“I make 6000 dollars a month as a freelancer working remotely for Canadians”— How I turned my hobby into business”.

That’s a headline or ad you stumble into as you doomscroll through instagram, you listen for a few minutes or read for a few minutes and you scroll away with the thought of “As how na” or “that’s not something I can achieve”. 

Well, most of us have been there. Even if you’re a Nepo- baby, you still need to sit tight and read through this, especially if you are a Nigerian living in Nigeria, earning in Naira. 

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s unemployment rate is around 5% (2025 update), but underemployment is far higher. Due to this, the internet has truly become an escape route. 

Here are three major reasons why a Nigerian would want to go digital: 

• Foreign currency  earnings: A $100 gig online translates to over ₦150,000 at today’s rates. In Pounds? That’s even more. 
• Low startup or tools cost: Many online hustles need little more than a phone, optionally a laptop and data.
• Lack of rigidity: This can be done from the comfort of your home. No drama. No transport cost, no traffic, no senior colleague brouhaha ( sometimes). You literally work anytime, anywhere.

Major Proven Ways Nigerians Are Making Money Online

1. Freelancing

These has become one of the leading digital money making skills since the Covid 19 era. You offer your digital skills : writing, design, coding, video editing, management — to clients worldwide without barrier. 

Most used platforms: Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer, LinkedIn gigs.

High-demand skills right now:

• Writing
• Graphic design and branding (UI/UX especially)
• Software engineering
• Web and app development
• Social media management
• Video editing and animation

Example:  Marvellous, a Unilag student started working for some permanent clients he got on Fiverr as a graphics designer as a 3rd year student . Before the end of his fourth year in school, he was pulling in $800+ monthly, enough to cover school expenses and still save.

Quick Money Math (Freelancing):

2. Blogging

Run a blog on finance, beauty, trends — anything catchy, build a fan base, grow traffic. Start monetizing with advertisements, affiliates, and sponsorships.

Monetization Channels:

• Google AdSense (₦100k–₦500k monthly if traffic grows)
• Affiliate marketing (sell products)
• Sponsored posts from Nigerian SMEs
• Digital products like eBooks

Example: A tech blogger in Abuja earns about (₦250+ /month) from advertisements for some popular shopping brands. 

3. Affiliate Marketing

This involves selling other peoples products and earning specified commissions on every sale made. 

Most used Platforms: Expertnaire, Stakecut, Amazon Associates.

Local Example: Selling ₦40,000 “importation guides” on Expertnaire earns affiliates up to ₦20k per sale.

4. Mini Importation & E-commerce

Also known as Dropshipping. Some Nigeriansvhave rebranded it as being “personal shoppers”. This involves the Importation of  cheap goods from China, Vietnam  and selling in Nigeria.

Demanded Products: Phone accessories, wigs, skincare, grooming kits, toys, fast fashion outfits. 

Platforms to sell: WhatsApp status, Instagram, Jumia, Temu.

Quick Money Math (Mini Importation):
₦30,000 stock (30 items at ₦1,000 each).
Sell each at ₦2,500 → ₦75,000.
Profit after delivery/ads: ₦25k–₦30k.
Do this twice a month → ₦60k profit.

5. YouTube, Instagram, TikTok Content Creation

Start a channel. Start a page . Build a fan base. Grow your personal audience. Preferable to work towards building a community. Monetize this via ads and sponsors. Subsequently in future, you can branch into other businesses much demanded by your communit. 

What works in Nigeria: Comedy skits, finance tips, fashion and skincare, gossip, trends and news, tech reviews, food/lifestyle vlogs.

Requirements: 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours.

Example: Taoism’s Comedy started as skits and now earns thousands of dollars monthly. Other popular creators include Diary of a Kitchen Lover, Layi Wasabi, Zikokomag. 

6. Digital Products

Sell eBooks, courses, or templates. Create once, sell forever.

Platforms: Selar, Gumroad, Payhip, Amazon .

Example: Samuel during his Nysc sold ₦3m worth of eBooks on Amazon in one year after purchasing the Amazon Kdp course. 

7. Remote Jobs & Virtual Assistance

This requires working for companies and clients abroad either as more permanent staff or with easier roles like: customer support agent, data entry clerk, or VA.

Where to apply: Remote OK, We Work Remotely, LinkedIn.

Pay Range: ₦150k–₦500k per month depending on role.

30-Day Starter Plan

Week 1: Pick one skill. Build a lot of samples. Work for free for friends and families. Set a 3 months revenue target.
Week 2: Create profile or store or account. Send 20 pitches daily. Be vocal about your new skill.
Week 3: Land first small job/order. Deliver fast. Collect reviews. Make sure you put in your best.
Week 4: Raise prices by 20%. Reinforce marketing. Keep on trying to get better. 

Final Thoughts

The key is to start small, focus on one lane, and stay consistent. What begins as a ₦20k hustle today with consistency can blossom into a bigger business. 

Call-to-action: Pick one hustle this week. Send 10 pitches. Launch one small ad. Start now.