Estimated Cost of Building A 4 Bedroom Duplex in Nigeria (UPDATED)

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Estimated Cost of Building A 4 Bedroom Duplex in Nigeria 2020(UPDATED)

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This article emphasizes the cost of building a duplex in Nigeria. The essence of the article is to give clients insights on costs associated with construction.

So you can be well inform on building a house.

Most times, the property owner hardly knows anything going on with his/her structure other than coming to inspect its progress.

Only a few articles exist on the subject topic and rarely have details. On this article, you would get full details on the cost of building a duplex in Nigeria. 

Furthermore, you should also note that the cost calculated herein, is unique to the site used for this evaluation.

Each property possesses unique characteristics ranging from;

• Location of the property.
• Cost of building materials around the site location.
• Quality of building materials.
• Charges of professionals as it varies.

All these factors affect the cost of building a duplex in Nigeria.

The basis of this article follows the same trail with the Cost of Building a 3 Bedroom Bungalow in Nigeria that I posted earlier. 

This involves getting Documents Required For Land Purchase in Nigeria. 

Also before the construction processes, are steps needed to be taken in Building a House in Nigeria. These steps involve architects and related building engineers.

Moving forward, it may cost you more or less when building your own duplex in Nigeria as a result of the various factors listed above.

However, below is the estimated cost for a standard 4 bedroom duplex in Nigeria.

The breakdown involves the cost of the actual construction. It doesn’t include mechanical or electrical requirements, finishes and the preliminaries to the construction.

Table of Contents

• Cost of Building a Duplex in Nigeria
• Cost of Foundation
• Material Requirements for Setting-out with profiles
• Material Requirements for Digging / Excavation
• Material Requirements for Earthwork Support For Strip Foundation
• Material Requirements for Anti termite treatment of wood
• Material Requirements for Damp Proof Membrane
• Material Requirements for Concrete work / Blinding
• Material Requirements for Concrete Columns Footing (Foundation Footing)
• Material Requirements for Concrete Columns Base
• Material Requirements for Concrete Columns in Foundation
• Material Requirements for Laying Foundation Blocks
• Material Requirements for Earthwork / Backfilling
• Material Requirements for Ground Floor Slab
• Cost of Construction From Damp Proof Course (D.P.C) To Lintel Level
• Material Requirements for Columns (Ground floor to the First Floor)
• Material Requirements for Beams (Ground floor to the First Floor)
• Material Requirements and Labour for Blockwork (Ground Floor to the First Floor)
• Material Requirement for Lintel Casting
• Cost of First Floor Decking Stage
• Cost of Staircase Stage
• Cost of Roofing Duplex Stage
• Material Requirements for Roofing
• Cost of Finishing Stage
• Material Requirements for Tiling works (Ground – First floor)
• Material Requirements for Floor Screeding (Ground – First floor)
• Material Requirements for Wall Plastering (Ground – First floor)
• Material Requirements for Wall Tiling (Ground – First floor)
• Material Requirements for Screeded Backing (Ground – First floor)
• Material Requirements for Ceiling Works (First floor)
• Material Requirements for Painting (All floors)

Cost of Building a Duplex in Nigeria

Before you start to dig the earth, make sure you have all the required APPROVED documents for the construction process, viz a viz:

• Architectural drawings.
• Structural drawings.
• Mechanical drawings.
• Electrical drawings.

Some people go-ahead to break earth without some of these drawings and hope everything turns out fine. That is a wrong mentality. Please follow the right process. It helps you plan all the way.

In calculating the cost of building a duplex in Nigeria, it is advisable to breakdown the construction process into stages.

This is the norm and is actually helpful in planning your progress. For a duplex, the construction stages can be split into the following:

• Foundation.
• DPC to lintel level/ground floor Stage.
• First floor/decking stage.
• Staircase Stage.
• First-floor lintel stage.
• Roofing Stage.
• Plastering / Finishing Stage.

Cost of Foundation

This is the first stage of construction and it includes setting out, digging, concrete work, block laying, backfilling and flooring as the processes in this stage. Furthermore, the cost of this stage differs with respect to the soil condition.

Material Requirements for Setting-out with profiles

• Site clearance = NGN 22,830
• Materials for setting out = NGN 36,764.92
• Labour = NGN 68,277.72

Estimated cost of setting-out = NGN 127,872.64

Material Requirements for Digging / Excavation

• Labour = NGN 71,300

Estimated cost of digging = NGN 71,300.

Material Requirements for Earthwork Support For Strip Foundation

• 48 nos length – 1″ x 12” x 3.60m long plank @ NGN 1,200.00 each = NGN 57,600.00
• 27 nos length – 4″ x 4” x 3.60m for struting @ NGN 750.00 each = NGN 20,250.00
• 11 nos length – 2″ x 2” x 3.60m for bracing @ NGN 300.00 each = NGN 3,300.00
• Nail various Sizes (3″, 4″ & 5″ Sizes) – 1 bag @ NGN 6,750.00
• Labour for fixing Earthwork support – NGN 24,500.00

The estimated cost of Earthwork support = NGN 112,400.

Material Requirements for Anti termite treatment of wood

Some clients see this on a bill and always say they do not see the need. However, it is a necessity as regards formwork in construction.

• 8 nos – 4 litre gallon @ NGN 3,650 each = NGN 29,200.00

Estimated cost of Anti Termite treatment = NGN 29,200.

Material Requirements for Damp Proof Membrane

• 2 nos – 2 roll @ NGN 2,500 each = NGN 5,000

Estimated cost of Damp proof Membrane = NGN 5,000.

Material Requirements for Concrete work / Blinding

Blinding is used to make the soil even so as to receive the blocks or columns. It is a bed with a mixture of cement, sand, and aggregates.

• 74 bags of cement @ NGN 2,650 each = NGN 195,967.50
• 28 tonnes of sand x 2 = NGN 100,000
• 26 tonnes of Granite = NGN 100,000
• We don’t need reinforcements (Iron bars) because the soil is good, firm and dry.
• Liters of water as needed.
• Labour = NGN 36,975

Estimated cost of concrete work / Blinding = NGN 432,942.50.

Material Requirements for Concrete Columns Footing (Foundation Footing)

Our case study has 31 foundation pad footings. Hence, materials are as follows: Some cement bags here would be used for the columns as well.

• 122 bags of cement @ NGN 2,650 each = NGN 323,300
• 45 tonnes of sand @ NGN 3,500 per ton = NGN 157,500
• 42 tonnes of granite @ NGN 3,800 per ton = NGN 159,600
• Labour for casting concrete – NGN 60,900

Estimated cost of Foundation footing = NGN 701,300.

Material Requirements for Concrete Columns Base

• 96 bags of cement @ NGN 2,650 each = NGN 254,400
• 26 tonnes of sand @ NGN 3,500 per ton = NGN 91,000
• 24 tonnes of granite @ NGN 3,800 per ton = NGN 91,200
• 36 nos length – 12mm steel Reinforcements @ NGN 1,700 each = NGN 61,200
• Binding wire (25kg/roll) – NGN 2,565
• Labour for casting concrete – NGN 48,000
• Labour for Iron benders = NGN 18,600

Estimated cost of Column base = NGN 566,965.

Material Requirements for Concrete Columns in Foundation

• 10 bags of cement @ NGN 2,650 each = NGN 26,500
• 3 tonnes of sand @ NGN 3,500 per ton = NGN 10,500
• 2 tonnes of granite @ NGN 3,800 per ton = NGN 7,600
• Labour for casting concrete – NGN 5,000
• 26 nos length – 1″ x 12″ x 3.6m (Plank) @ NGN 1,200.00 each = NGN 31,200
• 1 bag (nos) Nail various Sizes (3″, 4″ & 5″ Sizes) = NGN 6,750.00
• Labour for Carpenter on formwork = NGN 14,000.00
• 15 nos length – 10mm steel Reinforcements @ NGN 1,200 each = NGN 18,000
• 16 nos length – 16mm steel Reinforcements @ NGN 3,000 each = NGN 48,000
• Binding wire (25kg/roll) – NGN 2,565
• Labour for Iron benders = NGN 19,250

Estimated cost of Columns in foundation = NGN 189,365.

Material Requirements for Laying Foundation Blocks

Using 9-inch blocks and laying 4 coaches, you will need

• 19 bags of cement @ NGN 2,650 each = NGN 50,350
• 5 tonnes of sand @ NGN 3,500 per ton = NGN 17,500
• 1180 pieces of 9-inch vibrated blocks (including 10 percent wastage) @ NGN 170 each =
• NGN 200,600
• 24 bags of cement @ NGN 2,650 each = NGN 63,600
• 10 tonnes of sand @ NGN 3,500 per ton = NGN 35,000
• 9 tonnes of granite @ NGN 3,800 per ton = NGN 34,200
• Labour for concrete filling – NGN 5,400
• Labour for blockwork = NGN 47,200

The estimated cost of laying foundation blocks = NGN 453,850.

Material Requirements for Earthwork / Backfilling

Using 9-inch blocks and laying 4 coaches, you will need

• Labour for Backfilling and removal of surplus = NGN 55,250
• 4 nos 10 tyre truck laterite filling @ NGN 15,000 per trip = NGN 60,000
• 4 nos 10 tyre truck Hardcore filling @ NGN 48,000 per trip = NGN 192,000
• Labour for laying of hardcore = NGN 40,000

Estimated cost of backfilling = NGN 347,250.

Material Requirements for Ground Floor Slab

Ground floor slab with mix ratio ( 1 : 2: 4 )

• 204 bags of Cement @ NGN 2,650 each = NGN 540,600
• 54 tons Stone dust @ NGN 3,500 per ton = NGN 190,400
• 51 tons Granite @ NGN 3,800 per ton = NGN 193,800
• Labour for casting NGN 102,000
• 12 nos length – 1″ x 12″ x 3.6m (Plank) @ NGN 1,200 each = NGN 14,400
• 1 bag (Nail various Sizes (3″, 4″ & 5″ Sizes) = NGN 6,750
• Labour Carpenter on formwork = NGN 6,300
• 7 Roll BRC Mesh Ref 142 (15m x 2.1m) @ 12,000 per roll = NGN 84,000

Estimated cost of flooring = NGN 1,138,250.

Total Estimated Cost for this stage = NGN 4,175,695.

Cost of Construction From Damp Proof Course (D.P.C) To Lintel Level

This is the next stage in the construction process and begins where the German floor ends. 

It covers the main block work including wall partitions for the various spaces in the house. The materials listed below are just estimates of what you get in a modest 3-bedroom flat.

Again, ensure you get a Bill of Quantities for your building plan as that’s the only way to know the exact material requirements for your house. This stage ends at the roof level.

Material Requirements for Columns (Ground floor to the First Floor)

Total number of columns is sixty-two (69 nos) and the Columns mix ratio (1: 2: 4)

• 80 bags of Cement @ NGN 2,650 per bag = NGN 212,000
• 21 tons Stone dust @ NGN 3,500 per ton = NGN 73,500
• 20 tons Granite @ NGN 3,800 per ton = NGN 76,000
• Labour for casting Concrete = NGN 40,000.
• 214 nos length 1″ x 12″ x 3.6m (Plank) @ NGN 1,200 = NGN 256,800
• 3 bags Nail various Sizes (3″, 4″ & 5″ Sizes) @ NGN 6,750 per bag = NGN 20,250
• Labour for Carpenter on formwork = NGN 115,500
• 130 nos length 10mm diameter @ NGN 1,185 = NGN 154,050
• 101 nos length 16mm diameter @ NGN 3,019 = NGN 304,919
• Binding Wire (25kg / roll) = NGN 19,035
• Labour for Iron benders on reinforcement = NGN 140,850

Estimated cost of concrete columns for all floors = NGN 1,412,904.

Material Requirements for Beams (Ground floor to the First Floor)

Beams mix ratio (1: 2: 4)

• 113 bags of Cement @ NGN 2,650 per bag = NGN 299,450
• 30 tons Stone dust @ NGN 3,500 per ton = NGN 105,000
• 28 tons Granite @ NGN 3,800 per ton = NGN 106,400
• Labour for casting Concrete = NGN 56,500.
• 247 nos length 1″ x 12″ x 3.6m (Plank) @ NGN 1,200 = NGN 296,400
• 641 nos length 2″ x 3″ x 3.6m (Plank) @ NGN 450 = NGN 288,450
• 257 nos length 2″ x 2″ x 3.6m (Plank) @ NGN 350 = NGN 89,950
• 3 bags Nail various Sizes (3″, 4″ & 5″ Sizes) @ NGN 6,750 per bag = NGN 20,250
• Labour for Carpenter on formwork = NGN 133,575
• 18 nos length 10mm diameter @ NGN 1,185 = NGN 21,330
• 8 nos length 20mm diameter @ NGN 4,760 = NGN 38,080
• 10 nos length 25mm diameter @ NGN 6,800 = NGN 68,000
• 2 rolls Binding Wire (25kg / roll) @ NGN 13,500 each = NGN 27,000
• Labour for Iron benders on reinforcement = NGN 113,450

Estimated cost of concrete beams for all floors = NGN 1,663,835.

Material Requirements and Labour for Blockwork (Ground Floor to the First Floor)

• 9200pcs of 9-inch stone dust vibrated blocks @ NGN 170 = NGN 1,564,000
• 38 ton of sharp sand @ NGN 3,500 per ton = NGN 133,000
• 148 bags of cement @ NGN 2,650 = NGN 392,200
• Labour = NGN 414,000

Estimated cost of block work = NGN 2,503,200.

Material Requirement for Lintel Casting

Lintel mix ratio (1: 2: 4). This cost could be reduced if you employ the use of load-bearing walls during the planning stages.

As a result, your lintel does not have to terminate at columns. However, termination of lintel at columns is safe and efficient practice.

• 42 bags of Cement @ NGN 2,650 per bag = NGN 111,300
• 11 tons stone dust @ NGN 3,500 per ton = NGN 39,200
• 11 tons Granite @ NGN 3,800 = NGN 39,900
• Labour for casting Concrete = NGN 21,000
• 86 nos length 1″ x 12″ x 3.6m (Plank) @ NGN 1,200 = NGN 103,200
• 41 nos length 2” x 3″ x 3.6m @ NGN 450 per length = NGN 18,450
• 45 nos length 2” x 2″ x 3.6m @ NGN 350 = NGN 15,750
• 1 bag Nail various Sizes (3″, 4″ & 5″ Sizes) = NGN 6,750
• Labour Carpenter on formwork = NGN 46,500
• 46 nos length 10mm diameter @ NGN 1,185 = NGN 54,510
• 48 nos length 12mm diameter @ NGN 1,670 = NGN 80,160
• Binding Wire (25kg / roll) = NGN 5,670
• Labour Iron benders on reinforcement = NGN 41,600

Estimated cost of the lintel level = NGN 583,517.50

Estimated Total Cost for this stage = NGN 6,163,456.50.

Cost of First Floor Decking Stage

For this stage, we would require the total floor area in cubic meters since there is a depth to it. The floor is 6 inches (150 mm) thick.

The total cubic meter for the used floor plan is 39.6 cubic meters. Hence, the cost of the reinforced concrete floor slab with ratio 1:2:4 is as follows:

Here you would need the following:

• Bamboo
• Cement
• Sand
• Granite
• Reinforcements
• wood

It is a long process of calculating, but….. I will give you the details.

• 104 bags of Cement @ NGN 2,650 = NGN 275,600
• 28 tons Sharp sand @ NGN 3,500.00 = NGN 98,000
• 26 tons Granite @ NGN 3,800 = NGN 98,800
• Labour for casting Concrete = NGN 52,000
• 184 nos length 1″ x 12″ x 3.6m (Plank) @ NGN 1,200 each = NGN 220,800
• 2465 nos length 2” x 3″ x 3.6m @ NGN 450 each = NGN 1,109,250
• 942 nos length 2” x 2″ x 3.6m @ NGN 350 each = NGN 329,700
• 2 bags Nail various Sizes (3″, 4″ & 5″ Sizes) @ NGN 6,750 = NGN 13,500
• Labour Carpenter on formwork = NGN 99,000
• 50 nos length 10mm diameter @ NGN 1,185 = NGN 59,250
• 81 nos 12mm diameter @ NGN 1,670 = NGN 135,270
• 1 rolls Binding Wire (25kg / roll) @ NGN 13,500 each = NGN 13,500
• Labour Iron benders on reinforcement = NGN 60,325

Estimated Total Cost for this stage = NGN 2,564,995.

Cost of Staircase Stage

For this stage, we would require the total floor area in cubic meters since there is a depth to it. The floor is 6 inches (150mm) thick.

The total cubic meter for the staircase is 3 cubic meters. Hence, the cost of the reinforced concrete floor slab with ratio 1:2:4 is as follows:

Here you would need the following:

• Cement
• Sand
• Granite
• Reinforcements
• wood

Find materials below.

• 13 bags of Cement @ NGN 2,650 each = NGN 34,344
• 3 tons Sharp sand @ NGN 3,500 = NGN 12,096
• 3 tons Granite @ NGN 3,800 = NGN 12,312
• Labour for casting Concrete = NGN 6,480
• 10 nos length 1″ x 12″ x 3.6m (Plank) @ NGN 1,200 each = NGN 12,000
• 240 nos length 2” x 3″ x 3.6m @ NGN 450 each = NGN 108,216
• 119 nos length 2” x 2″ x 3.6m @ NGN 350 each = NGN 41,616.40
• Nail various Sizes (3″, 4″ & 5″ Sizes) = NGN 742.50
• Labour Carpenter on formwork = NGN 5,400
• 31 nos length 12mm diameter @ NGN 1,670 = NGN 51,770
• Binding Wire (25kg / roll) = NGN 2,295
• Labour Iron benders on reinforcement = NGN 16,200

Estimated Total Cost for this stage = NGN 303,471.90.

Cost of Roofing Duplex Stage

The cost of roofing varies greatly with the type of roofing materials and design you choose to use.

The cost given below represents 0.45 mm thick aluminum roofing sheets. The true cost of all stages still remains that shown on the bill of quantity document.

Material Requirements for Roofing

• 320 length of 2 x 3 x 12 wood @ NGN 450 = NGN 144,000
• 45 length of 2 x 6 x 12 @ NGN 840 = NGN 38,250
• 25 length of 1 x 12 x 12 wood @ NGN 1,400 = NGN 35,000
• 1/2 bag of 2-inch nails @ NGN 5,800 = NGN 2,900
• 11/2 bags of 3-inch nails @ NGN 6,000 = NGN 9,000
• 1/2 bag of 4-inch nails @ NGN 6,500 = NGN 3,250
• Aluminium (0.45mm thick) roofing, transportation and Labour = NGN 685,900

Total Estimated Cost for the roofing stage = NGN 918,300.

Cost of Finishing Stage

This stage includes plastering, wiring, plumbing, fixing of windows, doors, tiles, and other essentials.

The cost here varies with respect to the quality of materials you use. Below is an estimate for a very modest finishing.

Material Requirements for Tiling works (Ground – First floor)

• 368 m2 – 450 x450 x10mm thick Vitrified floor tiles @ NGN 2,100 per sqm = NGN 772,800
• 1820 nos Ditto skirting tiles @ NGN 27 = NGN 49,140
• 55 bags of Cement for fixing tiles @ NGN 4,000 = NGN 220,000
• Labour Tiling = NGN 120,000

Material Requirements for Floor Screeding (Ground – First floor)

25 mm screeded bed Cement & Sand (1:4)

• 97 bags of Cement @ NGN 2,650 = NGN 257,050
• 16 tons Stone dust @ NGN 3,500 = NGN 56,000
• Labour for screeding = NGN 176,400

Material Requirements for Wall Plastering (Ground – First floor)

Plastering (wall)

13mm screeded bed Cement & Sand (1:4)

• 191 bags of Cement @ NGN 2,650 = NGN 507,104
• 20 ton Stone dust @ NGN 3,500 per ton = NGN 70,664.83
• Labour for plastering = NGN 831,005

Material Requirements for Wall Tiling (Ground – First floor)

Tiling (wall)

• 2467 nos – 200 x 300 ceramics tiles @ NGN 71 = NGN 175,157
• 26 bags of Cement for fixing tiles @ NGN 4,000.00 = NGN 104,000
• Labour for Tiling = NGN 64,750

Material Requirements for Screeded Backing (Ground – First floor)

Screeded backing (wall)

20 mm screeded bed Cement & Sand (1:6)

• 22 bags of Cement @ NGN 2,650 each = NGN 58,830.00
• 5 ton Sand @ NGN 3,500 = NGN 17,500
• Labour for screeding = NGN 64,750

Material Requirements for Ceiling Works (First floor)

• Woods for nogging, P.O.P Sheets, External wood finishing, P.V.C Boards, Tank nails, etc plus labor = NGN 450,000

Material Requirements for Painting (All floors)

• 26 drums Dulux Emulsion/texcote paint (20Litres Drum) @ NGN 18,600 per drum = NGN 483,600
• Labour for Painting = NGN 184,000

Estimated Total Cost for this stage = NGN 4,521,670.83

Grand Total

• Cost of Foundation Stage = NGN 4,175,695
• Cost of Construction (D.P.C) To Lintel Level (Ground, 1st, 2nd Floor) = NGN 6,163,456.50
• Cost of First Floor Decking Stage = NGN 2,564,995
• Estimated Cost of Staircase Stage = NGN 303,471.90
• Cost of Roofing Stage = NGN 918,300
• Cost of Finishing Stage = NGN 4,521,670.83
• Add lump sum for Electricals, Plumbing, fittings, Septic tank = NGN 5,000,000

= NGN 23,647,589.23

As you can see from the calculations, we arrived at a total cost of building a 4 bedroom duplex which is a little above NGN 23,000,000. This involves just the construction of the 4 bedroom duplex in Nigeria.

The design is a very simple one with an aesthetically conscious approach. 

It depends on the location, other locations can give you N15 million to N20 million.

If you make plans, the cost of building a duplex in Nigeria would be reduced to the barest minimum. All it takes is for you to follow the procedures laid out above.

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4 Ways to Shore Up Your Emotional Reserves During Times of Chaos In the northern hemisphere, spring is fully here; summer is just around the corner. The early tulips and daffodils have come and gone as other flowers are starting their spectacular show. This is the typical rebirth and renewal we expect at this time of year. As the ground and the flowers start to open up, so are parts of the world slowly re-opening in the age of the pandemic. Though the relaxing of restrictions are welcome, we know it may only be temporary as new information about COVID arrives on a regular basis, forcing us to adapt yet again.  This constant adaptation is challenging. The most resilient among us continually make adjustments (Guardrail #7 of Personal Disruption is Be Driven By Discovery), but that doesn't mean the constant adaptations aren't emotionally exhausting.  Relatively few of us are first responders on the overtaxed frontlines of the healthcare battle, but all of us are needed as first responders to the need for emotional support of others. The need exists in every industry and economic sector. We all need connection, and the opportunity to give and get support in the abnormal new normal of deep uncertainty and the fearful specter of a pandemic. I recently wrote an article with Amy Humble, WLJ Advisors' President, for the Harvard Business Review. In it, we share how as executive coaches we think about how to help our clients maximize mental health resources. Here are some thoughts from that article on how to shore up your mental health and deepen your own emotional reservoir: 1. Start with self-care. We can’t be of service to others if we are not functioning well ourselves. The critical starting point is to take an honest look at your own mental health temperature. How am I doing, really? What behaviors are helpful, which are not, or even detrimental? Follow-up with a plan. One of the best ways to manage through times of chaos is to anchor yourself in routine. Exercise, get enough sleep, limit bad food—the basics are critical. Do not become obsessed with the news or the stock market, unless you like emotional rollercoasters. Turning off for a while on Netflix is fine, but for long-term mental health getting your brain mentally engaged is critical. Pursue your hobbies, read, write, self-reflect, use technology to stay in touch with family and friends, whatever works for you. 2. Ask for help when you need it. And you will need it. Even the strongest leaders need support. If you don’t ask for that support, the need for it will be revealed in ways that don’t serve you. Speaking from experience, either your resent-o-meter will spike, or you will find yourself holding grudges, being unkind and ungenerous in unexpected moments — often to the people who you most care about. So, don’t hesitate to ask for help right now. This can be from partners, parents, kids, friends, clergy, and others close to us. Remember, practicing self-care doesn’t mean being self-centered. One of the best ways to lift your mood is to encourage, support, and love others. We have seen numerous examples of people helping people during this pandemic. 3.    Ask others, “How are you?” One of the biggest social niceties in which we all partake in is the exchange: “How are you?” “I’m fine.” Then we get on with business. This is especially true when most of our life is spent on Zoom meetings.  Now is the time to stop and really get an answer to that question, as nothing is routine these days. Everyone is experiencing grief, trauma, and concern and needs other people to talk to. We need to be heard. 4.    Look for the positive and say it aloud. There is something rather profound about honest praise. It can really change a person’s day and make them feel recognized. For a number of reasons - some conscious, some not — many of us are a little sparse with complements. The temptation to withhold can increase when we experience feelings of scarcity—which people are feeling right now. If you see something good, speak up. Now is the time. If you think people around you—colleagues, subordinates, superiors, friends, family— could not possibly need support from you right now, you’re likely wrong. Express appreciation, give compliments, and call out triumphs, no matter how small. If you see something good, speak up. This is not to be a Pollyanna, rather be honest about encouragement and your enthusiasm. We still have a long, hard path to get through this pandemic. But doing our best to manage the toll it takes on our mental and emotional health will make it easier to ride out the coming ups and downs. What steps are you willing to take, starting now? ***** If you enjoyed this article, here are two ways to stay in touch. Sign Up for our Growth Through Disruption emails–––a weekly dose of personal disruption read by tens of thousands of people across the globe. No spam. Just a newsletter meant to help you grow faster. Sign up here. Download this free resource on the seven guardrails of personal disruption. Visit whitneyjohnson.com/calm ***** Whitney Johnson is the founder and CEO of WLJ Advisors, a boutique consultancy that helps leaders and the people they work with become fluent in the language of growth. Whitney is one of the leading management thinkers in the world, according to Thinkers50, the author of the bestselling Build an A Team and critically-acclaimed Disrupt Yourself, both published by Harvard Business Press. She is a world-class keynote speaker, frequent lecturer for Harvard Business School's Corporate Learning and an advisor to CEOs. She is a member of the original cohort of Dr. Marshall Goldsmith's 100 Coaches, and was selected as MG100 / Thinkers50 #1 Coach on Talent. Whitney has 1.8 million followers on LinkedIn, where she was selected as a Top Voice in 2018, and her course on Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship has been viewed more than 1 million times.

How to Become an Entrepreneur

editorMay 21, 2020 1:08 Am

Are you bored with your work or have just been furloughed? Do you wish to control your own time? Do you have a dream to start a business, employ people, deliver services, and make a positive impact on society, particularly in these unprecedented times?

But do you also feel intimidated and your thoughts shrouded by these fears:

• The fear of rejection: “Your idea is too small, leave business for the geniuses.”

• The fear of inadequacy: “Who are you; you can’t do it; business is not for people with low capital and limited connections.”

• The fear of being judged: “Business is not in your family blood, don’t even start dreaming.”

• The fear of failure: “What if I run out of capital and fail?”

Well, let me assure you that entrepreneurship is a skill that can be acquired by anyone. You don’t have to be a superstar to become a businessperson.

The Journey to Becoming an Entrepreneur

The journey to entrepreneurship starts with YOU. No one is going to fight your fears for you. You must confidently confront them and be decisive as you declare: Now is the time to start my business journey. If you can, I will advise that you save up a year’s worth of your living expense and set aside some investment. This would come handy on the proverbial rainy day. Waste no time anymore. Wake up, stand up, and let your business ideas start taking a practical, tangible form. This article gives you five factors you must consider if you want to become an entrepreneur and succeed at it.

The Idea

Have you ever wondered whether the ideas that you are passionate about are too small and can’t be developed into a thriving business? Based on my personal experience, please allow me to mention that there is nothing in entrepreneurship or politics or any other field for that matter called “small idea”. Former Prime Minister of Britain, Winston Churchill, once said: “No idea is so outlandish that it should not be considered with a searching but at the same time, a steady eye.” You need a steady eye to get your evolving idea on the path to a successful business. For example, one of the world’s renowned businessman, Richard Branson started Virgin Airlines after he was stuck at an airport in Puerto Rico on his way to the Virgin Islands. With fewer passengers going to that destination, the flight was cancelled. This inconvenience birthed a business idea in Richard Branson’s mind. He saw an opportunity to start an airline that would also fly to the Virgin Islands. Thus the birth of Virgin Airlines. So, never underestimate the power of your ideas, especially when inspired by life experiences/problems. Any well-thought-out business idea that addresses societal issues, fine-tuned value proposition, clearly stated unique selling points and spiced up with focus and determination could produce impressive results.

The Starting Point

Just imagine: after she gives birth, a new mother has no parenting manual. How does she begin taking care of her child? She starts by trying, fumbling, and learning along the way. The same goes for starting a business. The best way is not to shun the emerging idea but to start, fall, rise, and from the lessons learned, become better. Your aim should be to establish a venture even when you don’t have all the components at a go. The best way to start is by selling your idea to people that you trust to support you. Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, had no cash and no clients when he established Apple. What he did next is a beautiful example you can learn from:

a) He persuaded a local computer shop with payment on delivery to order his non-existent Apple computers.

b) Using the order he just got as evidence that he could pay, Steve jobs persuaded a dealer in computer parts to sell him the components he required to start his work.

c) Jobs and a small team worked on building the first Apple PCs in their garage, delivering them on time and making a smooth profit.

d) Apple had been born out of nothing.

One could contend that the complex, volatile, and ambiguous socioeconomic environment in Nigeria may make it almost impossible for a Steve Job to succeed in Nigeria. Nevertheless, there are still many Femis, Ngozis and Razaqs today who are doing well in their business in the nation.

Scale the Heights

Keep in mind that no business can develop on an indefinite basis. Most companies are more effective in different sizes and stages of the firm. For example, if you desire to establish a big food business, you may realize that starting a four-person restaurant is relatively easier. However, building a large-scale catering business may be more difficult. If your long-term goal is to be big, your strategy could be to start small, then expand later.

Seek help

Build a team even if it means having freelance accountant, human resource advisors, sales personnel and IT consultants, some of whom may come free from peers, friends and family. Get an advisory board-This would be a group of experienced non-competing professionals who can help with; ideas, challenging assumptions and make you accountable, shape strategy, motivate and share contacts.

… And Finally

Skill and tenacity are significant factors that will help you drive safely on the journey of entrepreneurship. To build the requisite skills, you need to come up with a continuous personal development plan. This personal development plan would entail an honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses as well as how to leverage your strengths to address your limitations. A development plan of how to improve, for example, your conceptual, digital, communication or networking skills should have a timeline, say six months, and a to-do list. For instance, in the next six months, you may need to read more, watch more relevant videos, attend some training and look for a mentor. Here are eleven areas that you could consider setting up a business: 1. Telemedicine 2. IT 3. Health care, 4. Education 5. Renewable energy 6. Supply chain 7. Arts & Entertainment 8. Security 9. Fashion 10. Agricultural value chain 11.Fin Tech. Good luck!

Abubakre (PhD) is a British-based entrepreneur with an unparalleled passion for Africa, Academic, and Director with active links and engagement with Africa. He is on the advisory board of the London Business School Africa Society, lectures in a top 15 UK university and founded TEXEM, UK a consultancy firm ten years ago which has trained over 4,000 executives in the UK and Africa. In 2010, Alim was selected as one of the top 100 Virgin Media emerging entrepreneurs in the UK and accompanied London’s Lord Mayor on his entourage to Nigeria in 2015.