Nigeria is a country with a population of over 200 million people and is the largest economy in Africa. With a growing middle class and a high demand for goods and services, Nigeria presents a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to start small-scale businesses. However, starting a business in Nigeria can be challenging, especially if you don't have the right information. In this article, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to start a small-scale business in Nigeria. 

1. Conduct a Feasibility Study 

Before you start any business, you need to conduct a feasibility study to determine if the business is viable. A feasibility study will help you identify the market demand, competition, and potential challenges. You can conduct a feasibility study through market research, surveys, and interviews. 

2. Choose a Business Idea 

After conducting your feasibility study, you need to choose a business idea. Your business idea should be based on your skills, interests, and market demand. Some of the small-scale business ideas you can start in Nigeria include: 

- Catering services
- Fashion designing
- Hairdressing and barbing
- Photography
- Event planning
- Cleaning services
- Farming
- E-commerce
- Blogging 

3. Write a Business Plan 

Once you have chosen a business idea, you need to write a business plan. A business plan is a document that outlines your business goals, strategies, and financial projections. A business plan will help you secure funding, attract investors, and guide your business operations. Your business plan should include: 

- Executive summary
- Company description
- Market analysis
- Marketing and sales strategies
- Financial projections
- Management and organizational structure 

4. Register Your Business 

To operate a legal business in Nigeria, you need to register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The CAC is a government agency responsible for the registration and regulation of companies in Nigeria. To register your business with the CAC, you need to: 

- Choose a business name
- Reserve the business name
- Fill the registration form
- Pay the registration fee
- Submit the registration form and other required documents 

5. Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits 

Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain licenses and permits from relevant government agencies. Some of the licenses and permits you may need include: 

- Business permit from the local government