Story Source @ Nairaland:
In a time when many Nigerians are struggling to start a business due to high inflation and a tough economy, one young man in Warri found a way to break into the cooking gas market, starting with just ₦500,000. His story is not only inspiring, but also proof that with the right planning, small capital can go a long way.
Meet Sonnobax15, the Young Gas Entrepreneur
Sonnobax15, 31, had just left his job as a Keke napep raider in early 2025. With no other steady income, he began searching for a small business he could start that would serve his community and still bring in daily cash. One day while waiting to refill his gas cylinder, he noticed how busy the gas shop was.
"3 years+ it has been since I got my first Keke via a higher purchase.....Glory be to God almighty that I was able to pay back every dime which was attached to it and it actually became mine...... unfortunately, last year, I sold it off due to numerous engine problems angry. And the sad part was when I got into series of troubles after going for another one angry. From police cases to other problems but thank God I was able to scale through all of them at last".
"But now, I think I'm indeed fed up with the transportation life angry. Fed up with the lots of fights from agberos......And I'm so fed up engaging with different task force parading themselves as government officials....And also fed up with passengers who find pleasure in hawking their anger issues, looking for who to channel their frustrations in life on angry....infact, I've sold the Keke and I just want to put all my resources and effort into my business.."
That moment sparked an idea: why not start a mini cooking gas shop?
"I then started a gas refill, charging of phones and selling of phone accessories....+ Selling of Cold drinks...."
Starting Small With What He Saved Up
Sonnobax15 didn’t waste time. He began his research immediately. Instead of rushing to open a big gas plant, he chose to start as a small retail gas seller. He spoke to several cylinder-to-cylinder resellers in Warri, who advised him on where to buy equipment, how to register his business, and how to stay safe.
With ₦500,000, Sonnobax15 bought:
• A digital weighing scales
• A refill hose and nozzle
• A secondhand 50kg cylinder
• And bout worth of cooking gas from a wholesale supplier
• A small space rent in his area in Warri.
He spent the rest of the money on business registration, a fire extinguisher, and a simple “Gas Available” signboard.
Business Grew Through Word of Mouth
In the first week, only a few customers came. But by the third week, as people started noticing his honesty with weighing and steady supply, Sonnobax15 began refilling more than 12 cylinders per day.
He focused on staying transparent. “I always let customers see the scale reading before and after,” he said. “That alone made many return.”
He also used business cards posts to attract nearby customers. Some of his old friends from his former workplace started buying from him too.
Challenges and Growth
His biggest challenge in the early days was gas supply. Many wholesalers often changed prices suddenly or delayed delivery. Sonnobax15 later partnered with a more reliable distributor who gave him gas on credit and weekly payment.
By July 2025, just six months after starting, Sonnobax15 had made enough profit to add three more 50kg cylinders, bought another refill hose, and was selling to over 20 customers weekly. He even trained a cousin to help during peak hours.
Advice for Anyone Wanting to Start
Sonnobax15 advice is simple: “Don’t wait to have millions. Start small, even if it’s just selling with one big cylinder. Learn the safety rules, be honest, and build trust. You’ll grow.”
His story shows that even in a tough economy, it’s still possible to start something meaningful. With as little as ₦500,000 and the right mindset, a person can build a business that feeds families and creates hope.
Have you seen a similar small gas shop around your area? That might just be someone’s Sonnobax15 in the making.