You’ve just completed a complex 8-camera IP installation for a client in Lekki. The system works perfectly, the remote view is crystal clear, but when you look at your profit after paying for the NVR, cameras, and your transport for three days, you realise you’ve barely made minimum wage. Sound familiar? In Nigeria's rapidly growing security market, knowing how to install CCTV is only half the battle; knowing how to price your services profitably is what separates a struggling technician from a thriving business owner.
This guide provides a complete breakdown of how to calculate profitable prices for your CCTV installation services in Nigeria. We'll cover everything from costing equipment and labour to researching market rates and using modern tools to secure your payments.
To set a price that keeps your business running, you must first understand and calculate all your costs accurately. Pricing based on guesswork or just "what feels right" is a direct route to 'sapa' and frustration. Your final quote to a client should be a well-calculated figure that covers your expenses and pays you for your expertise.
Here’s a breakdown of the essential costs you must factor in:
Researching what your competitors charge is crucial for positioning your business effectively. You don't want to be so expensive that you scare clients away, but you definitely don't want to be the cheapest guy who can't afford to deliver quality. Remember, pricing for a job in Maitama, Abuja, will be different from a job in Aba.
Here’s a simple, step-by-step process for researching the market:
Instead of creating a custom quote from scratch every single time, you can streamline your process by offering tiered packages. This approach makes it easier for clients to understand their options and often encourages them to choose a more comprehensive (and profitable) package. It makes you look more professional and organized.
Here’s an example of what your packages could look like:
| Package Tier | Description | Ideal For | Estimated Price (Installation Included) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (Bronze) | 4 x 2MP Analogue HD Cameras, 4-Channel DVR, 1TB HDD, basic remote viewing setup on one device. | Small shops, residential apartments, small businesses. | ₦180,000 - ₦250,000 |
| Standard (Silver) | 8 x 4MP IP Cameras (better quality), 8-Channel NVR, 2TB HDD, professional remote view setup on multiple devices, mobile app configuration. | Medium-sized offices, duplexes, restaurants, supermarkets. | ₦400,000 - ₦650,000 |
| Premium (Gold) | 16 x 5MP+ IP Cameras with advanced features (night vision, audio, PTZ), 16-Channel NVR, 4TB+ HDD, integration with other security systems. | Warehouses, hotels, residential estates, high-net-worth individuals. | ₦900,000+ |
When you send your quote, you can easily create and send professional invoices for these packages using the TrustAm app. It allows you to itemize everything, so the client knows exactly what they are paying for, which builds immense trust.
Knowing your numbers is one thing; communicating them confidently and ensuring you get paid on time is another. Many great technicians struggle with this part. They do excellent work but get burned by clients who delay payment or start making excuses after the job is complete.
Here is your new, stress-free process for quoting and getting paid:
Stop struggling to find clients and chasing payments. List your CCTV installation business on TrustAm for free, get discovered by thousands of users in your city, and use our escrow system to guarantee you get paid for every single job.
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The average cost for a standard 4-camera analogue HD CCTV installation in Nigeria in 2026 ranges from ₦180,000 to ₦250,000. This price includes the cameras, DVR, 1TB hard drive, cabling, and labour. Prices can be higher in cities like Lagos and Abuja and will increase if you use higher-resolution IP cameras.
It's best to charge a flat fee for the entire project, broken down into packages (e.g., 4-camera package, 8-camera package). This is simpler for the client to understand than a per-camera cost. Your flat fee should be calculated based on your total equipment cost, estimated labour days, and your desired profit margin.
While it might seem easier, it's often problematic. You cannot guarantee the quality of their equipment, and if a fault develops, they will likely blame your installation. It's best to politely insist on supplying the equipment yourself to ensure compatibility and quality. If you must install their equipment, make sure your invoice clearly states that you provide no warranty on hardware supplied by the client.
The most effective way to protect yourself is by using an escrow service. On the TrustAm app, the client pays the full amount into a secure account before you begin work. The funds are only released to you after you have completed the job and the client confirms their satisfaction. This eliminates the risk of non-payment completely.
The average cost for a standard 4-camera analogue HD CCTV installation in Nigeria in 2026 ranges from ₦180,000 to ₦250,000. This price includes the cameras, DVR, 1TB hard drive, cabling, and labour. Prices can be higher in cities like Lagos and Abuja and will increase if you use higher-resolution IP cameras.
It's best to charge a flat fee for the entire project, broken down into packages (e.g., 4-camera package, 8-camera package). This is simpler for the client to understand than a per-camera cost. Your flat fee should be calculated based on your total equipment cost, estimated labour days, and your desired profit margin.
While it might seem easier, it's often problematic. You cannot guarantee the quality of their equipment, and if a fault develops, they will likely blame your installation. It's best to politely insist on supplying the equipment yourself to ensure compatibility and quality. If you must install their equipment, make sure your invoice clearly states that you provide no warranty on hardware supplied by the client.
The most effective way to protect yourself is by using an escrow service. On the TrustAm app, the client pays the full amount into a secure account before you begin work. The funds are only released to you after you have completed the job and the client confirms their satisfaction. This eliminates the risk of non-payment completely.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial professional before making major financial decisions.
Disclosure: This article is published by TrustAm, a financial services company. Some links in this article may direct to our own products.
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