Bayelsa State is part of the 36 states in Nigeria and it was created on the first of October 1996. It is located in the Southern part of Nigeria and its capital city is Yenagoa. Its population is roughly over 2 million people and the generally spoken language in Bayelsa is English, Pidgin English, Ijaw(Izon), Ogbia, Epie – Atissa and Nembe.
Bayelsa state is considered to be a riverine state, because most of the villages and settlements are surrounded by water. As a matter of fact, water transportation is the most popular means of transportation in the state. Although Bayelsa state is considered to be amongst the richest states in Nigeria, but most of its indigenes are poor and the state lack basic infrastructures hence it is underdeveloped.
The major source of income for the government of Bayelsa state is from oil and gas; the state can boast of having one of the largest deposits of crude oil and gas in Nigeria – as a matter of fact Oloibiri in Bayelsa state is the first place crude oil was discovered in Nigeria. Aside from the oil and gas industry, fishing, boat making and agriculture is another means of generating income for the locals.
Bayelsa state can be considered to be a hub for investors and if you are looking for a business to start in the state, then you will find the following top 10 business opportunities helpful;
10 Small Business Investment Opportunities in Bayelsa State
1. Mechanized Boat Making
One of the most thriving businesses in Bayelsa state is boat making business, because of the role boat plays when it comes to transporting both human and goods. Bayelsa indigenes carve the boats themselves and the process is quite slow. If you have interest in this line of business, you can make it big if you make use of technology in boat making. You will be able to produce more reliable boat within a short period of time.
2. Fishing Business on a Large Scale
Fishing happens to be the major occupation of people in Bayelsa state. Bayelsa is a riverine state hence suitable for fishing. You can start a fishing business in Bayelsa state on a large scale. It means that you will employ the use of fishing vessels and other fishing equipment. One good thing about this type of business is that you can sell your fish not only in Bayelsa state but also in other states in Nigeria. It’s just a matter of transporting it to your clients in other part of the country.
3. Ferry Transportation Business (Sea Transportation)
If you have ever visited Bayelsa state, you will notice that water transportation happens to be the major form of transpiration of human and goods in the state. Another thing that you will realize is that most of the boats used are not powered by engine; they are paddled manually. You can introduce your own ferry transportation in Bayelsa state and you will be rest assured to make good returns on your investment within a short period of time.
4. Education Consulting Service
Education consulting service is another very lucrative business in Bayelsa state. Once you are able to start your own educational consultancy service in Bayelsa state, you will be rest assured to have enough clients who are interested in travelling abroad to study. The truth is that the dream of an average Bayelsan Student is to travel abroad to study; USA, England and Canada remain their top destination.
5. Speed Boat Sale and Repair Shop
It is only normal for speed boat sale and repair business to thrive in Bayelsa state since water transportation happens to be the major means of transportation in the state. So if you are looking for a money spinning business to start in Bayelsa state, then you should consider starting your own speed boat sale and repair shop. Just ensure that your shop is well positioned and you have the expertise to fix and service speed boats once they become faulty.
6. Hospital and Pharmacy Business
Hospital and Pharmacy business is one business that will certainly do well in Bayelsa state simply because of the shortage of hospitals and pharmacy shops in Bayelsa state. If you have the financial capacity and credentials to start this type of business, then by all means go ahead and setup this business in any of the major cities in Bayelsa state. You are sure going to make good returns on your investment within a short period of time.
7. Mobile Phone Sale and Repair Shop
If you are looking for a business that is easy to setup but yet profitable, then you should consider opening your own mobile phone sale and repair shop. Just like in most states in Nigeria, Mobile phone and Accessories sale and repair shop remains a viable and profitable business. If you want to start this type of business, just ensure that your shop is well positioned and well stocked.
8. Cleaning and Fumigation Business
Because of the nature of the settlements in Bayelsa (dominated by water) there is need for regular fumigation to eliminate disease causing insects like mosquito et al. If you are looking for a business to start in Bayelsa state, you can consider starting your own cleaning and fumigation business, it is indeed a lucrative business because the service is in high demand.
9. Wholesale Food Stuff Business
Wholesale food stuff business is yet another viable and profitable business to start in Bayelsa state. Food is an essential commodity and anyone who is into food business will hardly run at a loss if the business is well positioned and managed. You can concentrate on the sale of foodstuffs like rice, beans, and garri, et al.
10. Contractor
In Bayelsa state, the government happens to be the major employer of labor hence government offices are expected to be busy round the clock. Another means of benefiting from the government is to become a government contractor. As a matter of fact, it is one of the easiest means of making wealth in Bayelsa state.
There you have it; the top 10 business opportunities in Bayelsa state.