Want to earn money online but don’t have startup capital? This guide reveals 10 proven and beginner-friendly ways Nigerians are making money online every day — using just their smartphones and internet connection.
Introduction
Are you broke but hungry to earn?
If you have a smartphone and access to the internet, you already have everything you need to start making money online — even with zero capital. Nigeria’s digital space is exploding with opportunities, and this guide will show you exactly how to tap in.
Freelancing on Platforms like Fiverr & Upwork
Skills Needed: Writing, graphic design, video editing, voiceovers, etc.
You can offer services globally from the comfort of your room. Many Nigerians are earning in dollars through platforms like Fiverr and Upwork.
Pro Tip: Start with simple services like removing backgrounds from photos or writing short blog posts.
Selling Digital Products on Selar or Paystack
Create and sell:
Ebooks
Courses
Templates
WhatsApp classes
These platforms handle payments for you — no coding or capital required.
Related: Top 5 Digital Products Nigerians Are Selling in 2025
Start a YouTube Channel (Without Showing Your Face)
You can make money from:
AdSense
Affiliate links
Brand sponsorships
Popular faceless niches:
Motivational videos
Crypto/Tech breakdowns
News commentary
Tool: Pictory.ai lets you turn text into videos for free.
Affiliate Marketing
Promote other people’s products and earn a commission. No product, no inventory, no capital.
Join platforms like:
Expertnaire
Learnoflix
Share your affiliate links on WhatsApp, blogs, Twitter, or TikTok.
Remote Customer Support
Many Nigerian youths now work for foreign companies as:
Virtual assistants
Chat support reps
Email handlers
You can find jobs on Remote.co or Indeed.
Online Tutoring
Are you good at maths, English, coding, or another skill? Teach online via:
Zoom
WhatsApp classes
Tutor platforms like Tuteria
It’s a great way to earn with the knowledge you already have.
Start a Monetized Blog
Blogs still make money through:
Sponsored posts
Google AdSense
Affiliate links
You can start for free on Blogger or WordPress.com.
Flip Domain Names or Social Media Handles
Buy or claim valuable domains/usernames and resell them. Some people have made over ₦500,000 from one flip.
Example: A Twitter handle like @AbujaRealEstate can sell for good money.
Transcription Jobs
Listen to audio and type what you hear. Websites like:
GoTranscript
Rev
pay weekly in USD via PayPal. Great for beginners with good typing speed.
Sell Photos Online
Got a decent phone camera? Take photos of Nigerian culture, food, or nature and upload them to:
Shutterstock
Adobe Stock
Photographers around the world buy these types of images regularly.