Starting a mini importation business in Nigeria remains one of the smartest ways to build a profitable side hustle or full-time business. Whether you’re a student, stay-at-home parent, unemployed graduate, or 9–5 worker looking for extra income, mini importation offers a flexible way to earn right from your phone.
This blog post will show everything from finding hot-selling products, ordering from China, shipping to Nigeria, and selling online using just WhatsApp or Instagram. You’ll also find trusted links to platforms and apps that make this process smooth and scam-free.
What Is Mini Importation?
Mini importation is the act of buying affordable goods from countries like China typically in small or medium quantities and reselling them in Nigeria for a profit. With the rise of global eCommerce and delivery services, you don’t need to travel or rent a shop. Everything is done online.
For example, you can buy a smartwatch for ₦4,000 from China and sell it in Nigeria for ₦12,000 or more. This high-profit margin is what makes mini importation so attractive.
How to Start Mini Importation in Nigeria
Below are ways you can start Mini Importation business in Nigeria;
1. Choose the Right Product to Import
The first step is product research. You need products that solve a problem, attract attention, or are trending in your community. Avoid importing what you like personally. Focus on what sells.
Trending product categories in 2025 include smart gadgets like power banks and smartwatches, beauty items such as facial steamers and hair trimmers, fitness gear like waist trainers and neck massagers, kitchen accessories, and baby care products.
Use platforms like Google Trends, TikTok, Facebook Marketplace, and WhatsApp statuses to discover viral items.
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2. Find a Trusted Supplier on the Right Platform
Once you know what to sell, the next step is to find it at the best price using reliable platforms.
1688.com – https://www.1688.com
This is a Chinese-only wholesale site with the cheapest prices. Use Chrome for auto-translation. A shipping agent is required to help with order placement and delivery.
Alibaba.com – https://www.alibaba.com
This platform is great for international buyers, in English, and allows you to chat directly with verified suppliers.
AliExpress.com – https://www.aliexpress.com
AliExpress is ideal for beginners who want to test a product by ordering just one item. Though slightly more expensive, it is beginner-friendly.
CJ Dropshipping – https://www.cjdropshipping.com
This platform helps you source, customize, and ship products either in bulk or as dropshipping orders. It’s beginner-friendly and supports eCommerce store integration.
3. Create a Virtual Dollar Card to Make Payment
Due to current banking restrictions in Nigeria, most Naira cards won’t work for international purchases. Virtual dollar cards make payments easier.
Chipper Cash – https://chipper.cash
You can fund a virtual dollar card through your Chipper wallet and make purchases easily on platforms like AliExpress.
Pyypl – https://www.pyypl.com
Pyypl allows Nigerians to create virtual cards that work on most foreign websites. Requires basic ID verification.
Barter by Flutterwave – https://barter.me
Barter is a trusted option for creating and funding virtual cards from Nigeria. It’s accepted on major platforms.
Always compare card fees and exchange rates before making payments.
4. Use a Shipping Agent for Delivery to Nigeria
Many suppliers on 1688 and Alibaba won’t ship directly to Nigeria. You’ll need a shipping agent who receives your goods at their China address and sends them to Nigeria.
You can find agents by searching Telegram for “1688 shipping to Nigeria” or joining Facebook groups like “Mini Importation Nigeria”.
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Some popular options include;
SGK Express Logistics
Zenith Cargo
Sinoair Cargo
Confirm delivery timelines and fees before using any agent. They typically charge per kilogram of goods and handle both air and sea freight.
5. Track and Receive Your Goods
Once your shipping agent receives the products in China, they notify you and begin the shipment.
Air freight takes about 7–14 days
Sea freight may take 30–60 days but costs less
You’ll either pick up the goods from the agent’s Nigerian office or receive them via local delivery companies like GIG Logistics, ABC, or Peace Mass Transit.
Be sure to calculate the full cost of your goods including product price, shipping, customs duty (if any), and delivery.
6. Create a Sales Channel Using Your Phone
With zero budget for a website, you can still sell effectively using:
WhatsApp Business
Create a catalogue, update product statuses daily, and engage customers directly.
Facebook Marketplace
List items locally and attract nearby buyers for quick delivery.
Instagram & TikTok
Create short videos showing how your product works to boost interest.
Jiji.ng
List and sell products to thousands of Nigerian shoppers looking for deals.
Start with what you have — a smartphone and internet — and build from there.
7. Deliver Orders and Accept Payment
Partner with local dispatch riders for same-day delivery in your area, or use platforms like:
Gokada – https://gokada.ng
Kwik Delivery – https://kwik.delivery
Sendbox – https://sendbox.ng
Accept payments through:
Bank transfers
Opay
PalmPay
Wallets like Chipper or Moniepoint
Maintain a sales log using Google Sheets or the Notion app to track inventory, profits, and customers.
8. Promote Your Business With Smart Marketing
No one buys what they don’t see. Promote your product using simple but effective strategies:
Post daily WhatsApp status updates with urgency-based captions
Give incentives or discounts to customers who refer others
Record TikTok videos showing your product in action
Pay small influencers for reviews and shout-outs
Run ₦2,000 Facebook ads to your WhatsApp or Instagram DM
To make your product links cleaner, shorten them using URL.lol – https://url.lol
9. Scale Your Mini Importation Business
As your profits grow, reinvest in the business:
Order larger quantities to get wholesale discounts
Use branded packaging to make your product look professional
Set up an online store using platforms like:
Paystack Storefront – https://paystack.com/storefront
Flutterwave Store – https://flutterwave.com/ng/store
Selar – https://selar.co
Consistently market and deliver great service to build customer trust and referrals.
Conclusion
Mini importation in Nigeria isn’t about luck it’s about strategy, smart choices, and consistency. You don’t need millions to start. Even ₦20,000–₦30,000 can get your first small batch of items from China to Nigeria.
Use the verified links above to avoid scams, test your first product, and grow your business step by step. Your smartphone is your office and make it count.
