In recent years, making money online has become a lifeline for many Nigerian youths. With the rising cost of living, unpredictable face of the Nigerian economy and of course the high rate of unemployment, more young people are turning to digital platforms to earn a living.
One great advantage today is that smartphones and laptops are no longer luxury items—almost every young person now has access to one. With just a mobile device and internet connection, you can tap into global opportunities right from your bedroom.
Online businesses and side hustles are no longer luxuries, they are necessities. But the big question is: how exactly are Nigerian youths making money online?
Let’s break it down and explore the most popular and practical online money-making opportunities available today.
Getting Started: Questions You Must Ask Yourself
Before diving into the hustle of making money online, you must reflect on a few important questions:
- How prepared am I to commit to this? (Consistent)
- What unique skills or talents do I have?
- Where can I start, and what tools do I need?
- Do I need to learn new skills or seek mentorship?
These questions are crucial because success in the online space isn’t automatic. You need clarity, consistency, and a plan. Many Nigerians start with little or no capital, so they rely on their skills, creativity, and available free tools.
1. Freelancing: Selling Your Skills Online
Freelancing has become one of the most popular ways Nigerian youths are earning money online. Freelancers are self-employed professionals who work remotely for clients across the globe. They take on tasks in areas like:
- Writing (content writing, copywriting, technical writing)
- Graphic design
- Website development
- SEO and digital marketing
- Social media management
- Data entry and virtual assistance
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com allow Nigerians to sign up and pitch their services to a global audience. Payment is usually in dollars, making it very attractive in a weak Naira economy. Many Nigerian youths have learned these skills through free YouTube tutorials or online platforms like Coursera and Udemy.
2. Online Surveys: Get Paid for Your Opinions
Although it doesn’t make you rich, taking online surveys is an easy way to earn some cash during your free time. Companies pay for feedback on their products and services. Websites like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, Survey Junkie, and Toluna Influencers are some of the top options.
All you need is a smartphone or laptop, internet access, and the patience to answer questions. While survey earnings are usually small, they can add up over time.
3. Amazon: Multiple Income Streams
Amazon is not just for shopping — it also offers many ways to earn money online. Nigerian youths are exploring different Amazon income streams such as:
- Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) – Publish eBooks and earn royalties.
- Amazon Affiliate Program – Promote products and earn commissions.
- Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) – Sell physical products and let Amazon handle delivery.
- Retail or online arbitrage – Buy products at low prices locally and sell them on Amazon.
These methods require some research and setup, but they can become passive income generators over time.
4. Affiliate Marketing:
Affiliate marketing involves earning money by promoting other people’s products. You get a unique link and earn a commission whenever someone buys through your link. You can promote products via a blog, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or even WhatsApp.
Popular affiliate networks available in Nigeria include:
Some Nigerian influencers and bloggers earn hundreds of thousands monthly just from affiliate commissions. It’s one of the most scalable online businesses out there.
5. Selling Products Online: PocketApp by PiggyVest
Many Nigerian youths are turning their hustle into full-blown e-commerce businesses using apps like Pocket by PiggyVest. This app helps small business owners create online stores, list products, and receive payments — all at zero commission.
What makes PocketApp powerful is its escrow service, which protects sellers from fraud. You can sell fashion items, gadgets, cosmetics, digital products, and more. You don’t even need to build a website — the app handles everything.
6. YouTube and Blogging: Monetize Content
If you’re creative and enjoy talking, teaching, or entertaining, then content creation is for you. Platforms like YouTube allow you to earn from views, ads, and sponsorships through Google AdSense.
To qualify for monetization on YouTube, you need:
- 1,000 subscribers
- 4,000 watch hours in the last 12 months
Alternatively, blogging can bring income through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate links. Websites like WordPress and Blogger make it easy to get started. Nigerian blogs like AfriksBlog are examples of how local content can go global.
7. Influencer Marketing: Use Your Social Media Power
With TikTok, Facebook and Instagram booming in Nigeria, many youths are turning their followers into money. Brands now prefer micro-influencers — those with 5k to 50k followers — because of their authentic engagement.
To make money as an influencer:
- Create niche content (fashion, comedy, tech, skincare, etc.)
- Collaborate with brands for paid posts
- Join platforms like AspireIQ, Open Influence, or Influenster
Even small pages are getting brand deals if they have loyal, engaging followers.
8. Selling Gift Cards Online
Unused gift cards from Amazon, iTunes, or Steam can be turned into cash. Many Nigerian platforms like Legitcards.com.ng, Kollycards.com, and Rockloader.com.ng offer safe, fast exchange.
You can also buy gift cards at lower prices and resell them for profit. It’s a growing side hustle among university students and tech-savvy youths.
9. Selling Used Phones and Gadgets
Instead of letting your old phone gather dust, why not sell it? Platforms like Jiji.ng, Facebook Marketplace, and OList allow you to post electronics and get cash offers.
If you want fast cash, kiosks like ecoATM (available in some international regions) or trade-in programs on Amazon and eBay can help. Locally, phone swap deals and gadget resellers are also popping up on Instagram.
10. Ride-Hailing Services: Drive and Earn
Apps like Uber, Bolt, and InDrive are now full-time jobs for many Nigerian youths. Even if you don’t own a car, you can drive for someone and split the earnings. Some drivers make ₦30,000–₦60,000 weekly, depending on how often they work.
Some Bolt drivers in Owerri have loyal customers who call them directly without booking online
To register, you need:
- A valid driver’s license
- A smartphone
- A car that meets the platform’s standards
- A clean criminal and driving record
It’s flexible, easy to join, and suitable for people who enjoy driving and interacting with others.
11. Learn Profitable Skills with Dexa (Digital Exchange Academy), Owerri
Not every money-making opportunity comes from social media or apps. Some youths are cashing out online by first learning high-income skills through trusted platforms like Dexa, based in Owerri, Imo State.
Dexa, also called Digital Exchange Academy, is an online learning platform built to help young Nigerians succeed in the digital economy. What makes Dexa special? They don’t just teach—you actually learn how to earn.
I’m currently enrolled in a tuition-free AI Prompt Engineering course with DEXA (Digital Exchange Academy), and I can confidently say—it’s one of the best learning experiences I’ve had. While many online platforms require you to pay upfront before accessing any course, DEXA does things differently. Their tuition-free courses give you access to real, practical skills without asking for a single naira at the start.
The lessons are clear, the mentors are supportive, and the learning community is active and inspiring. If you’ve been looking for a way to break into tech without breaking the bank, DEXA is a great place to start.
From tech and business to creative and remote work skills, Dexa offers online courses and bootcamps on:
- AI Prompt engineer
- WordPress Web Design
- Copywriting
- Video Editing
- Product Management
- Cybersecurity
- Human Resource Management
- Virtual Assistant Training
And more…
Some of these programs are completely free, while others cost just ₦6,500 to ₦15,000—affordable for many students and young entrepreneurs.
The best part? The courses are hands-on and practical, not just theory. You’ll get assignments, access to real mentors, and a strong community of learners across Nigeria.
Thousands of young people have already signed up, especially from Owerri and nearby states. According to the team, over 30,000 students have registered and many have used their new skills to land freelance jobs or remote work.
Whether you want to sell services online, build websites for others, or start a career in tech, Dexa can help you get started from the comfort of your home.
You can visit learnwithdexa.com to register or explore their free bootcamps and courses.
Conclusion
Most Nigerian youths are not waiting for white-collar jobs anymore since is yielding any fruit. Some are creating their paths with laptops, phones, and data. The internet is full of opportunities, but you must stand out among equals. Many people are doing the same thing, you can polish what improve in your area by adding hot skills.
It all starts with a decision to take action.
If you’re serious about making money online, learn a skill, pick a niche, and be consistent. With time, patience, and hard work, you too can earn a steady income from the comfort of your home.
