By Musa Ibrahim | Updated: November 2025
Nigeria's agriculture sector is experiencing a renaissance. With over 200 million people to feed, government incentives for farmers, and growing export opportunities, there's never been a better time to start an agriculture business in Nigeria.
This isn't your grandfather's farming. Modern agribusiness combines traditional practices with technology, smart financing, and strategic marketing. Whether you have ₦100,000 or ₦10 million to invest, this guide will show you how to start and scale profitably.
Why Agriculture? The Numbers Don't Lie
Agriculture contributes 23% to Nigeria's GDP and employs over 36% of the workforce. But here's the opportunity: Nigeria still imports over $5 billion in food annually—food we can grow locally.
- Consistent Demand: Nigerians need to eat daily. Your market is guaranteed.
- Government Support: CBN Anchor Borrowers Programme, NIRSAL, and state grants offer low-interest loans.
- High ROI: Well-managed farms can return 30-60% annually.
- Multiple Income Streams: Sell fresh produce, process into value-added products, or supply to retailers.
Top 10 Profitable Agriculture Businesses in Nigeria
1. Poultry Farming (Broilers & Layers)
Startup Cost: ₦200K - ₦1M (100-500 birds)
ROI: 40-60% per cycle
Poultry is the most accessible agribusiness. Broilers mature in 6-8 weeks, layers start producing eggs at 18 weeks. Nigerians consume millions of eggs and chickens daily.
Pro Tip: Start small (100 birds), perfect your system, then scale.
2. Fish Farming (Catfish & Tilapia)
Startup Cost: ₦300K - ₦2M
ROI: 30-50% per cycle (6 months)
Catfish farming is highly profitable. A 500-fish pond can generate ₦500K - ₦800K per cycle. Urban fish farming (using tarpaulin ponds) requires minimal space.
3. Snail Farming
Startup Cost: ₦50K - ₦300K
ROI: 50-80%
Low-risk, low-maintenance. Snails reproduce rapidly and are in high demand for export and local consumption. Can be done in your backyard.
4. Vegetable Farming
Startup Cost: ₦100K - ₦500K
ROI: 60-100% (harvest in 6-12 weeks)
Fast-growing crops like ugu (fluted pumpkin), spinach, lettuce, and tomatoes have quick turnaround. Perfect for urban farming or selling to restaurants and hotels.
5. Cassava Farming
Startup Cost: ₦200K - ₦1M per hectare
ROI: 35-50%
Nigeria is the world's largest cassava producer. Process into garri, fufu, or starch for higher margins. Export opportunities to Europe and Asia.
6. Goat & Sheep Rearing
Startup Cost: ₦300K - ₦1.5M
ROI: 40-70%
High demand during festivals (Sallah, Christmas). Low maintenance compared to cattle. A pregnant goat can sell for 2-3x your purchase price.
7. Rice Farming
Startup Cost: ₦500K - ₦3M per hectare
ROI: 30-45%
Nigeria's most consumed staple. Government incentives available. Mechanization and irrigation significantly boost yields.
8. Plantain Farming
Startup Cost: ₦200K - ₦800K
ROI: 50-80%
Plantain suckers produce for 10+ years. Growing demand for plantain chips and flour. Can intercrop with vegetables for extra income.
9. Maize Farming
Startup Cost: ₦150K - ₦700K per hectare
ROI: 40-60%
Fast-growing (3-4 months). Used for human consumption, poultry feed, and industrial processing. Two harvests possible per year with irrigation.
10. Palm Oil Production
Startup Cost: ₦1M - ₦5M
ROI: 40-70%
Diverse income: red oil, kernel oil, palm wine, and wood. Strong local and export demand.
Step-by-Step: How to Start Your Agribusiness
Step 1: Choose Your Niche
Don't try to do everything. Pick ONE business that aligns with:
- Your available capital
- Available land/space
- Local market demand
- Your interest and skills
Step 2: Get Training
Attend workshops, take online courses, or apprentice with an established farmer. Knowledge reduces costly mistakes.
Step 3: Write a Business Plan
Even if you're self-funding, a plan keeps you organized. Include:
- Startup costs (land, inputs, labor)
- Operational costs (feed, fertilizer, utilities)
- Revenue projections
- Marketing strategy
Step 4: Secure Land or Space
You don't always need large land. Vertical farming, container farming, and rooftop gardens work for vegetables and snails. For larger operations, lease land in rural areas (cheaper than cities).
Step 5: Get Funding
Government Programs:
- CBN Anchor Borrowers Programme: Low-interest loans for rice, maize, cotton, etc.
- NIRSAL: Provides credit guarantees and risk management.
- Bank of Agriculture (BOA): Affordable agricultural loans.
- Lagos Agrithon 2025: Grants up to ₦10M for agribusiness in Lagos.
Private Funding: Agritech platforms, angel investors, and cooperatives also offer financing.
Step 6: Register Your Business
Register with CAC to access grants, loans, and government contracts. Read our Business Registration Guide for details.
Step 7: Source Quality Inputs
Buy from reputable suppliers. For poultry, get disease-free chicks. For crops, use certified seeds. Poor inputs = poor yields.
Step 8: Start Small, Scale Gradually
Don't invest all your capital at once. Start with a manageable size, learn, optimize, then expand.
Step 9: Market Your Products
- Direct Sales: Sell to neighbors, markets, or restaurants.
- Social Media: Use WhatsApp Status, Instagram, and Facebook to showcase your products.
- Cooperatives: Join farmer groups to access bulk buyers.
- Online Platforms: List on platforms like Farmcrowdy or Thrive Agric.
- Local Directories: List your farm on 9jaDirectory to reach local customers.
Challenges & How to Overcome Them
- Climate Change: Invest in irrigation and drought-resistant crops.
- Pest/Disease: Practice preventive care, use organic pesticides, and quarantine sick animals.
- High Input Costs: Buy in bulk, join cooperatives for discounts, or explore government subsidies.
- Poor Market Access: Leverage digital platforms and build direct relationships with buyers.
- Limited Capital: Start small, reinvest profits, and apply for grants.
Final Thoughts: Agriculture is Business, Not Charity
Too many people approach farming emotionally. Treat it like any business—track expenses, calculate ROI, market aggressively, and continuously improve.
Action Steps This Week:
- Pick ONE agriculture business from this list
- Find and talk to 3 people already doing it
- Attend a training (online or in-person)
- Draft a simple business plan
- Apply for at least one funding opportunity
Nigeria's food demand isn't going anywhere. Position yourself to profit from it.
