Ah, the Ember Months – September, October, November, and December. In Nigeria, this season is synonymous with parties, food, and people trying to ‘enjoy life.’ It’s also when our wallets open like they have no control, and everyone is in full celebration mode. This period is a great time to start a business and make some cool cash.
So, if you’ve been dreaming of starting a side hustle or growing your business, this is your cue! Let’s dive into five business ideas guaranteed to thrive in the Ember months.
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1. Event Planning
Who no like party? In the Ember Months, every weekend is basically booked solid with funerals, weddings, birthdays, end-of-year corporate events, and of course, the beloved owambe. Nigerians live for big parties, and there’s no better time to become the ultimate party plug. Event planners are in hot demand to organize these extravagant gatherings, from the fancy halls to the jollof rice that must never be short.
Do you know someone whose grandmother just died? Abi they just proposed to one of your friends? Shoot your shot and ask to plan their event. This might just be your calling. Just imagine yourself running around Lagos, looking official, shouting at vendors and making sure someone’s Asoebi is matching their gele. Not a bad business idea, abi?
2. Gift Baskets/Hampers
Now, let’s be honest. Nigerians love giving gifts, but nobody has time to go out and buy individual items for their loved ones. That’s why gift baskets/hampers are the MVP of the Ember Months. Whether it’s for Christmas, New Year’s, or just to say, “I didn’t forget you, my dear,” a well-curated gift basket works wonders.
Your gift basket empire could have options for every occasion:
- Housewarming? Throw in some cute mugs and candles.
- Christmas? Add chocolates, wine, and festive decorations.
- New Year? Maybe some “detty December” recovery kits with ginger tea and paracetamol for that hangover!
Just fill them with goodies like snacks, sweets, and fancy accessories, wrap them up like a pro, and boom – your bank account will thank you.
3. Ice Block Business
Don’t laugh – ice block business is no joke! As basic as it sounds, when the Ember Months roll around and the temperature hits “sweating profusely,” Nigerians crave cold drinks like oxygen. Every party, wedding, and end-of-year event needs ice, and people will happily pay for it.
If you can supply ice blocks to event planners, restaurants, or the numerous “shayo spots” around town, you’ll be rolling in cash. Plus, it’s a simple, low-maintenance business to start. Just make sure you have a reliable freezer and you’re not on Band A.
4. POS Operator
By now, you can’t step out of your house without seeing at least three different POS stands in one street, and for good reason. The banking network in Nigeria is like our beloved NEPA – unreliable. And in the Ember Months, when everyone is withdrawing for shopping, parties, or just flexing, this is where you swoop in and tap into this business idea.
As a POS operator, you can make easy money just by helping people avoid long ATM queues. But why stay in one place when you can level up? Turn it into a mobile service. Carry your POS around and meet your customers wherever they are! Need a transaction at a wedding? You’re there. People are out shopping and can’t find a working ATM? They call you. You might even show up at the club and get paid while collecting your own change. “POS on Demand” – think about it!
5. Money Changer
Ah, the sweet homecoming season when Nigerians abroad (aka IJGBs) return to flex and show off. They come with foreign currencies, and of course, they’ll need to exchange it for naira to “spray” at weddings, buy suya, and settle the ‘mama put’. That’s where you come in.
Avoid the drama of bank queues and give people competitive exchange rates and quick service. IJGBs will flock to you faster than you can say “Dollar to Naira.” Whether it’s dollars, pounds, euros, or any currency they bring, you’ll be the go-to plug for hassle-free money changing. And with your sharp guy rates, you’ll be making money faster than their ‘Aboki’ customers.
The Ember Months are like the Black Friday of business opportunities in Nigeria. It’s the perfect time to tap into the festive spirit, increased spending, and general “let’s enjoy ourselves” mentality. Whether you’re planning events, selling gift baskets, keeping the drinks cold, or making it easier for people to pay for stuff, there’s no shortage of ways to make money.
So, what are you waiting for? Get creative, get motivated, and get that Ember Month money!
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