In 2025 Nigeria, depending on one salary is definitely a financial gamble. Food inflation has crossed 31% (NBS, Jan 2025), rent in urban cities keeps rising, and unemployment is still above 33%. One source of income won’t cut it anymore.

Side hustles have now become survival tools. From thrift sales to POS kiosks, Nigerians have been finding creative ways to earn more without quitting their full-time jobs. With as little as ₦1,000 – ₦50,000, one can start a side hustle that pays bills, and even one day, maybe grows into a full business. Extra income makes one meet financial goals faster .

This guide breaks down 10 profitable side hustles in Nigeria—low-capital, practical, and tailored for today’s economy.

How to Choose the Right Side Hustle in Nigeria

Before diving in, ask yourself:

• How much capital can I risk?
• Can I monetize what I know?
• How much time can  I invest , evenings/weekends free?
• Do people actually need this?
• Can this scale into something bigger?

10 Profitable Side Hustles Nigerians Can Start With Low Capital

1. Freelance Writing & Copywriting (₦100k – ₦500k/month)

Global brands and Nigerian SMEs need writers. If you can write clearly, you can earn in naira or dollars.

Needs:

• Laptop or smartphone
• Internet access
• Free samples (or articles on Medium/LinkedIn)

To Start:

• Sign up on Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn.
• Pitch to Nigerian SMEs in fintech, fashion, or lifestyle.
• Build a portfolio with blog posts or ads.

Case Example:
Ngozi, a youth corper in Ibadan, started with ₦0 capital. In less than 8 months, she started earning ₦180k monthly writing fintech articles for startups in Lagos and Nairobi.

2. Mini Importation Business/ Dropshipping  (₦50k – ₦300k+/month)

For affordable, cheaper  fashion, gadgets, and accessories.

Needs:

• ₦20k – ₦50k capital
• Access to 1688.com or Alibaba
• Logistics agent

To Start:

• Buy products (e.g., phone cases at ₦300).
• Resell at ₦1,500+ on WhatsApp, Jumia, or Instagram.

Case Example:
Seyi, an undergraduate in UNILAG, started with ₦30k importing hair bonnets. She now makes ₦120k monthly, supplying hostel mates and Instagram customers.

3. Digital Marketing Services/ Social Media Management (₦50k – ₦250k/month)

Every Nigerian business wants to be on popular social media. 

Needs:

• Laptop/smartphone
• Free Google Digital Skills certificate
• Content creation skills

How to Start:

• Manage small business Instagram pages.
• Run Facebook/Google ads.
• Offer monthly retainers.

Case Example:
Tunde charges ₦80k monthly to handle social media for 3 Lagos fashion brands. The followings and purchases from these brands increased since Tunde began. Increasing his chances of working for bigger brands. 

4. POS Business (₦30k – ₦150k+/month)

Cash scarcity during the 2023 naira redesign showed POS as essential. The ease of getting cash instead of searching out banks and getting stranded. 

 Needs:

• ₦50k – ₦100k capital
• POS machine (Opay, Moniepoint, Palmpay)
• Busy location

Case Example:
Many Nigerians have POS kiosks or even move around busy areas and make more than  ₦50k monthly from ₦100 – ₦300 charges per transaction.

5. Affiliate Marketing (₦50k – ₦500k+/month)

An affiliate marketer promotes products sold online for commissions. Products like courses, apps, e-books, skills.

Needs:

• Smartphone
• Internet
• Social media presence

To Start:

• Register on affiliate marketing platforms like; Expertnaire, Digistem, or Learnoflix.
• Share affiliate links via WhatsApp, Twitter, or TikTok.
• Earn 30–50% per sale.

6. Laundry & Ironing Services (₦30k – ₦100k/month)

Busy city workers  and even students now outsource clothes washing/ironing.

Needs:

• Pressing iron, detergent, buckets
• ₦20k – ₦30k starting cost

Case Example:
Chika started ironing clothes for neighbors in Enugu. With word-of-mouth, she now earns ₦60k monthly, with weekend deliveries.

7. Catering & Baking (₦50k – ₦200k/month)

Start-up Needs:

• ₦20k – ₦50k for ingredients
• Existing kitchen tools

Case Example:
Funmi bakes small chops from her kitchen in Ibadan. With Instagram promotion, she supplies schools and events, making ₦100k monthly profit.

8. Tutoring & Online Classes (₦30k – ₦150k/month)

Parents are desperate for academic help. Coding, Tech Skills,  English, and Math tutors are in high demand .

Needs:

• Smartphone or laptop
• Zoom/Google Meet/WhatsApp
• Lesson plan

Case Example:
Ahmed teaches JAMB Physics online, charging ₦5k per student per month. With 20 students, he earns ₦100k monthly.

9. Airtime &Data Reselling (₦10k – ₦50k/month)

Needs:

• ₦1,000 capital
• VTU apps like Clubkonnect or Aimtoget

Case Example:
Ope sells ₦500 daily airtime to neighbors in Ilorin. With small profits reinvested, she now earns ₦25k/month.

10. Thrift (Okrika) Clothing Sales (₦40k – ₦200k+/month)

Thrift reselling of neatly laundered outfits for workers and students sells very greatly, especially online. 

Needs:

• ₦10k – ₦50k
• Instagram/WhatsApp TV
• Good photography and lighting. 

Case Example:
Kemi buys ₦15k thrift shoes weekly in Yaba. She resells on Instagram, pulling ₦80k – ₦100k monthly profit.

Final Thoughts

In today’s Nigeria, a side hustle isn’t optional—it’s survival. The key? Start small. Stay consistent. Reinvest.
Your side hustle today could be the financial freedom you’ve been waiting for.