculture is the main source of income for the Ogun people. The state is well renowned for growing a variety of crops, including cotton, bananas, cassava, yams, plantains, palm oil, kola nuts, and rice. Selling these goods strategically is simple, both locally and in other states like Lagos.
14. Dry Cleaning Business: People who set up a dry cleaning business may be found in numerous locations throughout Ogun State, particularly in areas with higher education facilities. Additionally, one can start it on a small scale and it is a profitable business. All you need is a small amount of money, a location to start, and a steady source of power. Since the majority of this company's growth comes from recommendations, if you do a good job, clients will come to you.
15. Agriculture Business: Considering the state's viability and rich soil for the plantation of several crops, engaging in agric-related business in the state is closely tied to the exportation of agricultural produce. Entering the palm oil business would be quite lucrative, especially during the dry season when the product is pricey and in short supply. Cassava farming is an additional agricultural business potential because it provides the raw ingredient for many industrial products, including flour and starch. Access to property and the state's poor roads are two issues you'll encounter if you plan to operate on a significant scale. When purchasing a piece of land, make sure the appropriate paperwork is completed.
16. Fuel Supply Industry: Ogun's concentration of manufacturing firms makes the fuel supply business profitable in the industrial districts. All of the factories in Nigeria have diesel-powered industrial generators, thus none of them can rely on public electricity. Make inquiries, go to the factories to promote your goods, and offer a fair price.
17. Cosmetics Production: If you know how to manufacture attractive and useful items, you can start creating soap or scrub products. If your product is useful, people will buy from you. You can learn how to make soap or scrub on YouTube and market them on social media to increase sales and visibility.
18. Ofada Rice Export: Many areas of Ogun State, particularly the small towns and villages, as was already mentioned. Ofada rice is one of the agricultural products for which the state is renowned, and the town of Ofada, which is part of the Obafemi Owode Local Government, is an ideal location for the local rice's growth. Nigerian rice is well-liked both inside and outside the country. This is a business chance. You can start exporting rice in packages.
19. Recruitment agency: To cut costs associated with keeping such a unit or department, several businesses in Ogun State have either abolished their human resources departments or contracted them out to recruitment agencies. You establish your recruitment business as a skilled professional in human resource development to find employees for your clientele (companies). Given the number of enterprises in the state, it is one of the lucrative industries in Ogun State.
20. Content creation agency: Companies today give content development for business marketing significant attention, especially when they are introducing a new product to the market. If you are a talented writer, you can take advantage of this chance in Ogun State since most businesses seek out innovative authors to compose descriptions for new items.
Related: 20 small business ideas to run from home.
That's 20 business opportunities to start in Ogun state. Because of its closeness to Lagos state, you can easily try out any of these businesses as you have the advantage of a larger audience.
Marketing is very important in business growth, if you do not know how to market, you will have to learn or reach out to SmartSMSSolutions for business marketing.
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