The estimate for the size of the side hustles market in Nigeria is substantial, driven by a large number of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), many of which are essentially side hustles.
Nigeria has over 35 million micro-enterprises, with a significant proportion operating as sole proprietorships typical of side hustles focused on wholesale, retail, small trading, and services.
Side hustles contribute a critical portion of disposable income for many Nigerians, especially youths coping with high unemployment rates. Around 28% of Nigerians aged 25-34 are unemployed, and side hustles are a major survival and income strategy for this group.
The side hustle culture has grown further due to economic pressures like inflation and job insecurity, with many turning to digital and offline gigs including social media influence, dropshipping, freelancing, food delivery, and mini-importation businesses.
The Nigerian digital economy and fintech expansion fuel growth in tech-enabled side hustles, boosting the market further in 2025.
Since we live in a country where rising inflation eats deep into income, it is paramount to diversify our source of income to lead to the kind of life that benefits us all.
With a rebased nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) size of N372.8 trillion ($243 billion) for 2024, there is enough money to be made on the side in both the formal and informal sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Here are key side hustles popular in Nigeria in 2025
Key side hustles popular in Nigeria in 2025 include a diverse range of online and offline opportunities that cater to different skills and capital levels. Here are some of the most notable ones:
Freelance Writing
Writing content for local and international clients, including marketing, technical, and academic fields. Average annual earnings can be significant with experience.
Social Media Marketing
Managing social media presence for businesses, creating and moderating content, and engaging with audiences.
Online Tutoring
Teaching various subjects through online platforms, offering flexibility and good earning potential.
Photography and Videography
Offering event coverage and selling photos/videos, which is especially in demand for weddings and celebrations.
Smart Importation and Sales on Instagram/TikTok
Importing goods or dropshipping from platforms like Alibaba and selling locally through platforms like Instagram with minimal capital investment.
Home-Based Cooking and Food Delivery
Preparing and delivering local dishes and snacks, a highly demanded service especially for busy professionals and students.
Second-Hand Sales
Selling pre-owned items such as clothes, shoes, and household goods through marketplaces and social media.
Digital Marketing for Local Businesses
Services including social media management, ad creation, WhatsApp broadcasts, and graphic design.
Homemade Beauty Products
Producing and selling natural skincare, soaps, and hair oils to meet growing demand for organic alternatives.
Online Course Creation
Creating and selling educational courses in various professional and creative fields.
Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals
Renting out extra rooms or apartments to travelers and remote workers.
Stock Market and Cryptocurrency Trading
Engaging in investment and trading activities for profit.
Event Supply Rental and Catering
Renting party supplies or offering catering services for events and gatherings.
Content Creation
Start a Blog or Newsletter: Share your expertise or passion with a wider audience and monetize through various methods. YouTube Channel: Create and monetize videos on a topic you enjoy.
Faceless YouTube Channels, Use AI to generate content and voiceovers for videos without needing to be on camera.
Passive Income
Affiliate Marketing, Promote other companies’ products and earn a commission.
Credit: Moneycentral
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