💼 20 Low Cost Side Hustles Nigerians Can Start Today — How to Launch, Monetise, and Scale
Are you tired of the daily grind and dreaming of extra income without breaking the bank? In Nigeria’s bustling economy, opportunity knocks for savvy hustlers! Discover low-cost side gigs you can kickstart today, complete with step-by-step guides to launch, monetize, and scale to financial freedom.
📘 Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Why Side Hustles Are Essential in Nigeria
3. What Makes a Side Hustle Worth Starting?
4. 20 Profitable Side Hustle Ideas with Low Startup Costs
5. How to Start and Monetise Each Hustle
6. Essential Resources
7. Advantages and Disadvantages
8. Final Thoughts
9. Disclaimer
🛒 Introduction
In today’s Nigeria economic situation, relying on a single income stream is risky. Inflation is eroding purchasing power, job security is uncertain, and the cost of living keeps climbing.
The solution? A side hustle — a flexible, low cost way to earn extra income without quitting your main job.
The beauty is, you don’t need millions to start.
With as little as ₦10,000–₦100,000, you can launch a side hustle that grows into a sustainable business.
💡 Why Side Hustles Are Essential in Nigeria
• Economic Reality – Over 33% unemployment and underemployment rates.
• Rising Costs – Food, transport, and rent are eating into salaries.
• Digital Access – Smartphones and social media make marketing easier than ever.
• Financial Security – Multiple income streams protect you from sudden shocks.
✅ What Makes a Side Hustle Worth Starting?
A good side hustle should be:
• Affordable – Low startup capital.
• Flexible – Fits around your main job or studies.
• Scalable – Can grow into a full time business.
• Demand Driven – Solves a real problem or meets a clear need.
• Aligned with Your Skills – Easier to start and sustain.
🔥 20 Profitable Side Hustle Ideas with Low Startup Costs
1. Freelance Writing
Write blog posts, articles, or marketing copy for clients.
Startup Cost: ₦0–₦20,000 (internet + portfolio)
Monetisation: Charge per word, per article, or per project.
2. Social Media Management
Manage Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok accounts for small businesses.
Startup Cost: ₦0–₦15,000 (tools like Canva Pro)
Monetisation: Monthly retainer fees.
3. Mini Importation
Buy products from China (1688, AliExpress) and resell locally.
Startup Cost: ₦30,000–₦50,000
Monetisation: Markup on each sale.
4. Perfume Oil Resale
Buy in bulk, repackage, and sell.
Startup Cost: ₦10,000–₦20,000
Monetisation: Direct sales, online orders.
5. POS Agent Business
Offer cash withdrawals, deposits, and transfers.
Startup Cost: ₦50,000–₦100,000
Monetisation: Transaction fees.
6. Thrift Fashion (Okrika)
Source second hand clothes and sell online.
Startup Cost: ₦20,000–₦40,000
Monetisation: Per item profit margin.
7. Data Reselling
Buy bulk data and sell to individuals.
Startup Cost: ₦5,000–₦10,000
Monetisation: Price markup.
8. Affiliate Marketing
Promote products and earn commissions.
Startup Cost: ₦0–₦20,000 (website optional)
Monetisation: Commission per sale.
9. Blogging
Create a niche blog and monetise with ads and affiliate links.
Startup Cost: ₦20,000–₦50,000 (domain + hosting)
Monetisation: Ads, affiliate links, sponsored posts.
10. Phone Accessories Sales
Sell chargers, earphones, and screen protectors.
Startup Cost: ₦30,000–₦50,000
Monetisation: Retail markup.
11. Liquid Soap Production
Make and sell soap to homes and businesses.
Startup Cost: ₦10,000–₦15,000
Monetisation: Bulk and retail sales.
12. Wig Making & Revamping
Style, repair, and sell wigs.
Startup Cost: ₦30,000–₦50,000
Monetisation: Service fees + wig sales.
13. Gift Curation
Create customised gift boxes.
Startup Cost: ₦20,000–₦50,000
Monetisation: Per box pricing.
14. Catering & Snacks
Sell small chops, cakes, or food trays.
Startup Cost: ₦30,000–₦70,000
Monetisation: Per order profit.
15. Car Wash
Mobile or fixed location car cleaning.
Startup Cost: ₦50,000–₦100,000
Monetisation: Per car fee.
16. Amazon KDP Publishing
Write and publish eBooks for royalties.
Startup Cost: ₦0–₦10,000
Monetisation: Book sales.
17. SEO Services
Help websites rank higher on Google.
Startup Cost: ₦0–₦20,000 (learning resources)
Monetisation: Service fees.
18. Proofreading & Editing
Edit CVs, academic papers, and business documents.
Startup Cost: ₦0–₦10,000
Monetisation: Per page or per hour rate.
19. Shawarma or Street Food
Set up a small food stand.
Startup Cost: ₦50,000–₦100,000
Monetisation: Per item sales.
20. Phone Charging Point
Offer charging services in busy areas.
Startup Cost: ₦30,000–₦50,000
Monetisation: Per charge fee.
🧭 How to Start and Monetise Each Hustle
1. Research Demand – Check if people in your area or online need the service/product.
2. Start Small – Begin with minimal inventory or clients.
3. Leverage Free Marketing – Use WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.
4. Offer Value – Quality service/products = repeat customers.
5. Scale Gradually – Reinvest profits into growth.
🧰 Essential Resources
• Tools: Canva, Google Workspace, WhatsApp Business
• Learning: YouTube, Coursera, Google Digital Skills
• Payments: Paystack, Flutterwave, Opay, Moniepoint
• Marketplaces: Jumia, Konga, Facebook Marketplace
⚖️ Advantages of Side Hustle
Hustle: Advantages:
Freelance: Writing No capital, flexible
Mini Importation: High margins
POS Business: Daily cash flow
Blogging: Passive income
Affiliate Marketing: No inventory
Wig Making: High demand
Car Wash: Steady demand
Disadvantages of Side Hustle
Hustle: Disadvantages:
Freelance. Requires skill, and client hunting
Mini Importation: Risk of fake suppliers
POS Business: Security risks
Blogging: Slow to monetise
Affiliates Marketing: Needs traffic
Wig Making: Skill intensive
Car Wash: Labour intensive
🧠 Final Thoughts
A side hustle isn’t just extra cash — it’s a safety net and a path to financial independence.
Start small, stay consistent, and focus on delivering value. Over time, your hustle can grow into a thriving business.
🛡 Disclaimer
financialliteracy.com.ng is an educational platform aimed at equipping Nigerians with practical money skills. We do not promote get rich quick schemes. Always do your own research before starting any business.
