☰ 🔍
Menu ×
×
From Lagos to Kuala Lumpur: Here are what Malaysian need everyday but are very affordable in Nigeria

From Lagos to Kuala Lumpur: Here are what Malaysian need everyday but are very affordable in Nigeria

Home › From Lagos to Kuala Lumpur: Here are what Malaysian need everyday but are very affordable in Nigeria
Ankara exportation can be profitable business.
Akara export can be a lucrative Business.
6yards for $1 can your $1 to $10


From Lagos to Kuala Lumpur: Everyday Items Malaysians Need But Are Shockingly Affordable in Nigeria

What if the things you buy every week in KL were 5–10 times cheaper just a 12-hour flight away?

Hey, fellow Malaysians! If you’ve ever complained about the price of coconut oil, fabric for your next baju raya, or even pure cocoa powder for your kuih, this post is for you.

I recently spent three weeks in Lagos, Nigeria — not as a tourist, but sourcing products for my small business. What I discovered blew my mind: many everyday essentials we pay premium prices for in Malaysia are dirt-cheap and often higher quality in West Africa’s giant. Here’s the list that had me filling an extra suitcase.

1. 100% Pure Shea Butter (Mentega Karite)

In Kuala Lumpur, a 250g jar of raw, unrefined shea butter easily costs RM60–RM120. In Lagos’ Lekki or Balogun Market? ₦4,500–₦7,000 — that’s around RM12–RM19 for the exact same grade (sometimes even better, Grade A from northern Nigeria or Ghana).

Malaysian beauty brands love rebranding this as “premium West African shea.” Guess where they quietly source it from? 😉

→ Check current shea butter prices in the US (similar wholesale rates): Shea Butter USA

2. Hand-Beaten African Black Soap (Sabun Hitam Africa)

That small 150g bar sold for RM35–RM55 at organic shops in Bangsar? In Nigeria it’s ₦1,000–₦1,500 (~RM3–RM5). Locals call it ose dudu (Yoruba) or sabo mai alura (Hausa). Zero packaging, zero middlemen, zero inflated prices.

3. Ankara & Aso-Oke Fabric



Yes, we have batik and songket, but Ankara prints have taken Malaysia by storm for kaftans, headwraps, and modern kurung. In Malaysia, 6 yards cost RM120–RM250. In Lagos or Onitsha Main Market? ₦7,000–₦15,000 for premium Dutch wax or Nigerian-made (~RM19–RM40).

→ See the latest Ankara collections shipped worldwide: Vlisco (official site)

4. Raw Cocoa Powder & Cocoa Butter

Nigeria is the world’s 4th largest cocoa producer, yet we pay “imported” prices in KL. 1kg of pure, non-alkalized cocoa powder in Lagos: ~₦12,000 (~RM32). In Malaysia? RM90–RM180 for the same thing, sometimes even re-exported from Côte d’Ivoire via Europe.

→ Compare US retail prices: Terrasoul Superfoods

5. Palm Oil (MinYak Masak Merah)

Nigerian red oil on a stainless steel plate.
Nigerian red oil.


We argue about rising cooking oil prices every year. A 25-litre jerrycan of rich, red palm oil in Nigeria costs ₦28,000–₦35,000 (~RM75–RM95). In Malaysia right now? Easily RM180–RM220 for lesser quality.

6. Black Soap Shampoo Base & Liquid Black Soap

Local Malaysian brands sell 1 litre for RM80–RM140. Direct from Alaba or Idumota market in Lagos: ₦9,000–₦14,000 per litre (~RM24–RM38).

7. Pure Honey (Madu Tualang-grade quality)

Northern Nigerian honey from states like Adamawa or Sokoto rivals our Tualang in potency and darkness. 1 litre costs ₦10,000–₦15,000 (~RM27–RM40) vs RM120–RM200 in Malaysia.

So… should you book a flight tomorrow?

Not quite (unless you’re starting an import side hustle 😉). But for small business owners, beauty formulators, or anyone tired of crazy markups, Nigeria is the sleeping giant most Malaysian entrepreneurs haven’t discovered yet.

Pro tip: Work with trusted local exporters or join Nigerian trade groups on WhatsApp — many ship 20–100kg boxes to Port Klang for RM20–RM30 per kg. The math still works even after shipping and SST.

Have you ever imported anything from West Africa? Drop your experience in the comments — I’d love to hear!

Selamat mencuba & jimat cermat!
Aisha
small-business-247.blogspot.com


£/$

Drop a Token, Ignite Our Mission!

A token from you keeps our platform thriving—free, bold, and packed with the content you love. Don’t bounce now! Support us with a single click and fuel creativity, knowledge, and community.

Donate Now!
Posted on Monday, December 01, 2025