In a country where the informal sector drives the economy, Nigerian entrepreneur and talent manager Ubi Franklin has dropped a bombshell investment tip that could turn ordinary investors into billionaires. His secret? Investing in the unbanked, specifically the thousands of small food vendors, popularly known as “Mama Put,” who serve millions of Nigerians daily.
The Power of the Unbanked
According to Franklin, the sheer volume of cash moving through the unbanked sector is a goldmine waiting to be tapped. He suggests that by providing daily working capital to food vendors in busy areas like motor parks, an investor can see returns that far outpace traditional banking or stock market investments. “The money in the unbanked is a lot,” Franklin noted, highlighting a segment of the economy that many formal investors overlook.
The ₦50,000 Model
Franklin illustrated a simple but powerful model: give a vendor ₦50,000 as capital for their daily cooking. With the high turnover in populated areas, these vendors can generate substantial daily revenue. By taking a fixed portion of the proceeds and reinvesting the capital for the next day, an investor could potentially scale this to hundreds of vendors. Franklin calculated that investing in just 100 vendors could lead to an annual return of over ₦1.8 billion.
While this model is hypothetical, it underscores the importance of supporting local businesses. Just as the government is working to boost staffing in Federal Unity Colleges, private investors can play a role in boosting the informal economy. For those looking for more entrepreneurial inspiration, explore our lifestyle and business features on naira.blog.
Conclusion
Ubi Franklin’s advice is a call to look beyond the “big” industries and see the potential in the everyday hustle of Nigerians. While actual returns would depend on location and management, the message is clear: there is wealth in the streets if you know where to look. For more tips on thriving in Nigeria, stay connected with naira.blog: Nigeria News & Trends.



