With the naira fluctuating, inflation biting harder, and unemployment still looming large, Nigerians have refused to sit idly.
From urban tech hubs to remote villages, people are finding creative ways to earn extra income.
Here are 10 side hustles Nigerians are leveraging in 2025 to stay afloat and even thrive.
1. Social Media Ghostwriting and Page Management
While many scroll aimlessly, some Nigerians are cashing in behind the scenes. Ghostwriting for influencers, politicians, and brands has become a booming side gig. Combined with managing Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter pages, it’s a smart hustle that pays based on engagement and visibility.
2. Reselling UK and US Thrift (Okrika) via WhatsApp Status
Forget Jumia. Nigerians are selling fashion directly from their WhatsApp statuses. Sourcing thrift wear from international vendors and flipping them locally with mouth-watering markups has become a fast-moving hustle. Pictures, quick videos, and “limited stock” tactics drive sales.
3. Mini-Importation of Smart Gadgets
From portable blenders to rechargeable fans, Nigerians are importing trending gadgets in small batches and reselling them online. Thanks to logistics platforms and Paystack integration, anyone with a smartphone can start this hustle with less than ₦100,000.
4. Bulk SMS & Automated Messaging Services
Election season or not, there’s always a demand for bulk SMS. Entrepreneurs are providing SMS blast services to religious bodies, politicians, schools, and businesses. With cheap online tools, this side hustle now runs from mobile devices without coding knowledge.
5. Skincare & Organic Products Production
From black soap to turmeric scrubs, locally made skincare is hot right now. Young Nigerians, especially women, are blending natural ingredients, branding their concoctions, and selling via Instagram reels. This hustle merges creativity, science, and sales into one bubbling pot.
6. Crypto Arbitrage and Peer-to-Peer Trading
Despite CBN’s tightening grip, crypto isn’t dead in Nigeria—it has evolved. Smart hustlers are now making profits from price gaps across platforms using peer-to-peer trading. It’s risky, yes, but with good timing and trusted networks, it remains a major earner in 2025.
7. Private Home Tutoring for Kids and Teens
With schools struggling to meet learning gaps, parents are turning to private tutors. Whether it’s preparing for WAEC, SAT, or coding basics, tutors now charge hourly or weekly. Some even offer group sessions via Zoom—no classroom needed.
8. Food Tray Packaging & Surprise Deliveries
Celebrations haven’t stopped, and neither has the demand for customised gift trays. From birthdays to bridal showers, packaging food trays with drinks, fruits, or pastries is a growing hustle, especially in cities like Lagos and Abuja.
9. Voiceover Work and Audiobook Recording
As content consumption shifts to audio, many Nigerians are monetising their voice. With basic tools like a phone and a quiet room, they’re recording ads, jingles, e-learning modules, and audiobooks. Platforms like Fiverr and Selar help them reach international clients.
10. Dropshipping on Instagram and Flutterwave Store
This is e-commerce without inventory. Nigerians are uploading product photos, receiving orders, and forwarding them to suppliers who ship directly. With free storefront tools and payment gateways, this hustle eliminates warehouse and shipping stress.
Conclusion
In 2025, the Nigerian hustle is digital, diverse, and daring. With a smartphone, some creativity, and a problem-solving mindset, anyone can earn beyond their 9–5. These side hustles aren’t just survival tactics, they’re building new paths to financial freedom.