Times are tight, but small, steady income streams can ease the pressure. The good news is you do not need a big budget or fancy equipment to start earning more in Nigeria.
With a smartphone, some data, and consistent effort, it is realistic to add anywhere from ₦20,000 to ₦200,000 a month depending on the hustle and the time you can give it. B
Here are 7 Easy Ways to Make Extra Cash on the Side as a Nigerian
WhatsApp and Instagram Mini-Store
If you have an eye for bargains or a knack for presentation, turn your WhatsApp and Instagram into a small shop. Popular products include thrift fashion, wigs, press-on nails, small chops, smoothies, skin-care items, and phone accessories.
Start with a modest stock or ingredients and take clear photos with prices and delivery options. A WhatsApp Catalogue makes it easy for buyers to browse. Build trust by offering pay-on-delivery within your area and by sharing short customer reviews. Partner with a reliable dispatch rider and always mention the delivery fee upfront.
Airtime, Data and Bills Payment
Many people prefer to top up through a trusted person. Register on reputable vending apps that let you resell airtime, data, cable TV and electricity tokens. Keep a small wallet balance and sell to friends, neighbours and colleagues.
Add a small convenience fee and, if you have a physical spot, combine it with printing, photocopy or phone charging to increase daily traffic.
POS Agent at a Busy Spot
If you sit near a bus stop, market gate or campus, a POS table can be a strong earner. Register with a bank or fintech agent programme, learn the device properly and keep accurate records.
A simple umbrella, chair and signboard will do. The key is location, friendly service and clean reconciliation at the end of each day so you do not lose track of cash.
If you are good with words, visuals or short videos, sell your skills to small businesses. Use Canva or CapCut to create five to ten sample works and show them to salons, eateries, churches, schools and online boutiques.
Offer a clear monthly package, for example content posts, stories and replies for a flat fee. Share simple before-and-after examples and basic analytics to prove your value. Twitter/X, LinkedIn and Facebook groups can help you find your first clients.
Home Lessons and Exam Prep
Tutoring pays well if you are patient and organised. Teach for common entrance, BECE, WAEC, NECO, JAMB, IELTS, or offer coding, piano or language lessons for kids. Print handouts, use a small whiteboard and keep a progress sheet for each learner.
Tell parents in your estate, worship centre and school groups. A short free trial helps families decide. Small group classes of two to four students raise your hourly income without making it expensive for each child.
Food Prep and Niche Kitchen Packs
If your cooking gets compliments, fix a simple menu and take pre-orders. Packed soups and stews, office lunch bowls, small chops trays, zobo or tigernut drinks and parfait cups sell well when you are consistent.
Keep the kitchen spotless, label allergens and post short videos that show your process. Take orders on specific days, deliver on schedule and collect feedback to refine taste and portion sizes.
Simple Import and Local Resell
Light items like phone cases, earbuds, nail kits and waist trainers can be sourced in small quantities and resold online.
Start narrow with one or two items. Calculate the full cost including shipping and delivery before you set a price. Good photos matter. Consider pre-orders to reduce risk and offer small bundle discounts to move stock faster.
Safety and Money Rules
Protect yourself by collecting payment or a deposit before dispatch. Confirm bank alerts properly and keep all receipts. Track every sale and expense in a notebook or simple spreadsheet so you know your real profit. Reply to customers quickly, give honest timelines and refund when you make a mistake.
As your hustle grows, register a business name, keep clean records for tax, and follow food safety rules if you sell edibles.