Top Unique 50 Side Hustles in Nigeria – 2024
What would it feel like if you received an extra N200,000 every month besides your monthly income?
The truth is, I would feel good.
If I have excess money, I will invest the money in stock. If I choose a good stock, that money can be N5 million in five years.
Now, extra money is something everybody can use. Even Elon Musk who is the richest man in the world charges people money for a badge on Twitter.
That means he needs extra money to add to the $258.7 billion he already has.
There are countless side hustles you can do in Nigeria to raise cash.
The problem now becomes how do you know the ones you can do well?
How do you know the ones that are worthwhile and the ones that will waste your time and money?
That’s where I come in.
I’ve been a businesswoman in Nigeria for the past five years.
I’ve helped 100s of people become financially buoyant so I have experience in this kind of thing.
No matter your skills or background, I have something that will fit you in this article.
Want to earn extra cash? Stay with me as I explore the possibilities and help you choose the perfect side hustle in Nigeria.
Let’s get started.
What Do Side Hustles Mean?
A side hustle is not about making a few extra bucks. It’s about creating freedom in your life.
_Chris Guillebeau
To me, a side hustle is something you can do alongside your full-time job.
It is a business that will reduce the stress of worrying about money.
There are two types of side hustle these days.
- Offline side hustles. Well, there is another type of side hustle: illegal side hustles.
Well, talk about only two in this article.
- Online side hustles are jobs like freelance writing, digital marketing, and YouTubing. Stuff you have to do while connected to the internet.
- Offline side hustles are businesses like POS merchant, Event planning, and Rental services.
Top Side Hustle Statistics in Nigeria 2024
- 70% of Nigerians have a side hustle.
- The average monthly income for a side hustler in Nigeria is ₦100,000.
- The highest-paying side hustles in Nigeria are online side hustles that need a skill.
- The most popular side hustle platforms in Nigeria are Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
- The most popular side hustles in Nigeria are 5. Blogging, YouTubing, POS business, e-commerce, and affiliate marketing.
- Unemployment is the most popular reason why many Nigerians have side hustles.
- 80% of Nigerian side hustlers are between the age of 25 and 50.
- 70% of side hustlers in Nigeria are below 35.
- 55% of women in Nigeria have side hustles, men 45%.
- 60% of side hustlers in Nigeria work on their side hustles for less than 10 hours per week.
- The best side hustles for students in Nigeria are done from home. Examples are blogging, vlogging, coding, web designing, and freelancing.
- You have to spend some money to start any type of side hustle.
How to Start a Side Hustle in Nigeria
| Offline Side Hustles | Online Side Hustles |
| 1. Choose a Business Idea: Pick a physical side hustle matching skills, interests, and resources. | 1. Choose your niche: Select a niche you’re passionate about, such as web design, blogging, copywriting, or vlogging. |
| 2. Market Research: – Investigate the location for your business. Check out other businesses in the area. Determine local demand. – Evaluate if the business meets local needs. | 2. Market Research: – Research your chosen niche, identify target clients, and assess potential earnings. Investigate the location where you plan to operate. |
| 3. Business Plan: – List goals, budget, target customers, and strategies for attracting customers. Understand potential challenges (e.g., for a blog) and how to overcome them. | 3. Business Idea: Identify potential obstacles and create a comprehensive plan to serve as your roadmap. Get a pen and a paper and list out your goals, your budget, the people you are hoping will patronize you and you can attract more and more of them. |
| 4. Legal and Regulatory Requirements: Register your offline business per local regulations. – Set up a separate business bank account. – | 4. Create an Online Presence: What are the first steps you have to take? Do you need to invest in a course? Do you need a better phone or a laptop? Ensure your online presence is visually appealing. Take a better picture for your profile. Smile more often. |
| 5. Funding: Calculate startup costs (rent, equipment, and inventory). – Secure funding through personal savings, loans, or investors. | 5. Content or Product Creation: Start creating valuable content or products that cater to your target audience. For a blog, write informative articles. If you’re selling products, source or create the products. |
| 6. Location: Secure a suitable location for your physical business. | 6. SEO and Marketing: Learn how your business is done. – This is where courses help. |
| 8. Branding and Marketing: Promote your business effectively to build awareness. Consider signage and customer retention strategies. | 8. Monetization: Implement strategies to monetize your online side hustle, such as affiliate marketing, selling digital products, or advertising. Be patient, as it may take time to generate significant income. |
| 10. Financial Management: Keep accurate records of income and expenses. – Set up a business bank account for separation. | 10. Financial Management: Keep accurate records of your income and expenses. Set up a business bank account to separate business and personal finances. |
Top Unique 50 Side Hustles in Nigeria
Online Side Hustles
1. SEO Specialist
Becoming an SEO specialist is a gold mine in Nigeria.
Help businesses and websites rank higher in search engine results. That is your business. Attract more online traffic and customers to your clients.
The digital landscape in Nigeria is evolving. SEO specialists are in demand.
AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY: N100,000
2. Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is an excellent side hustle in Nigeria for several compelling reasons.
For one, the demand for quality content is growing.
Two, Nigeria is an English-speaking country. We have a pool of writers who can tap into both local and international opportunities.
Freelance writing allows you to work from anywhere. The potential to earn in foreign currency also offers a competitive edge.
If you are looking for freelancing job, you can check out Fiverr.
AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY: N75,000
3. Graphic Design Services
There is a growing demand for visual content in various industries.
Businesses and individuals are using more videos and pictures to capture attention. So, skilled graphic designers are in high demand.
If you are somebody who likes to design stuff. You can make money with this skill on the side.
As a graphic designer, 0ffer your service in advertising, media, e-commerce, and more.
AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY: N143,000
4. Website Design and Development
There’s much demand for web design and development services in Nigeria. More and more businesses are looking to establish an online presence.
Do you have some technical skills and a creative touch? Website design and development is a chance to tap into this expanding market.
Build a rewarding side business by doing something you love. Cater to different clients, from small businesses to individuals and organizations.
You can learn website design from several free sources online including YouTube.
AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY: N120,000
Related content: 15 Sites to Make Money Online in Nigeria
5. Social Media Management
Having a social media account is important these days.
Many companies and individuals are seeking skilled professionals to manage their online presence.
You can work from anywhere and anytime as a social media manager.
And you can offer your service both at home and abroad.
The world is only getting more tech-savvy. AI is trending.
Social media management will reward you if you are passionate about digital marketing.
AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY: N90,000
6. Online Tutoring
Offer teaching skills online. Set your own schedule and teach a diverse range of subjects or skills.
Many e-learning platforms are available and with the internet, you have access to all.
Connect with students across the country or even abroad.
Share your knowledge and generate income while contributing to the growth of others.
AVERAGE HOURLY SALARY: N2000
7. Content Creation for YouTube
YouTube is excellent for making money on the side.
Get up to 1,000 subscribers and monetize your channel. This is one of the easiest ways to make money online.
Make a video on anything. Whether entertainment or educational videos.
With a smartphone, an internet connection, and determination the world is yours.
If you find it easy to stand in front of a camera, consider creating content on YouTube as a side hustle.
AVERAGE PAY PER 1000 VIEWS: $10
8. Dropshipping
You need a little money to start a dropshipping business. N150k will do fine.
More and more Nigerians are buying online. This willingness to shop creates a thriving market for drop shippers.
If you manage your money well and learn as you go you can be a millionaire while dropshipping.
AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY: N100,000
9. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a popular side hustle in Nigeria. To start, invest in a course.
Your business is to partner with companies and promote their products or services.
You earn commissions for every sale generated through your unique affiliate links.
The flexibility to work from home makes it an adaptable option for Nigerians.
AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY: N100,000
`10. E-commerce Store
Running an e-commerce store is a compelling side hustle in Nigeria. As of 2022, 76 million Nigeria shopped online.
This humongous number of consumers gives you the opportunity to sell anything.
Setting up an e-commerce store is straightforward. You can sell to anybody from anywhere in the world.
Online shopping continues to rise. Those who invest in their e-commerce venture enjoy a fulfilling and profitable journey.
11. App Development
The opportunity in App development is vast. More and more people are buying and using phones.
Apps are the bedrock upon which phones are run.
From mobile transactions, all the way to education portals. In 2022, there were 170 million mobile phone users in Nigeria.
You make money from app sales, in-app purchases, and contracts with businesses.
AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY: N250,000
12. Virtual Assistant Services
Nigerian entrepreneurs are seeking help with email management, data entry, scheduling, and more.
You can do this side hustle in Nigeria from any chosen location.
It is your thing if you can communicate well, and organize things.
AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY: N70,000
13. Blogging and Content Marketing
Blogging is a thriving business in Nigeria now.
Share your knowledge, insights, and passions while nurturing a devoted audience.
As a blogger or content marketer, craft persuasive content that helps businesses draw, engage, and keep customers.
Work from anywhere in this business. Generate income through advertising, affiliate marketing, sponsored content, or selling digital products.
AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY: N200,000
14. Stock Trading
The Nigerian stock market has experienced significant growth in recent years. It is an opportunity for aspiring traders.
Mobile apps like Trove and Bamboo have made it more accessible.
With a smartphone and internet connection, anybody can take part in stock trading.
It requires knowledge and a degree of risk management.
Dedicate time to research, study market trends, and build a well-informed strategy. This will save you from loss.
15. Forex Trading
If you are somebody who is open to risk, Forex trading is one of the best side hustles in Nigeria.
Habby Forex and Jeffery Benson are two of the biggest Forex traders in Nigeria.
They are both worth hundreds of millions of Naira.
Forex trading requires skill, knowledge, and risk management.
Successful traders can enjoy income from both price speculation and interest rate differentials.
AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY: N100,000
16. E-book Authoring
Creating and selling ebooks on Facebook is an easy way to make money on the side in Nigeria.
E-books are easy and cost-effective to produce. They can be sold and distributed with Facebook ads and WhatsApp.
Tap into your expertise, passion, or storytelling skills to create valuable content.
Give it to a few people to read then sell, or use it as a magnet for selling something bigger.
AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY: N100,000
17. Cryptocurrency Trading
I know you may have heard that trading crypto is risky. Of course, it is. If you decide to drive a car without learning how to drive, are you not putting your life at risk?
That is how it is in everything.
Crypto P2P trading is a great way you can make money on the side in Nigeria. Besides, over 22 million Nigerians are into crypto trading.
Those who stay informed, and use effective trading strategies make the most money.
Learn to manage risk. You will always achieve financial growth in this dynamic market.
AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY: N200,000
18. Online Photography Sales
Do you know you can take and sell your photos on the side? On this site called FOAP, you can sell one photo you take for as much as $50.
So, if you have a good phone, this is something you can start doing right away.
If you want to start, I recommend you visit the site. Have a look at the kind of photos that make the most money. That way, you can never go wrong.
AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY: N100,000
19. Copywriting Services
Have you ever come across those websites where people are trying to sell you something? Or Have you ever watched a Heineken ad on the Television?
If you have, that’s good. The words they say are written by copywriters.
Offering copywriting services is an excellent side hustle in Nigeria.
Talented copywriters earn as much as N1,000,000 monthly in Nigeria.
AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY: N100,000
20. Social Media Influencer
Nigerians spend the most time on social media in Africa. This tells you that becoming a social media influencer is a lucrative side hustle.
Become a social media influencer by creating engaging and relatable content. If you do it well enough, you will amass a loyal following of people who will hang by any word you say.
Influencers often receive compensation for sponsored content, product reviews, and promotions.
AVERAGE EARNING PER POST: N50,000
Learn the Top 10 Tips on How to Become a Social Media Influencer in Nigeria
21. Video Editing Services
One thing most content creators in Nigeria complain about is how difficult it is to edit videos.
Position yourself in a place where you can render this service. Money can never be your problem.
Video editing is a valuable skill.
The popularity of platforms like YouTube is the cause of this positive trend.
AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY: N100,000
22. Become an Online Dating Coach on X
Becoming an online dating coach on Twitter is a unique and rewarding side hustle.
A lot of people are seeking tips and tricks that will make their dating experiences a success.
Offer valuable advice and insights to these people.
Share your knowledge on Twitter. Help people navigate the challenges of dating, from messaging to dating etiquette.
The potential to offer one-on-one coaching sessions or webinars can also generate income.
23. Social Media Advertising Management
Nigerian businesses are realizing the power of social media.
Learn this skill and help these businesses optimize their online advertising efforts.
Startups and established brands are all looking for effective online advertising.
Being skilled in this side hustle will make you indispensable to these companies. They will pay you well for your services.
AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY: N80,000
24. Online Travel Agency
Since Nigerians began to JAPA, everything related to travel in Nigeria has been on the rise.
In 2022, a staggering 1.8 million Nigerians left the country.
The mistake you can make today is not positioning yourself to capitalize on this trend. Starting an online travel agency is an excellent side hustle in Nigeria.
Your business would focus on providing visa application services, travel booking, and consultation.
25. Online Nutrition Coaching
Offer online nutrition coaching on Facebook and X.
Nigerians are becoming more health-conscious. Many seek help in achieving their fitness and nutritional goals.
Provide expert nutrition coaching through online platforms. Cater to a broad audience and guide individuals in making healthier choices.
Learn and then share your knowledge on meal planning, weight management, and diet.
26. Online Herbal Doctor
Nigerians have a long history of utilizing herbal remedies.
Many individuals are looking for natural and alternative healthcare options.
Learn it and offer your expertise as an online herbal doctor. P
Provide advice on herbal treatments, and remedies.
Offline Side Hustles
27. Photography Services
Start a side hustle with your phone in Nigeria today. Photography was what Adekunle did on the side before he became a star.
Nigeria offers many Photography opportunities. You’ll know if you visit cities like Lagos. And there aren’t a lot of good photographers around.
Use your phone to capture memorable moments. Help businesses showcase their products, and contribute to visual storytelling.
28. Event Planning and Coordination
If you have lived in Nigeria for long enough, you will know that Nigerians are partygoers.
Nigeria hosts a wide array of events. Weddings, tribe meetings, conferences, and cultural celebrations.
Help people organize their weddings or their birthdays.
For starters, align yourself with other event planners who have been doing it before you.
Read Also: 7 Keys to Starting a Succesful Event Planning Business in Nigeria
29. Catering Services
I don’t know about you, but I like to eat. In fact, everybody likes to eat.
If the food is well cooked, then you already have your hands inside the pockets of people.
Serve delicious and diverse cuisines to a broad client base.
Nigeria will always continue to celebrate and gather. This side hustle offers a path to both culinary passion and financial success.
- 30. Car Wash and Detailing
The cash wash business in Nigeria is booming. And the good thing about this business is that you can hire somebody to do all the heavy lifting for you.
Nigeria has a large number of car owners, making car wash and detailing a valuable service.
Provide cleaning, detailing, and maintenance services to vehicle owners.
Cities where many people rely on cars for transportation offer a rich market.
- 31. Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services
Laundry and dry cleaning services are profitable side hustles in Nigeria.
Many Nigerians have a hard time juggling work and family life.
This causes the demand for convenient laundry solutions to increase.
Provide laundry and dry cleaning services to cater to this demand.
Offer pickup and delivery. Tailor services to different fabric types. Provide specialized cleaning services to stand out.
32. House Cleaning Services
People build houses every day. New houses that need cleaning after workers leave.
That is where you can come in. House cleaning services are a lucrative and practical side hustle in Nigeria.
One great thing about this business is that you can start with very little capital.
Also, hire other people to do the cleaning for you. Your work is to get the cleaning job.
You can pay people on a daily arrangement to do the cleaning for you.
33. Uber or Bolt Driving
If you like to drive, driving for Uber or Bolt is a great side hustle in Nigeria.
Pick up passengers, drive to their destinations, and earn money.
The flexibility of this job lets you work when you want. Plus, you get paid for each trip. The more you drive, the more you can earn.
This is something you can do on the side or for fuel money if you have a car.
34. Mobile Phone Repair
Repairing mobile phones is a hands-on and valuable side hustle.
Fix broken screens, replace batteries, and solve common issues. With the right tools and skills, you can help people get their phones back in shape.
In Nigeria’s tech-savvy society, this hustle has a wide customer base. It’s a practical way to make extra cash.
Help people download apps and deal with the software problems in their phones.
You can carry out only in the evening or during weekends.
35. Computer Repair and Maintenance
Offer computer repair and maintenance services.
Become the tech wizard who fixes hardware glitches. Learn how to banish stubborn viruses, and ensure that systems run.
Learning how to fix a computer will take like 1 year. After this learning period, you begin to earn.
As Nigeria’s dependence on technology continues to grow, your expertise becomes invaluable.
36. Tutoring Services
Be the mentor who guides students on their educational journey. Help them grasp complex concepts and excel.
The most lucrative periods of this business are during exam times like Jamb, WAEC, and NECO.
In a country where education is expensive, your expertise is a valuable asset.
You’ll be earning extra income while doing something you love.
37. Personal Shopping Services
Many people are too busy to visit the market for their groceries or anything in fact.
Offer personal shopping services a side gig, if you have a flair for shopping.
This skill is in demand, and the income potential is large.
This hustle allows you to indulge in your love for shopping while making money. It’s both enjoyable and rewarding.
38. Homemade Crafts and Jewelry-making
If you love to knit or make things, start a side hustle crafting homemade goods and making jewelry.
Channel your creativity into producing unique, handcrafted items that tell a story.
Nigeria’s vibrant culture and appreciation for art make it an ideal market.
Sell your products on Marketplaces such as Jumia and JiJi. Or create a store on Etsy and sell to an international audience.
39. Airtime and Data Bundle Sales
Sell airtime and data bundles right from your phone.
Become the go-to source for mobile top-ups and data packages. Help people stay connected in our digital world.
The trick in this business is to find a way to get a bonus at a very cheap rate so that you can make a lot of profit for yourself.
In a country with high mobile phone usage, your services are essential.
40. Soap-making and Skincare Products
The great thing about this business is that you can make money from it in several ways.
For one you can create this soap and sell it with Facebook Ads.
This will put you in front of the 16 million Nigerians who visit Facebook every day.
Two, you can also teach people how to make it. Many people will be happy to pay for this knowledge.
Another way you can make a lot of money from this is to write an Ebook about this and sell it to people who also want to learn.
41. Tailoring and Fashion Design
Everybody wants to look good. The number one key to success in this business is to know how to make people look good.
When they look good, they feel good. When they feel good, money comes out of their pocket.
Be the creative force behind exquisite outfits. Craft unique garments that showcase style and personality.
It’s a creative avenue that offers significant income potential.
Make extra cash for yourself. Help individuals look their best and feel confident.
42. Snack and Small chops production
I saw a show glass of butter pie the other day, and I had this feeling that people were buying this.
If you know how to bake butter pie, meat pie, buns, cookies, and biscuits, you can make a lot on the side doing that.
The people you will sell to are shop owners who already have a large customer base.
Tell them that if they fail to sell it all they can return it to you. This is the number one key for unlocking the market.
Especially if these people already have customers that they buy from.
43. Barber or Hairdressing Services
Making people look good has always been a great way to make money in Nigeria. Whether as a full-time income or as a side hustle.
Become the artist and stylist who transforms hair into a work of art.
Help clients look and feel their best. If you can make people look good all the time they come to you, you will never lack money.
Nigeria is a country where where personal grooming is valued. Your expertise is indispensable.
Whether it’s trendy hairstyles, classic cuts, or intricate braids.
44. Solar Panel Installation and Repair
The supply of electricity in Nigeria is terrible as of 2022. Do I have to mention the price of fuel?
If you can embark on solar panel installation and repair it is a great side hustle in Nigeria.
Be the expert who harnesses the power of the sun to provide clean, renewable energy solutions.
Learn to set up solar panels for homes or businesses. Learn to repair and maintain existing systems.
45. POS Office
During the period of cashless policy, POS merchants made as much as 15k every day.
POS services are in high demand.
The flexibility to operate in various locations makes the POS business great. If you don’t want to look for a shop, you can hire somebody to hustle in the market.
With the POS business, you can never run out of cash.
Learn How to Start POS Business in Nigeria
46. Print-on-demand Merchandise
Do you know these clothes that have people’s faces on them, especially when a birthday is going on?
Be the designer and curator who transforms ideas into unique custom products.
Work on clothes and cups, and buckets and bags.
Help birthday celebrants imprint their faces on mugs. Or help people who are doing their father’s burials imprint his face on a cloth.
You can do this business from wherever you are, and you can work on your own schedule.
47. Farming
Farming is an underrated side hustle in Nigeria.
Whether poultry farming, snail farming, bushmeat farming, or vegetable farming. Anything you can think of.
All are lucrative with good financial management.
This hustle offers much income potential. With very little initial investment capital. You can start this side hustle.
48. Rental Services
Your business as a rental service is to supply essential goods and equipment.
You offer an affordable way for people to get what they need.
Accessing certain items is challenging in Nigeria. Your role as a rental provider is invaluable.
Whether it’s power generators, tools, party gear, or vehicles for rent.
You can serve different types of people from different parts of the country.
49. Car Rental Services
Car rental services are an ideal side hustle in Nigeria.
Provide convenience and accessibility to individuals and businesses in need of reliable transportation.
From travel to special occasions.
This side hustle is appealing because you can offer different vehicle types.
You can also set the terms of the agreement.
50. Mobile Phone Accessories Sales
Mobile phone accessories sales represent a lucrative opportunity in Nigeria.
The widespread use of mobile phones puts the demand for accessories on the rise.
Sell cases, charges, wire, ear pods, and many other things. These products are in high demand in Nigeria.
You can start this business in a small container. But make sure to locate your business in a place where people will see what you are selling.
Note: Consider your skills and interests before starting any side hustle.
FAQ
How do I start a side hustle with no experience?
- Discover Your Interests: Find something you’re passionate about or enjoy doing.
- Learn and Practice: Use online resources to learn and practice your chosen skill.
- Offer Free Services: Provide your services for free or at a low cost to build experience.
- Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback from clients to improve your skills.
- Online Presence: Create a simple website or use social media to showcase your work.
- Network: Connect with professionals in your field for guidance and opportunities.
- Stay Committed: Building experience takes time, so be patient and persistent.
- Monetize Your Skills: Once you have some experience, start charging for your services.
Start with your interests. building skills will set you on the path to success, even with no prior experience.
What side hustles can a student do in Nigeria?
Students in Nigeria can pursue various side hustles. Some include freelance writing, tutoring, graphic design, social media management, photography, and more.
These options allow students to earn income while gaining valuable skills and experience.
In Conclusion
Finding the right side hustle in Nigeria can significantly boost your income and provide financial stability.
With a diverse range of opportunities available, there’s something for everyone.
The statistics show that side hustles are common in Nigeria, and they offer the potential for substantial earnings.
Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone looking to explore new avenues, there’s a side hustle waiting for you.
Remember to choose a side hustle that aligns with your interests, invest time in building your skills, and be patient as you work towards your financial goals.
Your side hustle can be more than just extra income; it can be the path to financial freedom and personal fulfillment.
Start your journey today and take the first step towards a brighter financial future.
More reading:
- 30 Legitimate Online Jobs In Nigeria to Make Easy Money
- Top 14 Lucrative Business Ideas in Nigeria to Start
- 12 High Income Skills in Nigeria to Acquire
- 15 Easy Ways to Make 2000 Naira Daily in Nigeria
- Top 14 Legit Games that Pay Real Money in Nigeria
- How To Make 3000 Naira Daily In Nigeria-( 7 Realistic Ways)
