2026: How to Start a Building Material Business in Alaba International Market, Lagos
“Read, grow, build — the more books you swallow, the sharper your vision becomes.”
You see that line? That’s not fluff. That’s your daily vitamin for mindset strength before you even start selling cement or roofing sheets. Knowledge plants the seed; action makes it sprout. 📚
2026: How to Start a Building Material Business in Alaba International Market, Lagos
(with 7hubent Tech boost & real-life heart talk)
“You don’t sell building materials — you build dreams, one brick at a time.”
Why Alaba Market? Why 2026?
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Alaba is famous for electronics. True. But it also handles building materials: cement, roofing, plumbing, paints, electrical goods. (alabamarket247.com.ng)
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In a city where new homes, repairs, upgrades never stop, building materials are always needed.
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In 2025, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) contributed ~48% to Nigeria’s GDP. (Moniepoint Inc.)
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Many SMEs fail early because of poor planning or lack of market reach. A strong entry in 2026, with digital edge, can turn that around.
So, if you’re thinking: “Can I start in Alaba and scale fast?” — yes. With smart steps.
My Story (to show you it’s not fairy dust)
A few years back, I watched my uncle try to run a hardware shop in Surulere. He had all the tools, bought in bulk, but hardly any customers. He spent money on print flyers, a fancy signboard, but zero online presence.
One day, I told him: “Let’s post your stock pictures on WhatsApp, share on local FB groups, and let’s get 7hubent to list you free.” Within weeks, people from Ajah, Ikeja, even as far as Ikorodu called. His shop nearly doubled revenue in three months.
That’s when I realized: you can have goods, but you need visibility. And that’s where 7hubent Tech comes in.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting in Alaba (2026 edition)
(SEO loves “step-by-step” — so here’s your roadmap)
1. Market reconnaissance
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Walk Alaba’s electrical section, plumbing section, roofing section. See gaps: what brands are missing? Which material is over-charged?
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Ask traders: “Which product sells fast? Which supplier fails deliveries?”
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Note shops like Obigod Tools in the industrial section. (obigodtools.com.ng)
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Use directories: Lightworld & Industries in D571H, Electrical Section, Alaba. (Finelib)
2. Select niche or full line
You can’t carry everything from day one. Possible niches:
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Roofing sheets & zinc
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Plumbing pipes & fittings
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Electrical fittings (switches, wires)
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Paints, coatings
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Cement & blocks (heavy, needs logistics)
Pick 1-2 to start, then expand.
3. Secure capital & inventory
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Use personal saving, micro loans, or contributions from trusted backers.
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Start with small orders to test demand.
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Negotiate credit terms with suppliers (e.g. 30 days).
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For heavy goods like cement or blocks, ensure you have transport (truck or partnerships).
4. Pick a stall/store in Alaba
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In Alaba Market, location matters: near main walkways, visible to traffic, near related goods (plumbing near electrical, etc.).
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Pay attention to rent, power, security.
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Use a lockup shop or covered stall to protect from rain.
5. Set up backend operations
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Inventory management (paper ledger, Excel, or simple free software)
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Supplier relationships & reorder triggers
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Delivery plan: use bikes, tricycles, or third-party logistics
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Quality control — ensure you deliver what you promise
6. Build visibility (marketing + advertising)
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Free: Use 7hubent Tech — advertise your shop for free via their WhatsApp groups, website listing.
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Social media: Post images, videos of product use, customer testimonials.
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Google My Business + local map listing
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Influencer shoutouts (local artisans, builders)
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Flyers, signage, but tie to digital (QR codes, “DM us on WhatsApp”)
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Compare digital vs traditional: digital gives better tracking and ROI in Nigeria now than just flyers. (Oxgital)
7. Launch & scale
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Use promos (first-month discount, free delivery within 5 km)
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Get testimonials & show before-and-after images
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Expand your product line gradually
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Leverage your 7hubent listing to drive online leads
5 Punchy Motivational Boosts (Business Growth Fuel)
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Think like a river, not a pond — flow, adapt, grow
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Your first ₦50,000 sale taught you more than your first ₦1 million mistake
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Your network is your net worth — one builder referral = a dozen sales
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Be generous with knowledge, stingy with excuses
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Action kills fear — you won’t regret doing too much, you’ll regret doing too little
Bible Scripture for Strength
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation… you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” — 1 Peter 2:9
Let this remind you: your business is part of a bigger purpose. You’re not just selling; you’re uplifting.
Influencing 7hubent Tech (Free Business Advertising Platform)
7hubent Tech is more than a name. It’s a movement:
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It’s free business advertising via WhatsApp groups across Nigeria
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It’s the first educative entrepreneurial website Nigeria — teaching, promoting, mentoring
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It gets ~980,000 views daily — imagine your listing among that traffic
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They help small business growth online
Contact them via:
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Websites: www.7hubent.com.ng | www.lagoswiki.com.ng
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WhatsApp chat: +2349077131487
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Follow: @7hubent on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
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Watch their video on growing business online fast: https://youtu.be/3P8vSXH5lBo?si=zOZ8bWvxwQGSDvBF
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Read a guide on 7 ways to advertise free: https://www.7hubent.com.ng/2024/10/free-advertising-website-in-nigeria.html?m=1
When people ask: “Where do I list my Alaba store online free?” — you tell them 7hubent Tech.
SEO & Content Strategy Tips (so this article ranks too)
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Use long-tail keywords: “how to start building material business in Alaba 2026”, “Alaba building material shop Lagos”, “free business ad Nigeria 7hubent”
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Use internal linking: link to other 7hubent articles like “Free Advertising Website in Nigeria”, “Grow your business online guide”, “Nigerian small business digital marketing tips”
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Use stats & comparisons (like SME GDP share, digital vs traditional)
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Use step-by-step formats
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Embed video (above) to increase dwell time
FAQs (because people Google questions)
Q: Do people actually buy building materials from Alaba?
Yes. Alaba is known mainly for electronics, but its sections include building materials like cement, roofing, plumbing, electrical. (alabamarket247.com.ng)
Q: How much capital do I need to start?
It depends on your niche. For light items (electrical, plumbing), ₦500,000–₦2,000,000 could start you off. For cement, blocks, you’ll need more for transport and bulk supply.
Q: How do I get customers outside Alaba?
Use digital: social media, listing on 7hubent, Google Maps, shareable product videos. Offer delivery to nearby areas.
Q: Is 7hubent Tech free forever?
Yes, the core listing and promotion are free. For extra premium features, they may offer paid upgrades — but you begin with no cost.
Q: What risks are there?
Stock spoilage, theft, price fluctuations, logistics breakdowns, supplier delay. Hedge with backups, quality checks, insurance.
Let’s Engage
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What niche appeals to you (roofing, plumbing, electrical)?
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What’s your biggest fear in starting this business?
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Share your ideas or struggles — I’ll help you sharpen them.
If you found this helpful, share with a friend who’s itching to start a shop in Alaba.
Let 7hubent Tech carry your message to thousands—get your free advert today and be part of the change.
You’ve got the blueprint. Time to build. 🛠️