3 Underrated Business Opportunities in Lagos You Shouldn’t Ignore

Lagos is a city where everyone is aiming for success, and the competition is high, many new business owners tend to follow popular trends or well-known industries. However, away from the spotlight, there are smaller businesses quietly doing well. 

These businesses, though often overlooked, are playing a big role in the local economy by creating jobs, generating income, and bringing fresh ideas.

Some of these lesser-known businesses are doing really well in areas others tend to ignore, showing that you don’t always need to follow the crowd to succeed. 

Here are three underrated business opportunities in Lagos that you should consider.

1. Waste Collection and Recycling Services

One of the most pressing challenges in Lagos is waste management. With over 20 million residents, the city produces tons of waste every day, and the demand for efficient waste collection services is high. 

However, the formal waste management system in Lagos struggles to keep up with the rapid urbanisation, leaving a gap in the market for private waste collection and recycling businesses.

Entrepreneurs can take advantage of this by offering waste collection services to residential areas, office buildings, and even industrial locations. A mobile service model, where workers visit homes or businesses to pick up waste, can be especially appealing to Lagosians who struggle with the inconvenience of long trips to waste disposal centres.

Moreover, with the growing global emphasis on sustainability, recycling presents a lucrative business opportunity. By sorting waste and partnering with recycling centres, entrepreneurs can tap into the eco-friendly market, helping Lagos reduce its environmental impact while turning waste into profit.

The minimal startup cost for a waste collection service, coupled with the growing demand for environmental solutions, makes this a solid business idea.

2. Mobile Car Wash and Detailing Services

Lagos is notorious for its traffic congestion, and car owners often spend long hours stuck in traffic or commuting across the city. As a result, many are unable to find the time to take their vehicles to a traditional car wash. This gap in the market presents an excellent opportunity for a mobile car wash and detailing business.

A mobile car wash service that travels to clients’ homes or workplaces is not only convenient but also time-saving for busy Lagosians. Entrepreneurs can start small with just one vehicle and a few tools, expanding as demand grows.

This business model has low initial costs, and with a growing number of car owners in Lagos, the demand for car washing services will continue to rise.

Mobile car wash businesses can also offer additional services like interior detailing, waxing, and tire care, increasing their profitability. The flexibility of this business allows entrepreneurs to cater to various customer segments, from individuals and families to corporate clients with fleets of cars.

3. Product Photography and E-commerce Support

With the rise of online shopping, many businesses in Lagos are transitioning to digital platforms to reach more customers. However, one area that often gets overlooked is the quality of product photography. In a visually-driven digital world, high-quality images are essential for e-commerce success.

This presents a great business opportunity for photographers who specialise in product photography and e-commerce support.

Entrepreneurs can offer professional photography services to local e-commerce businesses that need high-quality product images for their websites, social media, and online stores. Many small businesses in Lagos struggle with poor-quality images or lack the resources to hire a dedicated photographer, which makes this a growing niche market.

Additionally, with the increasing demand for product photography, business owners can offer services such as photo editing, background removal, and even creating visual content for marketing campaigns.

As the e-commerce market continues to expand, entrepreneurs in this field can establish long-term relationships with businesses and grow a steady stream of income.