10 Smart Side Hustle Ideas Nigerians Can Start With Less Than ₦100,000 in 2025

The economic reality in Nigeria today is pushing many people — students, salary earners, and even entrepreneurs — to think beyond a single source of income. With rising inflation, unemployment, and the increasing cost of living, depending on just one job isn’t enough anymore.

Thankfully, we live in an era where technology, creativity, and digital access have made it possible for almost anyone to start a side hustle with little capital. In this post, we’ll explore 10 profitable side hustle ideas you can start in Nigeria with less than ₦100,000 in 2025, along with practical steps, tools, and tips to make each one successful.

1️⃣ Freelance Writing and Content Creation

If you can write well, you’re already sitting on a goldmine. Businesses need content — blogs, social media posts, emails, and website copies — every day.

How to Start:

Create a free portfolio on Fiverr, Upwork, or LinkedIn.

Offer to write articles for small businesses or blogs.

Use AI tools like ChatGPT or Grammarly to polish your work.

Start-Up Cost:

₦0 – ₦30,000 (for internet, data, and maybe a cheap laptop or smartphone).

Potential Earnings:

₦100,000 – ₦500,000 monthly depending on clients and output.

 Tip: Pick a niche like “real estate writing,” “tech writing,” or “health and lifestyle” — it helps you stand out faster.

2️⃣ Social Media Management

Businesses are desperate to grow their social presence, but most don’t have time or skills to do it right. If you understand how to use Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, this could be your side hustle.

How to Start:

Take a free digital marketing course on Google Digital Garage or Meta Blueprint.

Practice by managing your personal page first.

Approach small businesses, boutiques, or food vendors and offer to handle their pages for a small monthly fee.

Start-Up Cost:

₦10,000 – ₦50,000 (mostly for data, graphics tools like Canva Pro, and ads).

Potential Earnings:

₦50,000 – ₦300,000 monthly.

 Tip: Create before-and-after case studies of your page growth — it helps convince clients.

3️⃣ Mini Importation Business

Mini importation is one of the hottest and most sustainable side hustles in Nigeria. It involves buying goods cheaply from countries like China or Turkey and reselling them at a profit.

How to Start:

Register on websites like 1688.com, Alibaba, or DHgate.

Use logistics companies like Shoptomydoor, ShipMall, or Nairabox Logistics for shipping.

Sell your products on Jumia, Konga, or via WhatsApp Business.

Start-Up Cost:

₦50,000 – ₦100,000.

Potential Earnings:

₦100,000 – ₦500,000 monthly.

 Hot Products to Sell in 2025:

Smart gadgets and phone accessories

Hair and beauty products

Fitness items (resistance bands, smartwatches)

Fashion accessories

4️⃣ POS (Agent Banking) Business

Despite the rise of digital banking, Nigeria still heavily relies on cash transactions. The POS business continues to thrive, especially in communities with limited bank branches.

How to Start:

Partner with banks or fintechs like Opay, Moniepoint, PalmPay, or Kuda.

Get a POS machine and find a good location with high foot traffic.

Start-Up Cost:

₦80,000 – ₦100,000 (for the POS machine and small setup).

Potential Earnings:

₦5,000 – ₦15,000 daily depending on location and transaction volume.

 Tip: Offer additional services like utility bill payment or airtime sales to attract more customers.

5️⃣ Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing allows you to earn a commission when people buy products through your referral links. It’s one of the best online side hustles that requires minimal capital.

How to Start:

Join affiliate programs like Jumia Affiliate, Expertnaire, or Amazon Associates.

Share your links through your blog, YouTube channel, or social media pages.

Create content around the products you promote — reviews, tutorials, or comparisons.

Start-Up Cost:

₦0 – ₦30,000.

Potential Earnings:

₦50,000 – ₦500,000 monthly (depending on sales volume).

 Tip: Focus on promoting digital products — they often pay higher commissions.

6️⃣ Tutoring and Online Coaching

If you’re good at teaching or have professional skills, you can monetize your knowledge. From academics to tech skills like graphic design, you can tutor people online or in person.

How to Start:

Offer private lessons via Zoom, Google Meet, or Telegram.

List your services on platforms like Prepclass, Superprof, or Teachme.ng.

Create digital courses and sell them on Udemy or Selar.co.

Start-Up Cost:

₦10,000 – ₦50,000 (for data and advertising).

Potential Earnings:

₦100,000 – ₦400,000 monthly.

 Tip: Teach in-demand skills — coding, data analysis, or digital marketing.

7️⃣ Food Delivery & Snacks Business

Food is a business that never goes out of style. With Nigerians’ busy lifestyles, homemade meals, snacks, and food delivery services are highly profitable.

How to Start:

Begin small by cooking from your kitchen.

Focus on popular meals like jollof rice, moi moi, puff-puff, or snacks.

Advertise through WhatsApp status, Instagram Reels, or TikTok videos.

Start-Up Cost:

₦20,000 – ₦80,000.

Potential Earnings:

₦2,000 – ₦10,000 profit per day.

 Tip: Brand your packaging and maintain hygiene — people love clean, well-presented food.

8️⃣ Laundry and Ironing Service

Not everyone has the time or patience to wash and iron clothes, especially in cities like Abuja and Lagos. With little capital and consistency, laundry can be a reliable side hustle.

How to Start:

Start from home and offer pickup/delivery.

Use WhatsApp for customer updates and Instagram for testimonials.

Invest in quality detergents and irons.

Start-Up Cost:

₦30,000 – ₦70,000.

Potential Earnings:

₦50,000 – ₦200,000 monthly.

 Tip: Target busy professionals, students, and bachelors.

9️⃣ YouTube & Content Creation

YouTube is one of the best ways to earn passive income. If you have a smartphone and creativity, you can start creating content around entertainment, lifestyle, or education.

How to Start:

Pick a niche — comedy, tech reviews, tutorials, or news commentary.

Record and edit videos using free tools like CapCut or VN Video Editor.

Monetize through YouTube Partner Program, brand sponsorships, or affiliate links.

Start-Up Cost:

₦0 – ₦70,000 (for phone accessories and internet).

Potential Earnings:

₦100,000 – ₦1,000,000+ monthly (depending on traffic).

 Tip: Be consistent and use trending hashtags to attract viewers.

 Thrift Fashion (Okrika Business)

The thrift fashion business is one of the most reliable side hustles in Nigeria. You can buy fairly used clothes (okrika) and resell them online for profit.

How to Start:

Visit markets like Yaba (Lagos), Kantin Kwari (Kano), or Wuse Market (Abuja).

Take pictures of your items and post them on Instagram, Jiji, or WhatsApp groups.

Focus on trendy, clean items like jeans, shoes, and tops.

Start-Up Cost:

₦20,000 – ₦80,000.

Potential Earnings:

₦100,000 – ₦300,000 monthly.

 Tip: Create catchy videos of your thrift haul — they perform well on TikTok and Instagram.

 Final Thoughts

Starting a side hustle in Nigeria in 2025 isn’t just a luxury — it’s a necessity. You don’t need millions to begin; what you truly need is consistency, creativity, and commitment.

Whether you’re a student trying to survive in school, a 9-to-5 worker seeking extra income, or a stay-at-home parent, there’s something here for you.

Remember — small beginnings lead to great growth. Many successful Nigerian entrepreneurs today started as side hustlers. Don’t wait for “perfect timing.” Start now, with what you have, and grow gradually.