Nigeria
Africa’s most populous country runs on two centers: Abuja holds the government, but Lagos, Africa’s largest city, carries the commerce, the fintech scene, and Nollywood, the world’s second-largest film industry by output. Add crude oil exports and a port that anchors trade for much of West Africa, and Nigeria operates on a different scale than its regional neighbors. This is where Nigerian businesses meet buyers looking for them, at home and across the region.
List your businessAfrica’s largest economy. Nollywood (2nd-largest film industry). Africa’s largest city and busiest port.
Why Nigeria doesn’t run through a single city
- Abuja holds the government, but Lagos holds the commerce
Two capitals, one country. The political center sits in the middle; the economic engine runs on the coast.
- Nollywood produces 2,500+ films annually
The world’s second-largest film industry by output. That’s not just entertainment—it’s a cultural export.
- Ship crude from the Niger Delta or fintech from Lagos
Oil built the economy. Flutterwave, Paystack, and Moniepoint are building its future.
- Main business languagesEnglish, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo
- Key trade gatewayPort of Lagos
- Commercial hub cityLagos
- Leading export sectorsOil, natural gas, agriculture
- Creative industryNollywood (2nd-largest by output)
- Fintech unicornsFlutterwave, Paystack
- CurrencyNigerian Naira (NGN)
- Time zoneWAT (UTC+1)
- Calling code+234
How goods and people get in
Nigeria has a long Atlantic coastline and four major international airports, so the freight question here is which gateway to use, not which neighboring country to transit. Useful context if you’re listing haulage, clearing, warehousing, or distribution.
Sea gateways
Container, bulk & energy terminals- Apapa & Tin Can Island, Lagos — the main container complex
- Lekki Deep Sea Port, Lagos — Nigeria’s first true deep-water port (opened Jan 2023)
- Onne, Rivers State — oil & gas free zone
- Calabar, Cross River State — eastern gateway
Air gateways
International airports- Murtala Muhammed LOS, Lagos
- Nnamdi Azikiwe ABV, Abuja
- Port Harcourt International PHC, Rivers State
- Mallam Aminu Kano International KAN, Kano
Businesses in Nigeria
Showing verified listings across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano & Ibadan
Starting a business in Nigeria?
Registering a business in Nigeria means working through CAC (Corporate Affairs Commission). This guide breaks down the real steps, approximate cost, and approximate timeline, so you know what to expect before you begin.
Steps, fees, and timelines are approximate and compiled from public 2026 guides to the official process. Confirm current details directly with the official portal
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