15 Unconventional Ways I’ve Made Money in Nigeria: A Personal Journey
When it comes to building multiple streams of income, everyone talks about it, but few dive into the how. Today, I’ll be sharing 15 unique and unexpected ways I’ve personally made money as a young person in Nigeria—starting from my student days to my current life as a digital marketer.
Whether you’re a student, a youth corps member, a stay-at-home parent, or simply someone seeking extra income, this is for you!
Some of these methods might sound familiar, while others could be completely new to you. By the end of this post, you’ll have actionable ideas to try out for yourself. Trust me, there’s money out there—lots of it—and with the internet, opportunities are endless.
Here’s how I’ve done it over the years:
1. Personal Shopping (AKA Market Runs)
This was one of my first ventures when I moved to Lagos. It started during the Christmas season when I posted on Facebook offering to shop for people who were too busy to go to the market. One major client had me shop for her entire family, and I earned over ₦200,000 from various clients.
If you live in a city with a bustling market, this can be a lucrative side hustle, especially during festive periods. Many people, including those abroad, need someone they can trust to handle their shopping in Nigeria.
2. Selling a ₦1,000 E-book
Years ago, I created an e-book, that was my first ebook ever. It was a simple collection of creative captions for business owners, categorized by use cases like testimonials, product launches, and more.
Priced at just ₦1,000, this e-book has sold over 180 copies, earning me ₦180,000+ over four years. I simply wrote it on Microsoft Word, converted it to PDF, and uploaded it to an online platform. To date, it still generates passive income.
3. Palm Oil Investment
This is a seasonal business that’s both unconventional and profitable. Early in the year, palm oil is abundant and cheap (around ₦20,000 per keg), but by August-September, prices skyrocket to ₦50,000 or more.
The strategy? Buy in bulk when it’s cheap, store it, and sell when prices peak. With proper storage, you can earn millions, depending on your initial investment.
4. Thrift Business (Specializing in Blazers)
Thrifting is another goldmine, especially when you’re specialized. My sister and I focused on blazers, buying them at ₦500 and reselling them on Instagram for ₦3,000. Buying in bulk reduced costs even further, resulting in over 400% profit margins.
While this business is lucrative, it’s labor-intensive due to sorting, ironing, and photographing the clothes. If you’re interested, consider specializing in a niche like baby clothes, jeans, or party dresses.
5. Supplying Donuts
As a student, I noticed how popular donuts were on my campus. Instead of selling them individually, I approached shops and offered to supply them in bulk. I earned ₦200 per dozen, and while it was a small amount, it added up quickly.
This idea works best in schools or communities with high demand for snacks.
6. Event Planning for Students
Towards the end of my school days, I started organizing events for students, including freshers’ nights and hostel parties. I negotiated discounts with venues and vendors, presenting myself as a professional event planner to secure better deals.
Although I didn’t pursue this for long, I earned around ₦50,000 from just a couple of events. Event planning remains a great opportunity, especially during festive seasons.
7. “Number Seven”
This one is for the ladies. If you’re a woman, you know what I mean. Let’s move on. And i will save it on our WhatsApp channel, join us on whatsapp to get the pinned 
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8. Cryptocurrency Investment
While many see cryptocurrency as a quick way to get rich, I approach it as a long-term investment. I buy during market dips and let my portfolio grow over time.
For example, when the market was down, I invested small amounts consistently, and today, my portfolio has multiplied significantly. If you’re new to crypto, consider starting with stablecoins like USDT or learning about beginner-friendly platforms.
9. Forex Trading
Although I’m still learning the ropes, Forex trading has caught my attention as a way to earn in dollars. My plan is to document my journey and share beginner-friendly tips. If you’re interested in learning Forex, let me know—I might create a guide soon!
10. Investments Beyond Crypto
I’m a firm believer in putting money to work. Idle money sitting in a bank account is a crime! I diversify my investments into various avenues, ensuring that every naira is generating returns.
11. Blogging
Blogging has been another consistent source of income. By focusing on monetizable niches and leveraging affiliate marketing, ads, and sponsored posts, I’ve turned my blogs into a revenue-generating machine.
12. Freelancing
From writing and graphic design to consulting, freelancing allows you to monetize your skills. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork are great starting points.
13. Social Media Management
Helping businesses manage their social media accounts is a side hustle I’ve done on and off. It’s a growing industry, especially for small businesses that want to establish an online presence.
14. Affiliate Marketing
By promoting products and services I believe in, I’ve earned commissions through affiliate marketing. If done right, it can be a significant source of passive income.
15. Teaching Online Classes
I run an online Business Academy where I teach others how to invest and grow their income. Sharing your knowledge can be both fulfilling and profitable.
Final Thoughts
The opportunities to earn money are endless, but you have to take action. Whether it’s through personal shopping, investments, or freelancing, there’s something for everyone. Which of these income streams resonates with you the most?
If you found this post helpful, join my community of over 50,000 money-minded individuals by subscribing to my newsletter. Let’s secure the bag together!
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