The Best Ways for Nigerians to Begin Earning Money Online: An Easy-to-Use Guide
Like a stray Wi-Fi signal in a Lagos café, you’ve undoubtedly heard the enchanted phrase “make money online.” And if you’re anything like me when I first heard it, you’re probably thinking, “Abeg, is this real or just one of those internet fairy tales?” Spoiler alert: it’s very real. Nigerians (myself included) are already cashing out, and no—you don’t need an uncle in government or one secret Illuminati handshake to get started.
The truth is, the internet has leveled the playing field. Unlike a physical business where you need to rent a shop, buy a generator, and hire two cousins to sit at the counter, online businesses let you start small and scale up. But let’s be honest: it’s not “easy money.” If you’re looking for that, sorry—this guide is not for you. What you’ll actually need is patience, skills, and consistency.
Table of Contents
Now, grab your zobo, relax, and let’s dive into the best ways you (yes, you reading this on your phone) can start making money online in Nigeria.
Freelancing—Sell What You Know
Freelancing is basically standing on the digital street corner and shouting, “Oga, I sabi do am. Pay me.” Except instead of sweating under the sun in Balogun market, you’re doing it from your laptop.
If you can write, design, code, edit videos, manage social media, or even enter data properly, freelancing is your ticket. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com don’t care if you live in Lagos or Lokoja. As long as you can deliver good work, you can earn—in dollars (which, thanks to exchange rates, is like magic).
When I started in 2017, I once took a tiny writing gig on Upwork that barely covered suya money. But I stuck with it, built reviews, and after a few months, boom—i started getting steady clients. Moral of the story? Don’t despise small beginnings. Even a ₦3k gig can open doors.
Blogging—Turn Your Keyboard Into an ATM (Slowly)
Ah, blogging. My personal love-hate relationship. You think once you publish three blog posts, advertisers will start chasing you with bags of money. Reality check: it doesn’t work like that.
But here’s why blogging is powerful: Nigerians LOVE information. From “how to cook egusi without palm oil” to “best cheap phones under ₦50k,” we’re always searching. If you provide useful or entertaining info, people will find you.
How do bloggers make money? Google AdSense, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and selling products. But it takes time. Blogging is more marathon than sprint.
When I first started back then in 2015, I thought money would rain after one week. Lol. It took months of writing, SEO learning, and shamelessly sharing links in WhatsApp groups before traffic (and income) came in. But it was worth it.
Affiliate Marketing—Be the Middleman With Style
Think of affiliate marketing as “commission-based gist.” You recommend a product, someone buys through your link, and you chop your own cut.
Platforms like Jumia, Konga, and Amazon Associates make it easy. Imagine writing a blog about tech, dropping links to gadgets, and earning every time someone buys. You don’t need to own stock or deliver anything—just influence the sale.
Last year, i once casually recommended a hosting service on my blog. Months later, I was still getting commissions from people who signed up. That’s when I realized: affiliate marketing is basically “money while you sleep.”
YouTube—Your Face, Your Hustle
YouTube isn’t only for skits and dance challenges. Nigerians are cashing out from tutorials, reviews, motivational videos, and vlogs. And the beauty is, you don’t need Hollywood cameras. A decent phone and consistency = a start.
Once you hit 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, YouTube pays you via ads. Plus, you can earn from sponsorships and affiliate links.
Ever watched Mark Angel Comedy? That should convince you that even “simple” content can go global. Don’t wait until you can afford ring lights and studio backdrops—just start.
Online Tutoring & Coaching – Teach What You Know
Got a skill? Package it and teach. Nigerians love learning online—math, coding, public speaking, baking, and even hair styling. Platforms like Udemy and Teachable let you create courses. But honestly, some people just run paid WhatsApp groups and still make mad money.
During lockdown, I saw teachers teaching kids via Zoom and WhatsApp, charging parents monthly fees. If they can do it, so can you.
E-commerce—Stop Buying, Start Selling
You’ve shopped on Jumia or Konga before, right? Congratulations—you’ve already participated in e-commerce. But instead of only buying, why not be the seller?
You can start small with thrift clothes on WhatsApp or Instagram, then scale up using Shopify or WooCommerce. Logistics can be tricky in Nigeria, but with GIG, Max.ng, and Kwik, delivery is easier than it used to be.
A friend of mine started selling thrift clothes on WhatsApp status last year and she started making sales. Fast-forward, she runs a proper Instagram store now. Moral? Start where you are.
Cryptocurrency & Forex—Enter With Brain, Not Greed
Let’s be real—crypto and forex are high-risk but also high-reward. Nigerians are among the biggest crypto users in the world, but scammers have also used it to dupe people.
If you must trade crypto, stick with legit platforms like Binance. If it’s forex, get training and practice risk management. Please, don’t fall for “double your money in 7 days.”
Back then in 2021, I once held some coins too long, thinking I’d wake up a billionaire. Spoiler: I woke up broke. Lesson learned—trade smart.
Virtual Assistance—Be Someone’s Online PA
Think of a VA (virtual assistant) as the secretary businesses hire—but online. Tasks include email management, scheduling, data entry, or managing social media. Nigerians are getting gigs on Fiverr, Upwork, and even LinkedIn.
I know graduates who landed VA jobs with just their laptop and good organizational skills. It’s not glamorous, but it pays the bills.
Social Media Management – Cash Out From Instagram & TikTok
Brands know social media works, but many don’t know how to handle it. That’s where you come in. From creating content to replying to DMs, businesses will happily pay someone to manage their presence.
Earnings can range from ₦50k to ₦200k per month per client. Add two or three clients? You’re balling.
Back in 2020 in Lagos, I once managed a fashion brand’s Instagram. At first, I was just answering DMs (“How much?” all day). But with a little strategy, their sales doubled.
Remote Jobs—WorkAbroad, Chill in Nigeria
Globalization is a blessing. Now you can sit in Benin City and work for a company in Canada. Remote jobs include customer support, software development, writing, design, and project management.
Websites like Remote.co, Your best options are LinkedIn and FlexJobs. The sole difficulty? competing on a worldwide scale. To stand out, you’ll need new skills and a strong resume.
Personal summary: Remote work typically pays in US dollars. That’s a big plus given the volatility of the naira.
Concluding remarks
In Nigeria, earning money online is legitimate. The opportunities are real—freelancing, blogging, affiliate marketing, YouTube, e-commerce, remote jobs, and more. But here’s the bitter truth: there’s no shortcut.
Think of the internet as farmland. If you plant skills, strategies, and effort, and you water them with patience, you’ll eventually harvest. Just don’t expect crops the next morning.
Hi, I’m Prince Stephen Mordi, the mind behind Voob.com.ng. I write simple, beginner-friendly guides on tech, blogging, and making money online. My goal is to help you navigate the internet without headaches—because tech doesn’t have to be complicated!
