Welcome to our article on the top side hustles in Nigeria. As the cost of living continues to rise, many Nigerians are looking for ways to earn extra income outside of their regular jobs. Fortunately, there are several lucrative opportunities available for those who are willing to put in the effort and dedication.
In this article, Daily News 24 will explore some of the best side hustles in Nigeria, ranging from freelancing to event planning to social media management. Whether you are a student, a full-time employee, or an entrepreneur, there is a side hustle that can help you achieve your financial goals.
Read on to discover the top side hustles in Nigeria and start earning extra income today!
Freelancing
Freelancing is a popular side hustle in Nigeria, particularly for individuals with skills that can be offered remotely. The flexibility of freelancing allows individuals to work on their own schedule, choose their own clients, and earn extra income. A variety of online jobs and remote work opportunities are available, including:
Content Writing:
Content writing is a common freelance job in Nigeria. Individuals with strong writing skills can offer their services to businesses or individuals in need of website copy, blog posts, or social media content. Freelance writers can earn between ₦5,000 ($12) to ₦50,000 ($122) per article, depending on the client and project scope. Freelance writers can also join online platforms that connect them with clients, such as Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.
Graphic Design:
Graphic design is another thriving freelance job in Nigeria. Individuals with skills in designing logos, posters, banners, or infographics can offer their services to businesses or individuals in need of visual content. Freelance graphic designers can earn between ₦5,000 ($12) to ₦250,000 ($610) per project, depending on the client and project scope. Freelance graphic designers can also join online platforms that connect them with clients, such as 99designs, Toptal, and Behance.
Other freelance jobs that are popular in Nigeria include web development, digital marketing, translation, and data entry. These jobs can be found on online platforms or through networking with potential clients.
E-commerce
E-commerce has become an increasingly popular side hustle in Nigeria, with individuals exploring opportunities for online selling and dropshipping. One of the benefits of e-commerce is that it allows you to start with minimal capital and grow your business incrementally.
If you are interested in e-commerce as a side hustle, consider the following:
- Identify a niche: Find a product or service that you are passionate about and that has high demand in the market. This will help you stand out from competitors and attract loyal customers.
- Choose a platform: There are several e-commerce platforms available, such as Jumia, Konga, and Shopify. Research these platforms and select the one that aligns with your business goals and budget.
- Source your products: Depending on your business model, you may need to source products for online selling or dropshipping. Research suppliers and negotiate favorable terms. Ensure that you are offering quality products to your customers.
- Market your business: Leverage social media, email marketing, and other digital channels to promote your business and attract customers. Collaborate with influencers and offer promotions to incentivize purchases.
- Manage customer service: Ensure that you are responsive to customer inquiries and complaints. Provide excellent service to build customer loyalty and positive reviews.
Challenges of E-commerce
While e-commerce can be a lucrative side hustle, there are also challenges to be aware of:
- Competition: There is a high level of competition in the e-commerce industry, and you must find ways to differentiate your brand to attract customers.
- Logistics: Online selling and dropshipping require careful management of logistics, including shipping and delivery. This can be challenging, especially for new businesses.
- Payment gateway: You must ensure that your chosen e-commerce platform has a secure payment gateway that protects both you and your customers.
- Customer complaints: With the anonymity of online shopping, you may encounter fraudulent customers or receive complaints about product quality or delivery. Be prepared to handle these situations professionally.
If you are willing to overcome these challenges and commit to building a successful e-commerce business, it can be a rewarding side hustle that generates extra income.
Content Creation
Content creation is a popular and lucrative side hustle in Nigeria, especially for individuals with skills and passion for writing, photography, videography, animation, or graphic design. By creating engaging and informative content, one can attract a significant audience and monetize their work through various channels.
Blogging
Blogging refers to the practice of regularly writing and publishing articles on a personal or company website, covering various topics of interest or expertise. Bloggers can earn income through advertising, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, or digital products like e-books or courses. To start a blog, one needs a domain name, web hosting, and a content management system like WordPress or Blogger.
Blogging requires consistency, research, and writing skills to produce high-quality content that resonates with the target audience. It may take time to build a loyal following and generate substantial revenue, but with dedication and persistence, one can turn their blog into a profitable business.
Vlogging
Vlogging, short for video blogging, is a form of content creation that involves creating and publishing videos on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. Vloggers can earn income through ad revenue, sponsorships, merchandise sales, or crowdfunding.
Like blogging, vlogging requires creativity, authenticity, and consistency to attract and retain viewers. Vloggers should identify their niche, develop their brand, and engage with their audience to build a loyal community and monetize their content.
Other Forms of Creative Content Production
Aside from blogging and vlogging, there are various other forms of creative content production that can serve as side hustles in Nigeria. These include writing e-books, creating digital art, designing logos or websites, producing animations or infographics, or providing copywriting services.
By leveraging their skills and passion, individuals can offer valuable content creation services to clients or market their own products to a wider audience. The key is to identify the demand, hone the skills, and create content that delivers value and resonates with the target audience.
Ride-Hailing Services
Ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt provide an opportunity for Nigerians to earn extra income as driver-partners. To become a driver-partner, you need to meet certain requirements, such as having a valid driver’s license and a car that meets the service’s standards. These services offer flexible working hours, allowing you to work whenever you want, and you can earn good money based on the number of rides you provide.
Uber, for instance, takes a percentage of your earnings as commission, but you get to keep the rest. On average, an Uber driver can earn between ₦20,000 and ₦50,000 per week, depending on the number of rides they provide and the time of day. Some drivers make even more by partnering with both Uber and Bolt, taking advantage of the high demand for ride-hailing services in Nigeria.
Benefits of Being a Driver-Partner
- Flexible working hours
- Good earning potential
- Opportunity to work with multiple ride-hailing services for increased earning potential
Requirements to Become a Driver-Partner
- Valid driver’s license
- Vehicle that meets the service’s standards
- Smartphone with internet access
- Meet the minimum age requirement (usually 21 years old)
- Good driving record
Overall, ride-hailing services can be a lucrative side hustle for Nigerians who meet the requirements and have a car. It provides a flexible option to earn extra income, and if done consistently, can be a reliable source of income.
Tutoring and Coaching
As a side hustle, tutoring and coaching can be a rewarding opportunity for those with expertise in specific subjects or skills. With the rise of online classes and remote learning, the demand for tutors and coaches has increased, making it a viable option to earn extra income.
What subjects or skills can I offer tutoring and coaching services for?
You can offer services in a wide range of subjects and skills, depending on your area of expertise. Some popular options include academic subjects like math, science, and languages, as well as skills like music, art, and sports.
What are the requirements for offering online classes or one-on-one tutoring sessions?
To offer online classes or one-on-one sessions, you need a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone. You also need to have a good understanding of the subject or skill you are offering to teach, and the ability to communicate effectively with your students.
Online Classes
If you prefer to offer online classes, you can use platforms like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet to connect with your students. You can create your own course materials and structure your classes according to your students’ needs.
One-on-One Sessions
If you prefer to offer one-on-one sessions, you can connect with your students through messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, or through online tutoring platforms like TutorMe, Preply, or Chegg.
How much can I earn as a tutor or coach?
Your earnings as a tutor or coach depend on various factors, including your level of experience, the subject or skill you are offering to teach, and the demand for your services. On average, a tutor or coach can earn between ₦10,000 to ₦50,000 per hour of service.
What are the benefits of offering tutoring and coaching services as a side hustle?
Offering tutoring and coaching services as a side hustle allows you to leverage your expertise to earn extra income. It also provides an opportunity to share your knowledge and skills with others and make a positive impact on their lives.
Event Planning
Event planning is a side hustle in Nigeria that can be both lucrative and personally fulfilling. From organizing birthday parties to planning weddings, there is always a demand for skilled event planners who can deliver memorable experiences for their clients.
If you have a flair for creativity and attention to detail, event planning can be a perfect side hustle for you. You can start by offering your services to friends and family members and build a portfolio from there. With time, you can expand your network and attract more clients through word of mouth and social media marketing.
To succeed as an event planner, you need to have excellent organizational skills, communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure. You should also have a good sense of budgeting and negotiation, as this will help you to offer competitive pricing while still making a profit.
If you are interested in pursuing event planning as a side hustle, consider joining a professional association or taking a course on event management. This will help you to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices, and also provide you with an opportunity to network with other event planners.
Types of Event Planning Side Hustles
Here are some of the most common types of side hustles in event planning:
- Birthday party planning: This involves organizing and coordinating all aspects of a birthday party, from selecting the venue to designing the decorations and catering.
- Wedding planning: This involves helping couples plan their wedding, from selecting the venue to coordinating the vendors and managing the timeline.
- Corporate event planning: This involves organizing events for companies, such as conferences, product launches, and team-building exercises.
By specializing in one or more of these areas, you can develop a reputation as an expert and attract more clients in that niche.
Social Media Management
Social media has become an essential part of modern-day marketing, and businesses of all sizes are looking for ways to establish their presence on various platforms. This has led to a surge in demand for social media management services, making it a lucrative side hustle for individuals with experience in digital marketing.
The Role of a Social Media Manager
As a social media manager, you will be responsible for creating and curating content for your clients’ social media channels, posting updates, and monitoring engagement. You may also be required to develop social media strategies, run advertising campaigns, and track performance metrics.
Skills and Qualifications
- A strong grasp of social media platforms and their unique features
- Excellent communication and copywriting skills to craft engaging content
- An eye for design and the ability to create visually appealing graphics
- Experience with analytics tools to track and analyze performance metrics
- Knowledge of digital marketing concepts and strategies can be an added advantage
Earning Potential
The earning potential for a social media manager varies depending on the scope and complexity of the work. On average, a part-time social media manager can earn between ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 per month, while full-time professionals can make upwards of ₦200,000 per month.
Getting Started
To get started with social media management, you can register on freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr or approach businesses in your network to offer your services. It is essential to build a strong portfolio and develop a deep understanding of your clients’ business objectives to deliver effective social media strategies.
Virtual Assistance
Virtual assistance is a side hustle that involves providing administrative support to individuals or businesses remotely. As a virtual assistant, you can provide a wide range of services, including bookkeeping, data entry, email management, social media management, scheduling, and customer service, among others.
To be successful as a virtual assistant, you need excellent organizational skills, time management abilities, attention to detail, and proficiency in using various software and tools such as Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Trello, Asana, and Slack, among others. You also need to have good communication skills and the ability to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively.
You can find virtual assistant opportunities on various freelancing platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr, among others. You can also market your services directly to potential clients by creating a website or social media page, attending networking events, or leveraging your existing network.
Virtual assistance can be a lucrative side hustle, with hourly rates ranging from $10 to $40 per hour, depending on the services provided and level of experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions people ask about side hustles in Nigeria:
What is a side hustle?
A side hustle is a secondary job or income stream that individuals engage in alongside their primary occupation.
Why do people engage in side hustles?
People engage in side hustles to earn extra income, gain new skills, pursue their passions, or explore new career paths.
Are side hustles legal in Nigeria?
Yes, side hustles are legal in Nigeria as long as they do not violate any laws or conflict with your primary occupation.
Do I need any special qualifications or skills to start a side hustle?
Not necessarily. Some side hustles, like ride-hailing services or event planning, may require specific skills or certifications. However, many side hustles, such as freelancing or content creation, mainly require dedication, time management, and creativity.
How much can I earn from a side hustle in Nigeria?
The earning potential of a side hustle depends on various factors, such as the type of hustle, your skills and experience, the demand for your services, and your level of commitment. However, some side hustles can potentially earn you a significant amount of extra income.
Can I turn my side hustle into a full-time career?
Yes, it is possible to turn your side hustle into a full-time career if you are dedicated and passionate about it. Many successful entrepreneurs started their businesses as side hustles, and with hard work and determination, were able to grow and scale their ventures.
How do I find the right side hustle for me?
Finding the right side hustle for you depends on your interests, skills, and goals. Research various side hustle options, take advantage of online platforms and communities, and network with other professionals to find meaningful and fulfilling opportunities.
