Many Nigerians who want to start growing food hydroponically assume they need millions of naira and a large space. Neither is true. A functional 48-plant NFT system that produces lettuce every 21 days costs under ₦50,000 to build and fits on a 4 sqm balcony or shaded rooftop.
This guide covers exactly what to buy, where to buy it, how to assemble the system, and what to grow first. All prices are 2025 estimates from Nigerian markets.
What is an NFT system?
NFT stands for Nutrient Film Technique. The system pumps a thin, continuous film of nutrient-rich water through slightly sloped channels. Plant roots sit partly inside these channels. The roots absorb water and nutrients as the film flows past. The water drains back into a reservoir tank and the pump recirculates it.
NFT works well for lettuce, basil, scent leaf, kale, and other leafy crops. It is not suited to tomatoes or other fruiting crops when starting out, because those plants are heavier and need more structural support.
What you will need
Below is a materials list for a 48-plant NFT system, with rough Nigerian market prices as of mid-2025. Prices vary by location and supplier.
Materials list (48-plant NFT system)
| Item | Quantity | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| PVC pipes (75mm diameter, 1.5m length) | 6 pieces | ₦3,600 |
| Plastic reservoir tank (100 litres) | 1 | ₦4,500 |
| Submersible water pump (300–500 L/hr) | 1 | ₦6,000 |
| Plastic net pots (5cm, pack of 100) | 1 pack | ₦2,500 |
| Expanded clay pebbles (5 litres) | 1 bag | ₦3,800 |
| Hydroponic nutrient solution (A+B, 500ml each) | 1 set | ₦7,500 |
| pH test kit or digital pH pen | 1 | ₦4,000 |
| PVC fittings, hosepipe, and connectors | assorted | ₦5,500 |
| Shade net (50%, 2m x 3m) | 1 piece | ₦4,200 |
| Seedling trays and growing plugs | 2 trays | ₦3,000 |
| Lettuce seeds (2 varieties) | 2 packs | ₦2,400 |
| Total | ≈ ₦47,000 |
Prices sourced from Lagos and Enugu markets, June 2025. Local prices vary by 10–20%.
Where to buy in Nigeria
Lagos has the widest selection of hydroponic materials. The Trade Fair Complex in Ojo and agricultural input shops along Lagos-Badagry Expressway stock most items. In Abuja, look at Wuse Market and specialist agro-input dealers in Kubwa. In Enugu, the main market and agro-input stores along Ogui Road carry basic components.
For nutrients specifically, ask for "hydroponic nutrients" or "grow nutrients A and B." If the seller does not understand, try searching for suppliers on Jumia or contacting us for a current supplier list.
How to set up the system
What to grow first
Start with lettuce. It grows in 21 to 28 days, is forgiving of minor pH errors, and sells consistently in Nigerian urban markets, restaurants, and fast-food outlets. Butterhead and Romaine varieties are in the most demand.
Once you are comfortable managing the system, add basil or scent leaf to a second channel. Herbs produce higher income per kilogram than lettuce and the demand in Lagos and Abuja restaurants is growing.
Avoid tomatoes or peppers on your first system. They take 60 to 90 days, need more support, and are much less forgiving of nutrient imbalances when you are still learning the system.
Expected income from a 48-plant system
One lettuce head harvested in Lagos markets at ₦500 to ₦800. A 48-plant system producing two to three cycles per month gives 96 to 144 heads monthly. At ₦600 average, that is between ₦57,600 and ₦86,400 per month in gross revenue.
Monthly running costs — nutrients, electricity for the pump, water top-up — run between ₦8,000 and ₦12,000. Net income on a single 48-plant system falls between ₦45,000 and ₦74,000 per month once established.
Most clients recover their initial ₦50,000 setup cost within the second or third harvest cycle.
Common mistakes to avoid
Ignoring pH. This is the single most common cause of crop failure in beginner hydroponic systems. Roots cannot absorb nutrients properly outside the 5.8 to 6.5 pH range. Check it every two to three days, not weekly.
Running the pump on a timer. NFT roots dry out within a few hours without water flow. Run your pump continuously, 24 hours a day. If you are worried about power cuts, keep a 12V backup battery and a small 12V pump as insurance.
Overcrowding plants. Space lettuce 15cm apart minimum. Crowded plants shade each other and produce smaller heads.
Using tap water without checking it. Some Nigerian city water has very high chlorine or a pH above 7.5. Let tap water sit uncovered for 24 hours before use, or use a filter. Check pH before mixing nutrients.
Want a design built specifically for your space?
Our Starter Package includes a full system design, shopping list with current prices, and a nutrient management schedule specific to your crop and location. Book a free call first and we will tell you whether the package is right for you.