Tag Archives: side-hustles

Side Hustles Nigerians Can Start Today (With Low Capital)

Introduction

In Nigeria—home to one of the world’s most entrepreneurial populations—side hustles are more than just extra income. They’ve become a hallmark of ambition and resilience. Whether you want to supplement your salary, gain financial independence, or even launch a future full-time business, there are multiple high-impact hustles you can start today with minimal capital—no MBA required!

👉 Looking for online income streams? Check out our guide on apps Nigerians should be using for daily life

1. Digital Content Creation

Best for: Creatives, teachers, and anyone with a smartphone.

  • YouTube & TikTok: Share cooking recipes, comedy skits, skill tutorials, or motivational talks. Monetise via ads, sponsorships, and affiliate links.
  • Blogging & Micro-blogging: Write about tech reviews, Nigerian travel spots, or lifestyle tips. Earn through display ads, sponsored posts, and consulting.
  • Podcasting: Host discussions on Nollywood gossip, personal finance, or mental health. Once you build a loyal audience, sell sponsorship slots.

💡 Startup cost: Smartphone, decent internet connection, free editing apps. Many Nigerians who gained celebrity status today started took advantage of the internet. Eg. Mark Angel comedy, “Investor Sabinus” etc are just but a few. You can do the same and chat your own course.

A young Nigerian content creator recording a video with a phone ring light
Digital content creation is a growing opportunity in Nigeria, requiring minimal tools such as a smartphone and ring light.

👉 For more information, please check out our resource page.

2. E-Commerce and Dropshipping

Best for: Entrepreneurs with an eye for products and branding.

  • Local handcrafts: Sell beaded jewelry, Ankara fabrics, or shea-butter skincare on Jumia or Konga.
  • Dropshipping gadgets: Partner with suppliers on AliExpress or Alibaba; products ship directly to your customers.
  • Print-on-Demand: Use Shopify or Teespring to sell T-shirts, mugs, and tote bags with Naija slogans worldwide.

💡 Pro tip: Customer service is everything—fast responses, shipping updates, and easy returns build trust.

Product showcase of handmade jewelries of different colours and a green Naija T-shirt design with white text boldly written Naija.
Product showcase of handmade jewellery and a Naija T-shirt design.

👉 For more info check: Jumia seller Hub:

3. Skills Training & Tutoring

Best for: Students, professionals, or skilled artisans.

  • Academic tutoring: Target JAMB and WAEC candidates in Maths, English, and Sciences (in person or via Zoom).
  • Vocational workshops: Teach hairstyling, makeup artistry, graphic design, or basic coding.
  • Language coaching: Teach Hausa, Yoruba, or Igbo to expatriates—demand is rising!

💡 Pro tip: Share testimonials and short free lessons on social media to build credibility.

A tutor teaching online with a laptop on a desk and students on Zoom.

👉 Getting Started with CSS: How to Style Your First Web Page.

4. Ride-Hailing & Delivery Services

Best for: Car and bike owners in busy cities.

  • Bolt, Uber, Little Cab: Earn flexibly ferrying passengers.
  • Food delivery: Partner with Jumia Food or cloud kitchens—weekends and evenings are peak hours.
  • Errand running: Offer concierge services for grocery shopping, pharmacy pickups, or bill payments. These are gaining traction.

💡 Insight: In Lagos or Abuja, a fuel-efficient bike can often bring higher profits than a car due to traffic congestion.

A delivery rider weaving through Lagos traffic

👉 Check out uber Nigeria Sign-up

5. Agribusiness and Urban Farming

Best for: Those with access to small land or backyard space.

  • Poultry rearing: Start with 50–100 birds; eggs sell quickly in local markets.
  • Snail farming: This is one of the growing businesses and it takes little or nothing to start.
  • Vegetable gardening: Grow tomatoes, peppers, and spinach in sacks or vertical farms. Restaurants often pay top rates for fresh supply.
  • Fish farming: Tilapia or catfish in small tank systems—demand is high in wet markets and eateries.

💡 Good to know: Explore grants and low-interest loans like CBN’s AGSMEIS program to expand operations.

A farmer holding a basket of fresh produce in a green field
A farmer holding a basket of fresh produce in a green field

👉 For more information, visit the CBN AGSMEIS Loan

Getting Started Checklist

✔ Validate demand: Ask friends, family, or online groups.
✔ Set goals: Define your budget, time, and revenue targets.
✔ Build your brand: Pick a name, create social media pages, and post consistently.
✔ Deliver excellence: Reliability and quality create repeat customers.
✔ Reinvest profits: Use earnings for marketing, equipment, or stock growth.

Conclusion

Side hustles in Nigeria are more than just extra cash opportunities—they’re incubators for skills, networks, and confidence. By leveraging your talents and Nigeria’s vibrant market, you can transform a simple idea into a thriving venture.

Start small, stay consistent, and grow your side hustle into something much bigger.👉 Looking for more? Read our post on How to Use Apps to Earn Extra Income in Nigeria