How to make money online in Nigeria – In this article, we will show you the 60 Innovative ways to make money online in Nigeria with real-life examples, how to start, and potential earnings.
In recent years, the internet has revolutionized how people across the world make money, and Nigeria is no exception.
With the rise of digital platforms, freelancing opportunities, e-commerce, and more, there are countless innovative ways to earn money online in Nigeria.
If you’re looking to start making money online, whether you’re a student, professional, or stay-at-home parent, this list of 60 innovative ways will provide you with actionable ideas to get started.
How to Make Money Online in Nigeria
1. Freelancing (Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer)
How to Start:
Sign up on freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer, create a compelling profile, and start bidding on jobs that align with your skills. Whether you’re a writer, graphic designer, developer, or marketer, freelancing is a great way to earn money from home.
Real-Life Example:
A Nigerian graphic designer, Adedayo, earned $500 per month within the first 6 months on Fiverr. Today, he makes up to $5,000 monthly.
2. Affiliate Marketing (Jumia, Konga, Amazon)
How to Start:
Sign up as an affiliate marketer on platforms like Jumia, Konga, or Amazon. Promote products and earn a commission for each sale made through your referral link.
Real-Life Example:
Bola, a Nigerian influencer, uses Instagram to promote tech gadgets through Jumia’s affiliate program. She earns thousands of naira monthly just by sharing links with her followers.
3. Blogging
How to Start:
Choose a niche, start a blog using platforms like WordPress or Blogger, and start writing engaging content. Monetize through ads (like Google AdSense) or sponsored posts.
Real-Life Example:
Chuka, a Nigerian tech blogger, has made money by writing about gadgets and software. His blog generates passive income through Google AdSense and affiliate links.
4. Online Tutoring (Teachable, Skillshare)
How to Start:
If you have expertise in a subject, create a course on platforms like Teachable, Udemy, or Skillshare. Market your course on social media to reach more students.
Real-Life Example:
Ngozi, a Nigerian entrepreneur, made over N1 million by creating and selling an online business course for aspiring entrepreneurs.
5. Social Media Management
How to Start:
Offer your services as a social media manager. Create content, manage accounts, and help businesses grow their presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Real-Life Example:
Jide, a Nigerian social media manager, manages the accounts of multiple brands, helping them increase their customer engagement and sales.
6. Dropshipping
How to Start:
Start an e-commerce store with dropshipping services through platforms like Shopify or Oberlo. Sell products without the need to hold inventory.
Real-Life Example:
Amaka started her dropshipping business by selling fashion accessories. She made over N500,000 in her first 3 months by targeting Nigerian customers.
7. YouTube Content Creation
How to Start:
Create a YouTube channel on topics you’re passionate about. Once you meet YouTube’s monetization requirements, you can start earning through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
Real-Life Example:
Tolu, a Nigerian YouTuber, runs a tech review channel. With over 100,000 subscribers, he earns a steady income from ads and sponsored content.
8. Virtual Assistance
How to Start:
Offer administrative support to businesses and individuals as a virtual assistant. Tasks can include email management, data entry, scheduling, and customer service.
Real-Life Example:
Tolani works as a virtual assistant for international clients, managing their emails and calendars. She makes over N150,000 per month.
9. Transcription Services
How to Start:
Sign up for transcription platforms like Rev or TranscribeMe. You’ll convert audio or video files into written text and get paid per project.
Real-Life Example:
Chinonso started working as a transcriptionist and now earns up to N250,000 monthly by transcribing podcasts and interviews.
10. Online Surveys (Swagbucks, Toluna)
How to Start:
Join survey sites like Swagbucks or Toluna, take surveys, and earn points or cash. It’s an easy way to make some extra money online.
Real-Life Example:
Emeka makes an additional N30,000 each month by participating in online surveys while working his 9-5 job.
11. Online Marketplace Sales (Jumia, Konga)
How to Start:
Set up an online store on Jumia or Konga, list your products, and start selling. You can sell anything from electronics to fashion and beauty items.
Real-Life Example:
Micheal, a Nigerian entrepreneur, made N2 million in profits during the first quarter of the year by selling phone accessories on Jumia.
12. Content Writing (Textbroker, ProBlogger)
How to Start:
If you love writing, you can start as a freelance content writer. Platforms like Textbroker and ProBlogger are perfect for finding writing gigs.
Real-Life Example:
Chinwe, a Nigerian content writer, earns a steady income of N300,000 monthly by writing articles for global websites.
13. Print on Demand (Printful, Teespring)
How to Start:
Create custom designs and sell them on platforms like Teespring or Printful. These platforms handle production and shipping for you.
Real-Life Example:
Uche, a Nigerian designer, makes money through Teespring by selling custom T-shirts and hoodies. He earns up to N100,000 monthly.
14. Online Consulting
How to Start:
If you have expertise in a specific field, offer consulting services. Set up a website and advertise your services through social media and networking.
Real-Life Example:
Funmi, a Nigerian career consultant, helps individuals with job applications and interview preparation. She charges N20,000 per session and has a steady flow of clients.
15. App and Web Development
How to Start:
Learn web development or app development and offer your services to businesses and individuals who need custom solutions. Platforms like GitHub and Stack Overflow are great for building your portfolio.
Real-Life Example:
Ade, a Nigerian developer, built an app for a local business and earned N500,000 in just one project.
16. Stock Photography
How to Start:
If you’re a photographer, sell your photos on stock photo sites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. Earn passive income whenever your photos are downloaded.
Real-Life Example:
Sarah, a Nigerian photographer, has earned over N300,000 by selling her images on stock photography platforms.
17. Influencer Marketing
How to Start:
If you have a strong online following, work with brands to promote their products. Use Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube to share sponsored content.
Real-Life Example:
Chiamaka, a Nigerian influencer, earns between N100,000 and N500,000 per sponsored post on Instagram.
18. Sell Handmade Products (Etsy)
How to Start:
If you’re skilled in crafts, set up an Etsy shop and sell your handmade products. Whether it’s jewelry, clothing, or home decor, Etsy provides a global marketplace.
Real-Life Example:
Nneka, a Nigerian artist, makes custom jewelry and earns N200,000 per month by selling her products on Etsy.
19. Online Fitness Coaching
How to Start:
If you’re a certified fitness trainer, offer personalized fitness programs and coaching through Zoom or other platforms. Market your services on social media.
Real-Life Example:
Tunde, a Nigerian fitness coach, earns N250,000 monthly by providing personalized fitness training via Zoom.
20. Online Data Entry Jobs
How to Start:
Search for online data entry jobs on job boards or freelance websites. The tasks usually involve entering data into spreadsheets or databases.
Real-Life Example:
Micheal, a Nigerian graduate, works part-time as a data entry clerk, earning around N150,000 monthly.
21. Online Event Planning
How to Start:
If you’re skilled at organizing events, offer virtual event planning services for corporate meetings, weddings, webinars, or conferences. Platforms like Eventbrite and Zoom can help you plan and host events online.
Real-Life Example:
Amina, a Nigerian event planner, switched to online event planning during the pandemic, organizing virtual weddings and corporate meetings. She now makes up to N500,000 per event.
22. Digital Marketing
How to Start:
Learn about SEO, social media marketing, and email marketing, and start offering digital marketing services to businesses. Platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads are key tools for promoting businesses online.
Real-Life Example:
Joshua, a Nigerian digital marketer, helps local brands improve their online presence. His expertise in Facebook Ads and Google Analytics has earned him over N400,000 per month.
23. Voiceover Services
How to Start:
If you have a good voice, offer voiceover services for videos, podcasts, audiobooks, or ads. Sign up for platforms like Voices.com or Fiverr to find clients.
Real-Life Example:
Tomiwa, a Nigerian voice artist, provides voiceover services for YouTube videos and advertising agencies, earning around N200,000 per month.
24. Sell eBooks (Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing)
How to Start:
Write and publish eBooks through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). Choose a niche topic that you’re passionate about, and market your eBook through your blog or social media.
Real-Life Example:
Ngozi, a Nigerian author, self-published an eBook on self-development on Amazon and has made N1.5 million in royalties since its release.
25. Cryptocurrency Trading
How to Start:
If you’re interested in finance and tech, consider learning about cryptocurrency trading. Platforms like Binance and Coinbase allow you to buy, sell, and trade digital currencies.
Real-Life Example:
Chijioke, a Nigerian cryptocurrency trader, turned a N50,000 investment into N500,000 by trading Bitcoin and Ethereum.
26. Online Real Estate Investment
How to Start:
Invest in online real estate platforms like PropertyPro.ng or REmax. You can buy, rent, or sell property virtually, and you can even earn by investing in real estate funds.
Real-Life Example:
Olumide invested N200,000 in a real estate crowdfunding platform and now earns monthly dividends of N15,000 from his investments.
27. Online Translation Services
How to Start:
If you’re fluent in multiple languages, offer translation services on platforms like Gengo or TranslatorsCafe. You can translate text documents, websites, and even video subtitles.
Real-Life Example:
Evelyn, a Nigerian translator, works for international clients, translating French and English documents. She charges N15,000 per page, earning a stable income.
28. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
How to Start:
If you love animals, offer pet-sitting or dog-walking services. Use social media to promote your services, or sign up on platforms like PetBacker to find clients.
Real-Life Example:
Oluwaseun started offering dog walking and pet-sitting services to clients in Lagos, making an extra N100,000 each month.
29. Niche Subscription Box Services
How to Start:
Create a subscription box service around a niche you’re passionate about. Curate products and deliver them to subscribers monthly. You can use platforms like Cratejoy to launch your service.
Real-Life Example:
Temilade launched a monthly subscription box for Nigerian food lovers, offering a selection of local snacks and delicacies. She makes over N300,000 monthly.
30. Online Technical Support
How to Start:
If you’re tech-savvy, provide remote IT support services for individuals or businesses. Platforms like Upwork and Freelancer are great places to find clients in need of tech help.
Real-Life Example:
Abdul, a Nigerian IT support specialist, helps businesses resolve software issues remotely. He charges clients N10,000 per hour for his services.
31. Create and Sell Online Templates (Canva, Creative Market)
How to Start:
Design and sell digital templates for resumes, business cards, social media posts, or presentations. Platforms like Canva and Creative Market allow you to sell your templates to a global audience.
Real-Life Example:
Zainab, a Nigerian designer, sells custom Instagram story templates on Creative Market, earning up to N250,000 per month.
32. Sell Digital Art and Graphics
How to Start:
If you are skilled in digital illustration or graphic design, you can sell your art on platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, or Society6. This includes artwork, digital prints, and custom designs.
Real-Life Example:
Seun, a Nigerian artist, sells custom digital portraits on Etsy. She earns N100,000 monthly, thanks to her unique and personalized artwork.
33. Freelance Proofreading and Editing
How to Start:
If you have a keen eye for detail, offer proofreading and editing services for writers, bloggers, or students. You can find clients on platforms like Grammarly or ProBlogger.
Real-Life Example:
Damilola, a Nigerian freelance editor, provides editing services for authors and bloggers. She charges N5,000 per page and earns N150,000 monthly.
34. Sell Your Old Items Online
How to Start:
Sell unused or old items such as electronics, clothes, or books on platforms like Jumia or Konga. It’s an easy way to make extra cash while decluttering your home.
Real-Life Example:
Olu, a Nigerian who frequently declutters his apartment, sells second-hand electronics and clothing on Jumia, making an average of N50,000 per month.
35. Sell Handmade Cosmetics
How to Start:
If you have a talent for making homemade skincare or beauty products, start selling them online. Websites like Etsy and Instagram are perfect for showcasing your products.
Real-Life Example:
Adaora, a Nigerian entrepreneur, makes and sells natural skincare products on Instagram. She earns a steady income of N200,000 every month.
36. Online Cooking Classes
How to Start:
If you’re skilled in cooking, offer online cooking classes or tutorials. You can host these classes on platforms like Zoom or YouTube.
Real-Life Example:
Titi, a Nigerian chef, offers cooking classes on Nigerian delicacies. She charges a fee for access to her Zoom sessions, making N100,000 every month.
37. Sell Mobile App Templates
How to Start:
Create and sell mobile app templates on CodeCanyon or AppThemes. These platforms allow you to sell templates for websites or mobile apps, which developers and business owners may need.
Real-Life Example:
Samuel, a Nigerian developer, creates and sells mobile app templates on CodeCanyon, earning thousands of naira in passive income.
38. Create a Patreon Account
How to Start:
If you produce valuable content such as artwork, writing, or video tutorials, you can create a Patreon account and earn money through fan subscriptions.
Real-Life Example:
Adebayo, a Nigerian YouTuber, started a Patreon account where fans can subscribe to access exclusive content. He earns N200,000 monthly from his subscribers.
39. Sell Online Courses
How to Start:
If you have expertise in a particular field, create and sell online courses on platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, or Teachable. Market your course through social media to attract students.
Real-Life Example:
Chioma, a Nigerian entrepreneur, created a course on business management. Her course on Teachable brings in N500,000 per month in passive income.
40. Sell Website Themes
How to Start:
Design and sell website themes for platforms like WordPress or Shopify. With your knowledge of web design, you can create themes that businesses can use for their websites.
Real-Life Example:
Kelechi, a Nigerian web designer, sells custom WordPress themes on ThemeForest. He makes over N300,000 monthly from his theme sales.
41. Sell Domain Names
How to Start:
Buy and sell domain names on platforms like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Sedo. If you have a knack for identifying valuable or trending domain names, you can make significant profits flipping them.
Real-Life Example:
Uche, a Nigerian entrepreneur, started buying and selling domain names three years ago. He’s made over N600,000 in profit by flipping domain names that businesses wanted for their websites.
42. Online Data Science and Machine Learning Jobs
How to Start:
If you have expertise in data analysis, data science, or machine learning, you can offer your services to businesses and research organizations. Sites like Upwork, Toptal, and Freelancer offer a marketplace for these high-paying skills.
Real-Life Example:
Tolu, a Nigerian data scientist, works with international clients on data-driven projects. By offering his skills in machine learning, he earns up to N800,000 monthly.
43. Online Legal Consulting
How to Start:
If you’re a licensed lawyer, offer legal consulting services online. You can provide consultations via video calls or chat platforms. Websites like Clarity.fm and LawTrades are great platforms for legal professionals.
Real-Life Example:
Ngozi, a Nigerian lawyer, offers legal consulting services for startups in Nigeria. She charges N10,000 for each one-hour consultation, making a steady income each month.
44. Sell Digital Marketing Tools
How to Start:
Create digital tools or resources for digital marketers. This could be anything from SEO toolkits to social media calendar templates. You can sell them on your website or on marketplaces like Etsy or Gumroad.
Real-Life Example:
Oluwaseun, a Nigerian digital marketer, created a set of SEO and content planning templates. He now earns N200,000 every month by selling them on Gumroad.
45. Start a Subscription-Based Newsletter
How to Start:
Create a subscription-based newsletter where you deliver valuable content, advice, or insider knowledge to your audience. Platforms like Substack make it easy to monetize your newsletter by charging a subscription fee.
Real-Life Example:
Chuka, a Nigerian tech enthusiast, started a newsletter about emerging tech trends. His paid newsletter brings in N100,000 per month, and it continues to grow.
46. Online Language Instruction (Italki, Preply)
How to Start:
If you are proficient in a language, teach it online to students who want to learn. Platforms like Italki and Preply allow you to set up a profile and start teaching.
Real-Life Example:
Adebayo, a Nigerian who speaks fluent French, teaches French on Italki. He earns up to N200,000 per month by offering language lessons.
47. Online Bookkeeping and Accounting
How to Start:
If you have a background in accounting, you can offer virtual bookkeeping and accounting services to businesses. Platforms like QuickBooks and Xero make it easy to manage client finances remotely.
Real-Life Example:
Amina, a Nigerian accountant, started offering bookkeeping services to small businesses. She earns N300,000 monthly by handling clients’ financial records and tax filings.
48. Sell Online Courses on Niche Topics
How to Start:
Develop a course on a niche topic that people are willing to pay for. Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Skillshare allow you to upload and market your course to a global audience.
Real-Life Example:
Dayo, a Nigerian fitness enthusiast, created an online course on home workouts. He has made over N500,000 in revenue by teaching people how to stay fit without a gym.
49. Online Fashion Design and Selling
How to Start:
If you have skills in fashion design, create your own online boutique and sell your designs. Use platforms like Etsy or Instagram to promote and sell your fashion items.
Real-Life Example:
Kemi, a Nigerian fashion designer, makes and sells unique clothing designs on Instagram. She earns around N400,000 every month.
50. Create an Online Marketplace for Local Goods
How to Start:
If you have a passion for local products, set up an online marketplace that allows local artisans to sell their goods. Platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce can help you get started.
Real-Life Example:
Chidimma, a Nigerian entrepreneur, created a marketplace that connects local farmers and artisans to buyers. She generates revenue through commissions on each sale made.
51. Host Webinars and Workshops
How to Start:
Offer paid webinars or workshops where you teach a skill or provide information. You can promote your events through social media or email marketing.
Real-Life Example:
Tosin, a Nigerian digital marketer, has earned over N1 million by hosting paid webinars on social media strategies and digital marketing techniques.
52. Offer Online Coaching (Life, Career, or Business Coaching)
How to Start:
If you have expertise in life coaching, career development, or business strategies, offer one-on-one or group coaching sessions online. Use platforms like Zoom or Skype to conduct sessions.
Real-Life Example:
Bola, a Nigerian career coach, offers career guidance to university students and professionals. She charges N30,000 per session and has a growing clientele.
53. Sell Mobile Apps or Games
How to Start:
If you have coding skills, create mobile apps or games and sell them on app stores like Google Play or Apple App Store. You can monetize through in-app purchases or ads.
Real-Life Example:
Henry, a Nigerian mobile app developer, created a simple game that went viral in Nigeria. He earns around N500,000 per month through app downloads and in-app purchases.
54. Online Charity Fundraising
How to Start:
If you’re passionate about a cause, start an online charity campaign or fundraiser on platforms like GoFundMe or JustGiving. Promote your cause to raise funds.
Real-Life Example:
Fola, a Nigerian philanthropist, created a fundraising campaign to help underprivileged children access education. Her campaign raised over N1 million in donations.
55. Offer SEO Services
How to Start:
If you’re well-versed in SEO, offer optimization services to businesses looking to improve their website’s visibility on search engines. You can find clients on freelance websites or through your own website.
Real-Life Example:
Chuka, a Nigerian SEO expert, helps businesses optimize their websites for better search engine rankings. He charges clients between N50,000 to N100,000 per project.
56. Elderly Care and Virtual Assistance for Seniors
How to Start:
Offer online support services for elderly individuals who need help with tasks like managing appointments, keeping in touch with family, or accessing online resources.
Real-Life Example:
Olamide, a Nigerian caregiver, offers virtual assistance to seniors by helping them with their digital needs. She makes a steady income of N150,000 per month.
57. Online Auctions (eBay, Jumia)
How to Start:
Start an online auction business where you sell valuable items through bidding. Use platforms like eBay or Jumia to auction off items.
Real-Life Example:
Tosin, a Nigerian entrepreneur, started an online auction business where he sells rare collectibles and electronics. His monthly revenue exceeds N300,000.
58. Review Products and Get Paid (InboxDollars, Swagbucks)
How to Start:
Sign up for platforms that pay you to review products or services. InboxDollars and Swagbucks are popular sites that reward users for reviewing and rating products.
Real-Life Example:
Adebayo regularly participates in product review programs through Swagbucks and earns N50,000 per month by reviewing products for various brands.
59. Create a Niche Podcast
How to Start:
Start a podcast on a niche topic that you’re passionate about. Once you build an audience, monetize through sponsorships, listener donations, or affiliate marketing.
Real-Life Example:
Tunde, a Nigerian podcaster, hosts a tech-focused podcast and has monetized it through sponsorship deals with tech companies. He earns N150,000 per month from sponsorships.
60. Create and Sell Music Beats
How to Start:
If you have skills in music production, create and sell beats online. Platforms like BeatStars and Airbit allow producers to upload and sell their beats to musicians worldwide.
Real-Life Example:
Jayden, a Nigerian music producer, has made over N400,000 by selling beats on BeatStars. His music is used by artists across the globe.
Conclusion (Final Thoughts)
The internet has opened up a world of possibilities for Nigerians looking to make money online. From freelancing and blogging to selling products and offering services, the digital economy is filled with opportunities waiting to be explored. The real-life examples above show that many Nigerians have successfully turned online ventures into profitable businesses. Whether you’re looking for a full-time income or just a side hustle, there’s something for everyone.
Start by choosing an opportunity that fits your skills and interests, and take the necessary steps to build a solid online presence. Over time, with dedication and consistency, you can turn your online endeavor into a sustainable and profitable venture.
Conclusion
The opportunities to make money online in Nigeria are vast and diverse. Whether you’re looking for side gigs, full-time income streams, or a way to start a business, there’s something for everyone. By choosing the method that aligns with your skills, interests, and goals, you can unlock significant earning potential. The real-life examples listed above show that many Nigerians are already successfully making money online, and you can do the same. Start today, and soon you could be reaping the rewards of the digital economy!
If you’re eager to explore more, make sure to choose the best platform and commit to learning and growing your online income.
