Living in Nigeria today comes with its fair share of financial pressure. Whether it’s the unpredictable cost of fuel, rent, or food, most people are looking for ways to earn more. If you’ve been searching for legit side hustles but feel discouraged because you lack experience or technical skills, you’re not alone—and there’s good news.
More than 40 million Nigerians in 2025 are running side hustles, many of them in addition to full-time jobs, just to meet daily needs or save for the future. And guess what? You don’t need years of work experience or a fancy degree to join in.
What you do need are transferable skills—those everyday abilities you’ve gained from life, past jobs, hobbies, or even social media usage. These side hustles are beginner-friendly and still pay very well.
Here are three top-paying side hustles that offer $20 or more per hour, according to a recent NetCredit study, and how you can start from Nigeria:
- Participating in Focus Groups
Ever been told you have strong opinions? Well, there’s money in that. Companies around the world pay people to share their thoughts in focus groups. These sessions help brands test new ideas, products, or campaigns before going public.
Focus groups can pay anywhere from $20 to $100+ per session, and many are conducted online—so yes, you can join from Nigeria. Websites like Respondent.io, User Interviews, and Fieldwork Hub are legit places to get started.
Average hourly pay: $28
- Becoming a Virtual Assistant (VA)
A lot of small businesses and online entrepreneurs—especially those in the U.S., Canada, and the UK—are desperate for help with admin tasks like customer support, calendar scheduling, email management, and social media.
That’s where virtual assistants come in. From Nigeria, you can offer your services remotely and get paid in dollars. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, Belay, and Time etc connect freelancers to international clients.
The best part? You don’t need formal training. Just solid communication skills, basic tech knowledge, and the ability to stay organized. The more you learn and offer, the more you can earn.
Average hourly pay: $26.63
- Dog Walking & Pet Sitting (Yes, Even From Nigeria)
Okay, this one might sound like it’s only for people abroad—but Nigerians living in high-brow areas like Lekki, Maitama, or Victoria Island are already tapping into this.
If you love pets and have free time, you can offer dog-walking or pet-sitting services to expats and upwardly mobile families. It may start small, but with consistent service and good reviews, you could grow fast.
Also, if you’re planning to travel abroad or relocate, it’s a great side hustle to have on your CV or Fiverr profile for international gigs.
Average hourly pay: $24.84
You Don’t Need to Quit Your Job (Yet)
The best part about these hustles? You can start them while keeping your current job. All it takes is a few hours per week, commitment, and a strategy. You don’t need a degree or fancy credentials—just a willingness to begin.
Most people spend weeks researching, hesitating, or waiting for “the perfect time.” But the truth is, you just need to start.
Quick FAQs for Nigerians Looking to Start
Can Nigerians really earn in dollars?
Absolutely. With platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Respondent.io, many Nigerians earn in USD and get paid via Payoneer, Wise, or even crypto wallets.
What is the highest-paying side hustle?
According to NetCredit, marketing strategy is among the highest-paying, with freelancers earning up to $150 per day for consulting or campaign planning.
How soon can I start earning? Focus groups and pet sitting can start paying you within a week. VA work may take a few weeks to land your first client—but once you do, the flow becomes consistent.
