Buying and selling is one of the oldest and most effective ways to build wealth in Nigeria. In today’s fast-paced, digitally connected world, anyone with a smartphone, internet access, and a small budget can tap into Nigeria’s thriving commerce sector to generate consistent income.

This guide will walk you through how to make money buying and selling in Nigeria—whether online or offline—while using trusted platforms like HabaNaija’s buy-sell network to expand your reach, build trust, and scale quickly.

Why Buying and Selling Works in Nigeria

1. Strong Consumer Demand

Nigeria has a young and growing population that buys daily. From electronics and fashion to food and services, the demand is constant. If you can source products at low prices and resell them smartly, you’ll always find customers.

2. Low Startup Capital

Unlike brick-and-mortar businesses, you don’t need ₦1 million to start. Many successful traders began with just ₦10,000 or less, flipping items like phone accessories, secondhand clothes, or skincare products.

3. Digital Marketplaces Expand Your Reach

With platforms like HabaNaija’s digital classifieds, you can reach buyers from different states without spending on physical stalls.

Best Products to Buy and Sell for Profit in Nigeria

1. Phones and Accessories

High demand, quick sales. Focus on:

• Used smartphones (Samsung, Tecno, iPhone)
• Accessories: chargers, screen guards, earphones
• Power banks and USB cables

Source from wholesalers or individuals upgrading phones.

2. Clothing and Fashion Items

Fashion is always in demand. Start with:

• Secondhand clothes (okrika)
• T-shirts, Ankara designs, women’s fashion
• Shoes, bags, jewelry, and caps

Sell via Instagram, WhatsApp, and online clothing sections.

3. Groceries and Foodstuffs

People eat every day. Profitable items:

• Rice, beans, palm oil, yams
• Crayfish, egusi, dried pepper
• Packaged snacks and drinks

Buy in bulk from local markets or farmers and resell to urban customers.

4. Used Electronics

Profitable if you know how to test and repair:

• Laptops, TVs, game consoles
• Blenders, fans, rechargeable lights
• Home theater systems

Post listings with photos and test videos to attract serious buyers.

5. Skincare and Beauty Products

Young Nigerians spend on self-care. Hot sellers:

• Organic soaps and creams
• Beard oil, perfumes
• Hair care kits, body scrubs

Bundle items for value or target niches (e.g., acne skincare for students).

Where to Source Your Products

• Computer Village (Lagos): Phones and electronics
• Ariaria Market (Aba): Fashion and shoes
• Wuse Market (Abuja): Cosmetics and accessories
• Farmers Markets (Local LGAs): Produce, palm oil, grains
• Online clearance or auction deals

Build supplier relationships to get better prices.

How to Sell and Make Money Effectively

1. Use Free Online Marketplaces

Start by listing your products on trusted sites like HabaNaija’s classified ads hub. It costs nothing and connects you to real buyers.

Listing tips:

• Use clear, well-lit images
• Write a short, persuasive description
• Include your price and location
• Enable chat or phone communication

2. Promote on Social Media

Leverage WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram:

• Share before/after content (for beauty)
• Go live to showcase products
• Use trending hashtags (#NaijaSales, #BuyNow)

Create status catalogs and story highlights.

3. Offer Fast Delivery or Pickup Options

Speed builds trust. Partner with:

• GIG Logistics, Kwik Delivery, local dispatch riders
• Allow in-person pickup for safety and assurance

4. Build Buyer Trust and Get Reviews

Happy buyers bring more buyers.

• Ask for video or text testimonials
• Offer return policy (if possible)
• Be responsive and respectful

5. Track Profits and Scale Up

Use Google Sheets or apps like Wave or Notion to:

• Record purchases, expenses, and sales
• Analyze which products sell best
• Reinvest profits in high-performing categories

Business Models for Buying and Selling

1. Reseller Model

Buy cheap in bulk and sell retail. Great for:

• Cosmetics
• Foodstuffs
• Accessories

2. Dropshipping Model

Sell products without holding inventory. The supplier ships directly to your customer.

• Needs reliable supplier
• Best for fashion or gadgets

3. Flipping Used Items

Buy used items, clean or fix, then resell at markup.

• Phones, laptops
• Furniture
• Shoes

4. Import & Sell

Buy small items from international sites (1688, Alibaba) and sell locally.

• Phone cases
• Jewelry
• Wireless speakers

Use consolidated shipping agents to cut costs.

Real Success Story: Chuka the Gadget Hustler

Chuka started with ₦30,000, buying 3 UK-used phones. He listed them on Nigeria’s trusted buy-and-sell portal with clean photos.

In 4 months:

• He flipped 40+ devices
• Grew to importing via Hong Kong
• Opened a mini-shop in Onitsha

His secret? Patience, prompt delivery, and reinvestment.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Overpricing: Research competitors’ pricing
• Poor images: Low-quality photos kill interest
• No follow-up: Respond fast or lose buyers
• Buying without demand validation: Test small before bulk buying

Tools That Help You Succeed

• Canva: For making banners or promos
• CapCut/InShot: For video marketing
• Google Forms: For order collection
• Flutterwave/Paystack: For receiving payments
• WhatsApp Business: For automated replies and catalogs

Final Thoughts

The buy-and-sell model is a smart, scalable way to earn money in Nigeria. With the right products, reliable sourcing, and digital tools like HabaNaija’s free marketplace, you can build a steady income without needing an office or big investment.

Start small. Grow smart. The Nigerian market is waiting for your hustle.