Google Search Trends Show Nigerians Focusing on Business Creation in 2026
Google Search trends from the first two weeks of January 2026 suggest that many Nigerians are starting the year with a strong focus on entrepreneurship, self-improvement, health, and skills development.
Data released over the weekend points to a shift away from routine New Year resolutions toward more deliberate personal and economic planning, as Nigerians increasingly search for practical ways to boost their income and improve their quality of life.
The early-year search behaviour reflects a population responding proactively to economic realities, personal ambitions, and evolving work patterns, with growing interest in flexible careers, wellness, and lifelong learning.
What the report shows
According to Google’s search trend report, entrepreneurship remains a dominant area of interest, underscoring its role as a key driver of economic aspiration in Nigeria.
Searches related to self-improvement and “becoming better” rose by about 40 per cent, indicating heightened interest in personal growth across professional, educational, and social spheres.
Notably, “how to start a business” emerged as the most searched “how to start” query in early January, recording an 80 per cent increase. Searches for digital and content-driven ventures—such as starting a blog, launching a podcast, and opening a YouTube channel—also recorded high volumes.
“These trends suggest a growing appetite for flexible, creator-led business models, especially among younger Nigerians seeking alternative income streams,” Google noted.
Personal growth and relationships
Commenting on the findings, Google West Africa’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Taiwo Kola Ogunlade, said the data reflects Nigerians’ collective ambition and desire for growth.
He added that Google Search continues to serve as a cultural mirror, highlighting the issues and goals that matter most to Nigerians as they plan their futures.
Personal development featured prominently in early 2026 search behaviour, with queries such as “how to be a good or better person” rising by about 20 per cent. The interest extended beyond individual success to interpersonal relationships and emotional intelligence.
Searches on becoming better partners, husbands, wives, listeners, and communicators were common, with popular queries including becoming a better lover, girlfriend, boyfriend, husband, and wife. Creativity-related searches—such as becoming a better writer and singer—also ranked highly.
These patterns suggest that for many Nigerians, self-improvement goals are closely linked to relationships, creativity, and personal fulfilment, rather than career advancement alone.
Health and well-being in focus
Well-being also emerged as a major theme shaping search activity at the start of the year. Searches for “how to eat healthy” and “healthy diet” increased by about 40 per cent, signalling renewed interest in nutrition and healthier lifestyles.
Mental wellness gained similar traction, with searches for “how to meditate” recording notable growth. This trend points to rising awareness around stress management and mental health as Nigerians navigate economic pressures, high living costs, and changing work arrangements.
