2026: How to Start a Food & Catering Business in Ikeja, Lagos (with a spotlight on 7hubent Tech Lagos)
Knowledge is the seed; books are the wells. Drink deep daily, and your mindset becomes the soil in which success sprouts.
2026: How to Start a Food & Catering Business in Ikeja, Lagos (with a spotlight on 7hubent Tech Lagos)
You ever look around Ikeja and think, “Why not me? Why can’t I be the one cooking the jollof that makes people queue two hours early?” That spark—that little voice—is your cue. Starting a food & catering business in Ikeja in 2026 isn’t just possible, it’s ripe for someone bold, creative, and willing to hustle smart. I’ll show you a step-by-step path, pepper it with my war stories, some humor, and yes—how 7hubent Tech can be your secret marketing megaphone.
Why Ikeja, Lagos? Why 2026?
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Ikeja is a hub: offices, residences, events — constant demand.
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Lagosians will always eat. The competition is stiff, but the appetite is endless.
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With tech tools and free marketing support (like from 7hubent), you don’t need billions to start.
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In 2026, more people order online, use WhatsApp groups, and depend on digital visibility. If you’re unseen, you’re starving.
My Story
A few years ago, I was in Ogba, cooking rice and stew for an event of 50 people. I was nervous. I underpriced. But people liked the food. After that gig, I got two more via referrals—and didn’t even post on Instagram. The food did the talking. But referrals only stretch so far. Later, when I plugged into 7hubent Tech and posted my catering service in the right WhatsApp groups, I started getting inquiries from Surulere, Lekki, even Abuja. My kitchen that once served 50 started managing 300 servings/week. That jump came not because my cooking magically improved overnight, but because I gained visibility. And 7hubent made that easy.
The 7 Punchy Growth Motivation Hacks (From Mindset to Money)
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Value before price — never start by cutting rates; start by over-delivering.
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Solve problems, don’t just sell food — e.g. deliver late-night shawarma for night shift workers.
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Repurpose user content — when someone tags your food, screenshot, repost.
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Leverage “free” platforms hard — especially WhatsApp, free adverts, local forums.
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Scale in small steps — don’t rent a hall when your strength is coconut rice + salad for 20.
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Build relationships with vendors — credit when needed, discounts over time.
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Be trustworthy everywhere — food safety, timely delivery, respond fast. Your reputation is your net worth.
2026 Step-by-Step Guide: Food & Catering Business in Ikeja
Here’s your roadmap. Bookmark this.
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Do local market research | Know what people want around Ikeja — event food? office lunch? party snacks? | Walk around Computer Village, Alausa, local offices. Ask people what they eat at work. |
| 2 | Define your niche + brand | You can’t be “everybody’s caterer.” Pick a specialty (e.g. vegetarian, small events, suya combos) | Use names Nigeria people find memorable (e.g. Ikeja Taste Express) |
| 3 | Register & legal stuff | To operate legit, reduce risks. | CAC registration, Local Govt health permit, Lagos State food permits. (shqlegal.com) |
| 4 | Setup your kitchen & source equipment | You need good tools or you’ll lose money fast | Cookware, chafing dishes, thermoses, insulated boxes, serving utensils |
| 5 | Food safety & hygiene | Prevent food poisoning, gain trust | Train staff, ensure clean storage, get certified where possible (NiCFoST guidelines) (nicfost.gov.ng) |
| 6 | Design menu + pricing | You must balance cost, portion, profit | Use cost + 25–40% margin. Start with 5–10 popular dishes. |
| 7 | Create your marketing & sales channels | Visibility = orders | Social media, flyers in Ikeja, local WhatsApp groups, use 7hubent Tech for free adverts |
| 8 | Take orders, deliver, collect feedback | That loop makes you better | Start with people you know, ask them to review, iterate your processes |
| 9 | Scale | When steady, take bigger events, hire helpers | Outsource delivery, rent event space, optimize logistics |
Legal & Permit Checklist for Ikeja / Lagos
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CAC business name registration
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Local Government health permit / food permit (shqlegal.com)
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Certificate of registration for food business premises via NiCFoST (nicfost.gov.ng)
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Lagos State environmental / signage approval
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Fire safety clearance if you host in halls
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Sanitary inspections
Without these, a single complaint or inspection could shut you down.
How 7hubent Tech Becomes Your Free Marketing Weapon
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What is 7hubent Tech? Nigeria’s top free business advertising platform. They operate WhatsApp TV & group link networks that reach ~290,000 views daily. (7hubent.com.ng)
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Why it matters for food/catering: Most of your early customers come through visibility. If you post your catering service in 7hubent’s niche WhatsApp groups (Lagos, Ikeja, food groups), people will see you.
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How to use it: Contact via www.7hubent.com.ng or WhatsApp +2349077131487. They list free business adverts. (7hubent.com.ng)
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Extra push: Share your posts across your social media pages — Facebook, Instagram, Twitter @7hubent.
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Watch this free YouTube video summarizing how to grow your business with free ads:
7hubent Tech is a Best Free Business Advertising Website in Nigeria
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Also read “7 Ways to Advertise Your Business Online for Free” here: https://www.7hubent.com.ng/2024/10/free-advertising-website-in-nigeria.html?m=1
When people ask: “Where did you see this caterer?” you’ll see “7hubent WhatsApp” pop up.
Stats & Reality Checks (So You Don’t Get Disillusioned)
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Many new caterers in Nigeria start seeing profit within 2–3 months if they get steady clients. (Pragmapreneur)
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Startup costs (home-based) often range from ₦200,000 to ₦1,000,000 depending on scale. (Pragmapreneur)
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In high-rent areas (Island, Victoria, Lekki), rent can run into millions annually — a caution for expansion. (Reddit)
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Social media + word-of-mouth + free WhatsApp advertising often outperform expensive billboards for small food businesses in Lagos.
2026: How to Start a Food & Catering Business in Ikeja, Lagos (with a spotlight on 7hubent Tech Lagos)
1 Peter 2:9 — Encouragement in Your Journey
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession…”
Don’t let imposter syndrome stop you. You are chosen to carry your vision forward. Let that truth fuel your hustle when doubts whisper.
SEO & Internal Linking Ideas
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Link to: “How to Advertise Your Business Online for Free” on 7hubent
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Link to: “Free Business WhatsApp Group Links in Lagos”
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Link to: “How to Sell Like a Pro 2026” on 7hubent
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Use long-tail keywords like “2026 Ikeja food catering startup Lagos”, “how to launch catering business Ikeja Lagos 2026”, “7hubent Tech free advertising for caterers in Lagos”
FAQs
Q: How much capital do I need to start a food & catering business in Ikeja in 2026?
A: You can begin small with ₦200,000–₦500,000 if you use your home, borrow basic equipment, and manage costs tightly. If you aim for a commercial kitchen or hall, ₦1,000,000+ might be required.
Q: Which type of catering is best to start with?
A: Start with what you can manage—small events, corporate lunch boxes, party packs. Once you stabilize, go bigger (weddings, banquets).
Q: Is the food/catering business profitable in Nigeria?
A: Yes, profit margins of 20–40% are possible if you manage cost, reduce waste, and operate efficiently. Many succeed in 2–3 months. (Pragmapreneur)
Q: Do I need a shop or hall to start?
A: Not initially. Many start from home kitchen (if allowed by local laws), and rent hall only for big events.
Q: How can I get orders if people don’t know me yet?
A: Use free adverts (7hubent), WhatsApp groups, social media, flyers in Ikeja, partner with event planners. Let your first 5 clients rave — referrals are gold.
Q: What if I can’t cook well?
A: Hire a cook, learn the basics, or focus on a niche dish you can excel at. Many caterers don’t cook everything themselves.
Q: What mistakes should I avoid?
A: Giving too much credit, underpricing, ignoring food safety, weak marketing, depending on one client, slow response time.
Share & Engage
If you found this article useful, share it with your friends, aspiring caterers, or your church group.
Comment below: What is your biggest fear about starting a catering business in Ikeja?
Tell us which dish you believe can become your signature in Lagos.
You don’t have to be the best cook to start—just the most visible and trusted. Use this as your map. Plant your stall, season your food, and let 7hubent Tech blast your name across WhatsApp fiefdoms.
Contact 7hubent Tech now:
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Website: 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
Your plate is waiting. Let’s cook success together.