Businesses in Ibadan are springing up fast as more people seek alternative sources of income. With the rising cost of living, unstable job markets, and increasing family responsibilities, having multiple streams of income is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity.

Fortunately, there are several businesses in Ibadan you can start with as little as ₦100,000. Despite economic challenges, Ibadan remains a land of opportunities. The city’s expanding population and growing new settlements have opened up fresh commercial possibilities.

Here are three simple, profitable businesses you can start in Ibadan today with a budget as low as ₦100,000

1. Smile Internet and SmileVoice Airtime Business

This is one of the most underrated businesses in Ibadan you can start with low capital. SmileVoice is a VoIP service that lets users make calls to Nigerian numbers at local rates, even from abroad — and there’s a steady demand for it.

With ₦100,000, you can become a Smile subdealer, helping customers with SIM registration, airtime sales, and data subscriptions — all without needing a physical shop. You only need a smartphone and some marketing effort.

Pro tip: Visit the nearest Smile Communications office in Ibadan to get started. Here is how to easily get to your nearest Smile office in Ibadan.

2. Okrika or Akube Shoes Resale

Have you seen school kids and young adults in clean, trendy sneakers and wondered where they shop? Most likely, the answer is Dugbe, Ogunpa, or Alesinloye — not a fancy boutique.

With ₦100,000, you can start hand-picking neat secondhand shoes (Nike, Adidas, Clarks, etc.) and reselling them for profit in your area or online.

Children’s shoes go for ₦2,500–₦3,000

Ladies’ flats and sandals are affordable but a bit costlier.

Target early market hours on Saturdays and Mondays

Avoid Alesinloye market like a plague. Their prices are meant for Iyaganku GRA it seems.

And yes, always inspect your goods to avoid fakes or damaged items.

You can locate shoes and fashion accessories market in Ibadan here.

3. Perfume Oils, Body Sprays & Deodorants

This is one of the fastest-moving businesses in Ibadan you can start with limited capital. People want to smell good, and not everyone can afford designer perfumes.

Start with:

• 3ml Touch perfume oils

• 6ml Ard Al Zafaran or Surrati oils

• Affordable body sprays and roll-ons

You can get good stock from Agbeni and Agbaje markets. Sell them at your workplace, online, or in your neighborhood. Do a little price survey to stay competitive.

Discover Markets in Ibadan and Their Unique Products (2)

These are just a few businesses in Ibadan you can start with ₦100,000 or less. Whether it’s perfume oils, secondhand shoes, or airtime sales, what matters most is starting. Look around you — what do people need that you can provide?

Ibadan is full of untapped potential. Think smart, start small, and scale with consistency.

Now is the best time to start.