Let’s talk about the money
If you’re reading this, chances are your salary isn’t cutting it anymore, you’re tired of waiting for “next month” to do something about your finances. Or you’re literally penniless, unemployed, and angry about the lack of opportunities in Nigeria. Trust me, I get it.
The cost of everything keeps going up, and somehow our income never seems to catch up. One income stream? That’s not just laughable in 2025 Nigeria, it’s suicidal.
But here’s what I’ve learned from talking to dozens of people who’ve successfully started side hustles: you don’t actually need capital to start earning extra money. Seriously. What you need is your phone, some free time, and the willingness to try something new.
I’m going to share five side hustles that real Nigerians are using right now to earn between ₦50,000 to ₦500,000+ monthly. No get-rich-quick schemes. No MLM nonsense. Just practical ways to make money starting this weekend.
Before you dive in (please read this part)
I know you want to jump straight to the hustles, but spend two minutes here. It’ll save you from wasting time on the wrong thing.
Be honest about your time. You can’t work a full-time job, sleep 8 hours, spend time with family, AND dedicate 30 hours weekly to a side hustle. Start with 5-10 hours per week. That’s enough.
Play to your strengths. Are you good at explaining things? Consider tutoring. Do you love organizing stuff? Virtual assistant work might be your thing. Don’t force yourself into something just because someone else is making money from it.
Check if people actually need it. The best side hustle solves a real problem that Nigerians will actually pay to fix. That’s why all five hustles here work—they’re solving actual needs.
Set realistic expectations. Your first month? You might make ₦10,000. Maybe ₦20,000 if you’re really hustling. That’s normal. By month three or four, if you’re consistent, you could be making ₦50,000 or more. But it takes time.
Alright, let’s get into it.
- Freelance Writing
What you’ll actually be doing: This is where I started back then it was easier to make open any gig on Fiverr. Writing stuff for businesses—blog posts, Instagram captions, website content, email newsletters. Basically, the words they need but don’t have time to write themselves.
Why this works in Nigeria: Every business needs content. The boutique owner needs captions for her new collection. The tech startup needs blog posts. The real estate guy needs property descriptions. But good writers? They’re harder to find than you’d think.
How to start (no fancy portfolio needed):
First, write three articles about topics you actually know. Love tech? Write about the latest phone trends. Into finance? Write about saving money in Nigeria. Fashion enthusiast? You get the idea.
Post them on Medium or LinkedIn. Don’t overthink it—just publish.
Then create a simple intro: “Hi, I’m [Emmanuel]. I help businesses tell their stories through clear, engaging writing. Here are some samples of my work: [links].”
Now comes the part nobody likes but everyone must do: reaching out to potential clients.
Search “need a writer” on Twitter. Comment thoughtfully on LinkedIn posts from business owners. Join those WhatsApp groups where entrepreneurs hang out. Send a simple message: “Hi! I saw your business and love what you’re doing. I’m a freelance writer—would you be interested in having someone handle your content?”
What to charge: Start at ₦3,000-₦5,000 per article. Once you’ve done 10-15 articles and gotten better, raise it to ₦10,000-₦15,000. Some writers eventually charge ₦25,000+ per piece. If you are consistent you will eventually become a brand, and could charge premium like over ₦500,000 per post.
What you need: Your phone or laptop. Internet. That’s it.
Real talk: Chidi from Enugu started this way during NYSC. First month, he made ₦12,000 from four articles. By month three, he had regular clients and was making ₦80,000. He now writes full-time.
- Virtual Assistant
What you’ll actually be doing: Helping overwhelmed business owners with the tasks they keep postponing. Replying to customer emails. Scheduling meetings. Managing their calendar. Doing basic Canva designs. Basically, being their right hand—remotely.
Why this works: Small business owners in Nigeria are drowning in work. Between running the business, dealing with customers, and trying to grow, they need help. But they can’t afford to hire full-time staff yet. That’s where you come in.
How to start:
Make a list of what you’re good at. Can you respond to emails professionally? Organize information in spreadsheets? Schedule appointments? Use Canva? Great—those are marketable skills.
Create a simple one-page CV or LinkedIn profile highlighting these skills. Focus on reliability and efficiency.
Join Facebook groups for Nigerian entrepreneurs. Follow small business owners on LinkedIn. When you see someone who seems busy and overwhelmed (check their posts—are they complaining about having too much to do?), reach out.
Here’s a pitch that works: “Hi [Name], I’ve been following your business and can see it’s growing fast. I help business owners like you save 10+ hours weekly by handling emails, scheduling, and admin tasks. Would you be open to a one-week trial so I can show you the value?”
What to charge: ₦20,000-₦40,000 per month per client for about 8-10 hours of work weekly.
What you need: Gmail, Trello (free), Canva (free), Google Sheets. All free tools.
Reality check: Get one client in month one (₦20,000). Add another by month two. By month four, with three clients, you’re making ₦60,000-₦90,000 for part-time work.
This is perfect if you’re organized, responsive, and genuinely enjoy helping people get their life together.
- Social Media Management
What you’ll actually be doing: Running business Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter pages. Creating posts, replying to comments and DMs, helping them grow their followers.
Why this works: Every small business owner knows they “should” be posting consistently on social media. But between running the actual business and everything else? It just doesn’t happen. They need someone who can take it off their plate.
How to start:
First, practice on your own account for a week or two. Learn basic Canva to make decent-looking posts. Study what content gets engagement in your niche.
Then offer a one-week free trial to a small local business. A restaurant, salon, boutique—anywhere that could use better social media presence.
Do a great job that week. Post consistently. Reply to every comment. Show them the numbers (followers gained, post reach, etc.).
At the end, ask for a testimonial. Use that testimonial to pitch three more businesses.
What you’ll deliver: 3-5 posts per week, replying to all comments and DMs, and a simple monthly report showing growth.
Who pays for this: Local restaurants, boutiques, pastors, event planners, beauty businesses, fitness trainers—basically any small service business.
What to charge: ₦15,000-₦30,000 per client per month.
What you need: Canva (free version is fine), Meta Business Suite (free), CapCut for quick videos (free).
How to pitch: “Hi! I love what your business is doing. I help small businesses create consistent social media content that actually attracts customers. Can I handle your page for one week free to show you what’s possible?”
Timeline: ₦15,000 from first client in month one. ₦45,000+ by month three when you have three clients.
- Online Tutoring
What you’ll actually be doing: Teaching students subjects (English, Math, Chemistry, etc.) or skills (essay writing, IELTS prep, even Excel) via video call.
Why this works: Parents want extra help for their kids. WAEC and NECO students need exam prep. Adults preparing for IELTS need speaking practice. The demand is constant.
How to start:
Pick one or two subjects you genuinely know well. Don’t try to teach everything.
Write a simple introduction message. Post it in parent WhatsApp groups and education-focused Facebook groups: “Hi everyone, I’m [Name], a [graduate/student/professional] offering online tutoring in [subject]. I help students improve their grades through patient, focused lessons. First class is ₦1,000 to try it out.”
Or offer the first class completely free to get your first student.
What to charge: ₦5,000-₦10,000 per student per month for four classes (one per week).
What you need: WhatsApp, Zoom, or Google Meet. That’s literally it.
How to scale: Once you’re comfortable, run small group classes. Charge ₦3,000 per student but teach 8-10 students in one session. That’s ₦24,000-₦30,000 for teaching one class.
Real example: Mary, a student in Delta State, started teaching English to two kids from her church. Word spread. By month three, she had ten students and was making ₦60,000 monthly without leaving her room.
Timeline: Month 1: ₦10,000-₦20,000 from 2-3 students. Month 3: ₦50,000+ from 5-10 students.
- Product Reselling (The Smart Way)
What you’ll actually be doing: Selling products without buying inventory first. Customer pays you, you order from your supplier, they deliver. You keep the profit.
Why this works: Zero risk. You’re not stuck with products nobody wants. You only buy after someone has already paid you. And Nigerians love buying things online, especially on WhatsApp and Instagram.
How to start:
Pick one product category. Phone accessories, beauty products, jewelry, men’s perfumes—something with consistent demand.
Find reliable suppliers. This could be someone at Computer Village, a wholesaler in your area, or even verified Instagram sellers who do bulk orders.
Take clean photos or videos of the products (or get them from your supplier).
Post them on your WhatsApp status, Instagram, Facebook Marketplace. Be consistent.
How pricing works: If a wristwatch costs ₦5,000 from your supplier, sell it for ₦7,000-₦7,500. Your profit is ₦2,000-₦2,500 per sale.
The process: Customer messages you → They pay you → You order from supplier → Product gets delivered to customer.
What you need: Your smartphone. Social media accounts. Maybe a reliable dispatch rider’s number.
Reality check: Month one, you’re testing. Maybe ₦5,000-₦10,000 profit from a handful of sales. By month three, if you’re posting consistently and building trust, ₦30,000-₦50,000 is very achievable.
Quick Comparison: Which One Should You Pick?
| Side Hustle | How Soon You’ll Get Paid | Month 1 Earnings | Month 3 Potential | Difficulty | Can It Scale? |
| Freelance Writing | 1-2 weeks | ₦10-15k | ₦50k+ | Medium | Very High |
| Virtual Assistant | 2 weeks | ₦20k | ₦60-90k | Medium | Very High |
| Social Media Management | 2-3 weeks | ₦15k | ₦45-60k | Medium | High |
| Online Tutoring | 1 week | ₦10-20k | ₦50k+ | Low-Medium | Very High |
| Product Reselling | 1 week | ₦5-10k | ₦30-50k | Low | Medium |
Your Action Plan (Don’t Skip This)
Please don’t try to do all five. Pick ONE. Commit to it for at least 30 days.
Week 1: Set everything up. Create your profiles, practice your pitch, set up your tools.
Week 2: Start reaching out. Message 10-15 potential clients. Post your offer in relevant groups. Get comfortable with rejection—it’s part of the process.
Week 3: Refine everything based on responses. Is your pitch too long? Too vague? Adjust and keep going.
Week 4: Close your first client or sale. Even if it’s just ₦5,000. That’s your proof it works.
Once money starts coming in, track every naira. Know what you’re making and where it’s going. Reinvest some in better tools or training.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need capital. You need commitment.
The economy is tough—we all know that. But people are still making money. The difference? They started. They didn’t wait for perfect conditions or a huge bank balance.
From writing to teaching to reselling, these aren’t theoretical ideas. They’re working for real people right now.
You don’t have to be perfect to start. You just have to start to get better.
So, which one are you picking? Drop a comment and tell me. Better yet, tag me when you make your first sale or close your first client.
Let’s get this money.