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Think Outside the Box: 11 Rare but Profitable Business Ideas to Start in Ibadan, Oyo State Today

So, you’re in Ibadan, a little cash in your pocket—or maybe none at all—and your head is spinning with worry about what next? Relax. If you’re tired of hearing the same old “start a POS” or “sell thrift clothes” advice, this article is for you. These are real business ideas, rare but practical, and many of them can be started with zero or very little capital. And guess what? These ideas are not based on motivational talk but actual hustle that puts money in pockets right here in Ibadan, Oyo State. If you’re broke, stuck, or simply curious, this could be that one list that sparks your next big move.

11 Uncommon Business Ideas to Start with in Ibadan, Oyo State

Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State in South West Nigeria, has many business opportunities that youths, students, and individuals can tap into, especially during tough times. If you’re broke, confused, and looking for a business to start—and you live in Ibadan—these ideas below are worth checking out:

1. Iron Condemn Business

Iron condemn business is like oil money, but many people don’t realize it. In fact, Ibadan is one of the major hubs for this trade—traders travel from as far as Ekiti and Ondo to buy in deposit here.

Here’s how it works: if you’re shy or not caught out for roaming the streets, you don’t need to scavenge. Just set up a mini office or shop where people can bring their condemned irons to you. You act as a retailer and sell in bulk to wholesalers.

But if you’re down to hustle hard, you can start from scratch—hunt for rusted metals and resell. Many ignore this business because of the shame attached to it, but let’s be real—hunger no dey hear shame.

2. Plastic Bottles

Just like iron condemn, this business is also uncommon here in Ibadan. The best part? You can start with little or zero capital. All you have to do is gather used plastic bottles in sacks—bulk buyers pay a good amount for them. Don’t want to comb the streets? Buy from scavengers who’ll deliver to your shop or collection point. It works like mini-arbitrage: buy low, sell high. To start from scratch, target Owanbe parties, schools, hospitals, and dump sites. These places are always loaded with bottles. Turn waste into wealth.

3. Palm Oil Business

Palm oil business is underrated in Ibadan, but there’s good money in it. With just ₦50,000, you can start small. You can get customers from Facebook Marketplace, school hostels (UI, Poly Ibadan, City Poly), and even local markets. Everyone cooks with palm oil—it’s a staple. Consistency and good packaging will give you an edge.

4. Cloth Materials

Material business is highly lucrative in Ibadan. People travel from other states to get fabrics here. You can run it as a side hustle while still in school or on a 9-5 job. Just ensure you get mentorship before venturing into it so you don’t run into common pitfalls.

ALSO READ: How to Start a Successful Side Hustle in Nigeria

5. SIM Registration/NIN Enrollment

This is another uncommon business many people avoid. But guess what? You can earn up to ₦10,000 daily from SIM registration, NIN enrollment, and even CAC business registration. All you need is a laptop, internet access, and the drive to learn. Walk into a telecom center and ask to be their agent. For CAC and NIN, learn from YouTube and upgrade your hustle. Ibadan has many institutions and companies that need these services, so there’s always demand.

6. Home Garden

For agriculture students or anyone with farming experience, home gardening can be a cash cow. Vegetables, goat farming, and grasscutter rearing are solid options. People eat every day—no matter the economy. Just walk into any local market, talk to traders, and secure a deal. Start small and scale.

7. Poultry Farming

Poultry is one of the best businesses to start in Ibadan. Sure, it has its challenges, so learn from an expert before starting. My uncle started poultry farming after NYSC around Bodija, and that business was a total game-changer. This isn’t theory—it’s something I’ve seen work firsthand.

ALSO READ: 12 Businesses You Can Start in Ekiti and Make Steady Income

8. POS Business

Yes, the POS business is saturated. But if you play your cards right, you’ll still cash out. Target local areas where cash is in high demand—parks, markets, schools, and hospitals. Find a good spot, and stay consistent. You’re solving a real problem while making daily profits.

9. Local Drinks

Ibadan people love their Zobo, Kunu, and tiger nut drinks. If you can learn how to prepare and ice them properly, you’re good to go. This business doesn’t require much capital to start. Just keep your hygiene game high and your packaging sharp. You’ll be surprised how fast you build a loyal customer base.

10. Food Business

Food business is broad, but one of the easiest ways to enter is through raw foodstuff like garri, yam, and elubo. Do market research in your area to know what people are buying. Some streets prefer cooked food; others want raw materials. Local meals like “Ogi eko” and fruits can also sell fast in certain neighborhoods. Like I said earlier—drop the shame. Start where you are.

ALSO READ: How to Start a POS Business in Nigeria: Everything You Need to Know

11. Fairly Used Items

Buying and selling fairly used items is another money-spinning idea in Ibadan. Just make sure anything you’re buying has a receipt—transparency is key. For example, buy a fan for ₦15k, sell for ₦18k—that’s ₦3k profit. Rinse and repeat. You don’t need massive capital to begin. Start small, think big. Remember, Item 7 Go Restaurant now has multiple branches—they started small too. The hardest part is starting—so start already.