Top 10 Side Hustles in Nigeria (Beginner’s List for Extra Income)

Are you ready to discover the top 10 side hustles in Nigeria for a lucrative income stream? If you currently live in Nigeria, you don’t need someone to tell you the economic state of things.

The prices of commodities are shooting up, and the standard of living is becoming almost unbearable for the average Nigerian. While all that is true, the fact remains that opportunities abound as side hustles.

That’s why the concept of a side hustle has never been more crucial. Recent data reveals that more than 50% of people have a side hustle, driven by a desire to learn, gain freedom, and achieve financial stability.

With living costs on the rise and economic uncertainties, if you’re seeking ways to boost your income, pay close attention. It doesn’t matter if you’re a student, a 9-5 worker, or a single parent looking for a legitimate means to work from home.

Why Side Hustles Are Essential in Nigeria

In Nigeria today, the concept of a side hustle isn’t a mere choice. It’s an essential lifeline for you in the intricate web of its economy.

Thus, the need for alternative sources of income is paramount, and here’s why.

• A Necessity for Economic Stability

In Nigeria, the concept of a side hustle isn’t a mere choice; it’s an essential lifeline in the intricate web of its economy. The need for alternative sources of income is paramount, and here’s why.

Many believe Nigeria’s economy is promising, yet it remains uncertain. And its ups and downs have left many people financially vulnerable.

That’s why side hustles are necessary to withstand these economic uncertainties. It helps to reduce these risks by diversifying your income. Of course, the digital age brings fresh chances, especially in online side hustles.

• Empower Students in schools

If you’re a student in a Nigerian tertiary institution, you cannot deny the fact that side hustles hold immense relevance.

That’s because while education is a cornerstone for a better future, its rising cost of tuition can be overwhelming. Needless to say, what about living expenses?

You know it all. But with side hustle, you can have a means to ease your financial burdens as a student. Not only that, it helps you get valuable work experience while you’re able to invest in your education.

 

Side Notes to the benefits listed above

Side hustles don’t only empower youths. It also contributes to the nation’s intellectual capital. You should pursue side hustles in Nigeria with caution to ensure a secure and successful experience.

That’s because these days, illegal side hustles are common and can bring legal trouble and financial instability. Thus, you should be aware of the legal and ethical aspects of any side hustle you choose to take up. This way, you’re able to protect your financial future and image.

As said earlier, in a country with economic ups and downs, side hustles are more than an option. They’re the key to financial strength and independence. They provide you with extra income and a promising future if you do it ethically and within the law.

Top 10 Side hustles in Nigeria (you can pick from this list)

That said, below is an excellent list of the top 10 side hustles you can consider (even as a beginner):

1) Freelance Writing

Freelance Writing is a lucrative side hustle in Nigeria. With the ever-growing demand for quality content, you can get a lot of jobs that make you a living. But first, you must have a knack for words, and the ability to craft compelling content.

According to World Salaries, a content writer in Nigeria earns an average monthly salary of 304,950 NGN. In any case, there’s no limit to how much you can earn as a freelance content writer, but your earnings depend on:

• Your skill
• Your experience

If you’re a student or professional, you might be wondering if you can do it. The answer is yes because the time commitment is flexible. That said, other skills and competencies you need to succeed as a freelance writer include:

• Strong writing,
• Research,
• Editing skills
• Networking,
• Ability to meet deadlines,
• Dexterity to produce original and engaging content

How to get started? (With Pro Tips)

Look for opportunities on local job boards and freelance platforms to kickstart your writing career.

2) Graphic Design

Graphic design isn’t only a skill but one of the top 10 side hustles in Nigeria. For this side hustle, you need creativity in visuals and skill with design software such as Canva, Photoshop, and CorelDraw.

It involves designing logos, marketing materials, and social media graphics for clients.

Once you’re able to deliver quality, the income potential is enticing. Like any other skill, the more experienced and skillful you are, the better your earnings.

You have the option to work part-time or choose flexible hours, allowing you to have better control of your time.

How to get started? (With Pro Tips)

Build a strong portfolio, network locally, and embrace Nigerian cultural nuances in your designs.

3) Online Tutoring

This is one of the side hustles that individuals with teaching skills should seize without hesitation. Of course, it involves you sharing your expertise in subjects like math, English, coding, or otherwise.

According to Nexford University, online tutors in Nigeria earn an average monthly salary ranging from N80,000 to over N200,000. Yet, note earning potential varies. It depends on your experience and skills.

How to get started? (With Pro Tips)

• • Once you have a deep knowledge of a subject and effective teaching skills, you can offer personalized lessons.
  • Afterward, promote your services on social media, and adapt to the student’s learning style.

4) Social Media Management

As a social media manager of a business, you oversee its online platforms. In other words, you aid small businesses and influencers in expanding their digital footprint. In short, that’s the more reason it’s among the top 10 side hustles you leverage in Nigeria.

The income potential for this side hustle is lucrative. But that would depend on the business size you want to help manage their social media and other factors. That said, note, that it requires a flexible, part-time commitment.

How to Get Started? (With Pro Tips)

• • You need skills like creating content, interpreting analytics, and engaging with the community.
  • Learn how to stick to a regular posting schedule,
  • Stay informed about social media trends, and engage effectively with your local audience.

5) Dropshipping

In Nigeria, dropshipping is fast becoming a side hustle many people are jumping at. Of course, it involves launching an e-commerce store without keeping stock.

You already know what that meant. Dropshipping offers an affordable way to enter the online business world.

Of course, income potential varies in this online hustle. The beautiful part? You can do it part-time, even while pursuing other goals like academics, making it suitable for students and multitaskers.

How to Get Started?

• • Pick trending and profitable products,
  • create a user-friendly website,
  • And team up with reliable suppliers for on-time deliveries and top-notch service.

6) Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate Marketing is a top side hustle in Nigeria. It involves promoting other people’s products via blogs, YouTube, or social media. And each time someone buys a product using your referral links, you earn commissions.

Interesting, right?

The more interesting thing is that there’s no limit to how much you earn weekly or per month. Of course, it’s a flexible, part-time commitment. The vital skills you need include content creation, audience engagement, and lead generation.

As a Nigerian, you can use both international and national digital platforms. If you’re new, it’s wise to begin with local platforms and seek mentorship. These local platforms include Expertnaire, Digitstem, etc.

How to Get Started? (With Pro Tips)

• • Pick a niche
  • Focus on products relevant to your audience,
  • Create compelling content, and
  • track performance for optimization to boost your earnings.

Want guidance on how to go about it? You can join my community HERE.

7) Ridesharing or Food Delivery

Another online side hustle you can engage in Nigeria is ridesharing or food delivery. It’s becoming more prominent. With a vehicle, you can join Uber, Bolt, or deliver food for Jumia Food or UberEats.

Of course, your earnings depend on the hours you’re willing to commit to it, alongside available demand.

That said, the type of side hustle in Nigeria is flexible and you can do it as a part-time job. But you need a driver’s license.

How to Get Started? (With Pro Tips)

• • Offer excellent customer service,
  • Take care of your vehicle, and
  • Keep an eye on peak hours to boost your income.

8) Blogging or Vlogging

You already know the internet thrives on content– yes, content of any kind. That’s why blogging or Vlogging is one of the 10 top Side hustles in Nigeria you start.

You can start creating content around your passion and monetize it. You can do that through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

Like more online hustles, the earning potential of blogging or vlogging is massive. But it demands you to dedicate time, even though it offers flexibility. The skills you need include content creation and video editing.

How to Get Started? (With Pro Tips)

• • Consistently produce quality content,
  • Engage with your audience 
  • Explore trends relevant to the Nigerian audience.

9) Online Surveys and Market Research

Engaging in Online Surveys and Market Research is a viable Side Hustle in Nigeria. Platforms like Swagbucks pay for your opinions. Of course, you check other paid survey websites you can join as a Nigerian.

While income potential varies, this online side hustle requires minimal time. That’s to say, it’s flexible, and you don’t need a posh CV to get started.

How to Get Started? (With Pro Tips)

• • Join several trustworthy platforms,
  • Regularly finish surveys, and
  • Safeguard your private data while staying alert for scams.

10) Virtual Assistant job

Many top executives are too busy to handle administrative tasks themselves. And this can harm their productivity. But that’s where you step in as a virtual assistant to help.

So, it’s no surprise that virtual assistant jobs rank among Nigeria’s top 10 side hustles.

As a virtual assistant, you handle emails and appointments for businesses and entrepreneurs. Earnings vary, and you can do it part-time, enjoying flexibility. The key skills needed are organization and communication.

How to Get Started? (With Pro Tips)

• • Establish a strong online presence,
  • Provide competitive rates, and
  • Nurture a reputation for being dependable and professional.

Final Thoughts

In Nigeria, side hustles aren’t extra income; they’re paths to financial empowerment. The top 10 side hustles, from graphic design to being a virtual assistant, provide you with various opportunities.

They are flexible income options to strengthen your financial stability. Thus, engaging in one of these side hustles will not only increase your income. It will also provide a sense of security in a changing economy.

Are you ready to start diversifying your income sources today? You don’t have to delay any further because it’s the way to financial resilience and a brighter future.