If you are looking for how to start dropshipping in Nigeria, then this guide is all you need right now to get started. Dropshipping is one of the easiest ways to start an online business in Nigeria today without holding inventory or renting a shop. With the rise of e-commerce, social media marketing, and digital payment solutions like Paystack and Flutterwave, Nigerians can now sell products online and earn profits without touching the goods.
If you’ve been asking, “How can I start dropshipping in Nigeria with little capital?”, this guide is for you.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- What dropshipping really means
- How dropshipping works in Nigeria
- Step-by-step process to start
- Best suppliers and platforms
- Payment and delivery options
- Costs involved
- Common mistakes to avoid
Whether you are a student, working-class professional, or entrepreneur looking for a side hustle, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Is Dropshipping?
Dropshipping is a business model where you sell products online without keeping stock. Instead of buying products in bulk, you:
- List products on your online store or social media
- Receive orders from customers
- Forward the order to your supplier
- The supplier ships the product directly to the customer
- You keep the profit (selling price – supplier cost)
You don’t need:
- A warehouse
- Inventory
- Large startup capital
This makes dropshipping attractive for Nigerians starting an online business.
Is Dropshipping Legal in Nigeria?
Yes. Dropshipping is 100% legal in Nigeria.
However, to operate professionally and access payment gateways smoothly, it is advisable to:
- Register a business name with CAC
- Open a business bank account
- Comply with basic consumer protection standards
While registration is not compulsory at the start, it becomes important as your business grows.
READ THIS: How To Start a Business in Nigeria With No Experience
How Dropshipping Works in Nigeria
The dropshipping process in Nigeria typically follows this flow:
- You create an online store (website or social media page)
- You market products using Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or WhatsApp
- A customer places an order
- Customer pays online or via transfer
- You send the order details to your supplier
- The supplier delivers to the customer
- You earn your profit
Unlike foreign dropshipping (AliExpress to the US), Nigerian dropshipping often focuses on local suppliers for faster delivery and trust.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Start Dropshipping in Nigeria
Step 1: Choose a Profitable Niche
A niche is a specific product category you focus on.
Good dropshipping niches in Nigeria include:
- Gadgets and phone accessories
- Fashion (bags, shoes, watches)
- Beauty and skincare products
- Fitness and wellness products
- Home and kitchen items
- Baby and kids products
Tips for choosing a niche:
- Solve a problem
- Products should be in demand
- Avoid very fragile items
- Focus on products Nigerians already buy
Step 2: Find Reliable Dropshipping Suppliers in Nigeria
Your supplier is the backbone of your business.
Where to find Nigerian dropshipping suppliers:
- Instagram vendors
- WhatsApp supplier groups
- Local wholesalers in Lagos, Aba, and Onitsha
- Nigerian dropshipping platforms
What to check before choosing a supplier:
- Product quality
- Delivery speed
- Return/refund policy
- Communication reliability
You can also combine local suppliers and international suppliers, depending on your strategy.
Step 3: Decide Where to Sell (Platform Choice)
You can dropship in Nigeria using different platforms:
Option 1: Social Media (Beginner-Friendly)
- WhatsApp Business
- TikTok
This is the easiest and cheapest way to start.
Option 2: E-commerce Website (Professional)
- Shopify
- WooCommerce (WordPress)
A website builds trust and allows automation.
Step 4: Set Up Payment Methods in Nigeria
Your customers must be able to pay easily.
Best payment options for Nigerian dropshippers:
- Bank transfer
- Paystack
- Flutterwave
- Moniepoint
- Opay
If using Shopify or WooCommerce, Paystack and Flutterwave integrate seamlessly.
Step 5: Arrange Logistics and Delivery
Delivery is very important in Nigeria.
Popular delivery options include:
- Local dispatch riders
- Logistics companies (GIG, Kwik, DHL e.t.c)
- Supplier-handled delivery
Tips for smooth delivery:
- Confirm delivery cost before listing prices
- Offer same-day or next-day delivery when possible
- Use cash-on-delivery carefully
Step 6: Price Your Products for Profit
Your pricing should cover:
- Supplier cost
- Delivery cost
- Marketing expenses
- Profit margin
A common formula: Selling Price = Product Cost + Delivery + Profit
Aim for 30%–60% profit margin where possible.
Step 7: Market Your Dropshipping Business
Marketing is what brings sales.
Best marketing methods in Nigeria:
- Facebook ads
- Instagram reels
- WhatsApp status marketing
- Influencer marketing
- TikTok organic videos
Consistency is more important than perfection.
How Much Does It Cost to Start Dropshipping in Nigeria?
You can start dropshipping with very low capital.
Estimated Startup Cost:
- Business registration (optional): ₦10,000 – ₦20,000
- Internet & data: ₦5,000
- Website (optional): ₦20,000 – ₦60,000
- Ads (recommended): ₦20,000 – ₦100,000
Total: You can start with as low as ₦50,000 – ₦150,000
Common Mistakes Nigerian Dropshippers Make
- Choosing unreliable suppliers
- Selling too many products at once
- Poor customer communication
- Ignoring delivery delays
- Not reinvesting profits
- Copying competitors blindly
Avoiding these mistakes will save you time and money.
Advantages of Dropshipping in Nigeria
- Low startup capital
- No inventory risk
- Flexible location
- Easy to scale
- Works as a side hustle
Challenges of Dropshipping in Nigeria
- Delivery delays
- Customer trust issues
- Price competition
- Payment reversals
With proper planning, these challenges can be managed.
Tips to Succeed in Dropshipping in Nigeria
- Focus on customer service
- Use clear product images and videos
- Be honest about delivery timelines
- Build a brand, not just a store
- Learn digital marketing consistently
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I start dropshipping in Nigeria without a website?
Yes. Many Nigerians start using Instagram and WhatsApp.
Is dropshipping profitable in Nigeria?
Yes, if done correctly with the right products and marketing.
Do I need CAC registration to start?
Not immediately, but it is recommended as you grow.
Can I combine dropshipping with another job?
Yes. Dropshipping is flexible and can be run part-time.
Conclusion
Dropshipping is one of the best ways to start an online business in Nigeria today. With minimal capital, the right suppliers, and effective marketing, you can build a profitable e-commerce business from anywhere.
If you are serious about starting dropshipping in Nigeria, start small, learn fast, and stay consistent. The opportunities are real for those willing to take action.
Meanwhile, if you have any questions on how to start dropshipping in Nigeria, feel free to use the comment box below.