Living in the UK as a Nigerian comes with many opportunities but also financial challenges. The cost of living, rent, transportation, and other expenses can quickly add up, making it necessary to explore additional income streams. Many Nigerians in the UK turn to side hustles to supplement their primary income, build savings, or even create full-time businesses. Whether you’re a student, working professional, or someone looking to increase your financial security, side hustles offer a great way to achieve financial independence.

We will explore the best side hustles for Nigerians living in the UK in this blog post, detailing how to start, potential earnings, required skills, and success factors for good living. They are as follows;

1. Freelancing (Writing, Graphic Design, and Digital Services)

Freelancing is one of the most accessible side hustles, as it allows you to offer services online from anywhere. Popular freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour provide opportunities in various fields, including writing, graphic design, social media management, and web development.

Below are the links of Upwork, Fiverr and PeoplePerHour;

Upwork

https://www.upwork.com
Upwork is a global freelancing platform that connects businesses with independent professionals across various fields, including writing, design, programming, and marketing.

Fiverr

https://www.fiverr.com
Fiverr is an online marketplace offering freelance services in areas such as graphics, digital marketing, writing, and video editing, with services starting at $5.

PeoplePerHour

https://www.peopleperhour.com
PeoplePerHour is a UK-based freelancing platform that connects clients with freelancers for projects in fields like web development, design, and content creation.

Potential Earnings

Freelancers can earn anywhere from £10 to £100 per hour, depending on their skills and experience. More experienced freelancers in high-demand fields, such as copywriting or programming, can earn significantly more.

Required Skills

Writing and communication skills for content creation

Graphic design skills for logo and branding work

Web development skills for website creation

Social media management skills for business promotion

Factors for Success

Create a strong portfolio showcasing your best work.

Start with competitive pricing and gradually increase your rates as you gain experience.

Deliver high-quality work and build good client relationships to encourage repeat business.

2. Ride-Sharing (Uber, Bolt, and Lyft)

Ride-sharing services such as Uber, Bolt, and Lyft allow Nigerians in the UK to make money by driving passengers. To start, you need a valid UK driver’s license, a car that meets the platform’s requirements, and a private hire vehicle license.

Uber

https://www.uber.com
Uber is one of the largest and most widely used ride-sharing platforms globally. It allows drivers to earn money by providing transportation or food delivery services (Uber Eats). Nigerians living in the UK can sign up as drivers or couriers, offering flexible work hours and weekly payments. Uber operates in nearly every major UK city and has strong brand recognition and user trust.

Bolt

https://bolt.eu
Bolt (formerly known as Taxify) is a fast-growing ride-sharing and food delivery service available in many UK cities, including London. It offers competitive commission rates for drivers and often runs bonus incentives. Bolt is popular for its affordability and easy-to-use app interface, making it a good alternative to Uber for both drivers and passengers.

Lyft

https://www.lyft.com
Lyft primarily operates in the United States and Canada. While it’s not currently active in the UK, many people still mention it when discussing international ride-sharing platforms. If you’re considering relocating or working abroad, Lyft is a great option for driving income in North America.

Potential Earnings

Drivers can earn between £12 to £20 per hour. Peak hours, such as weekends and evenings, offer higher earnings.

Required Skills

Good driving skills

Knowledge of UK road laws and traffic regulations

Customer service skills to enhance the passenger experience

Factors for Success

Drive during peak hours to maximize earnings.

Keep your vehicle clean and well-maintained.

Use multiple ride-sharing apps to increase your job opportunities.

3. Food Delivery (Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat)

Food delivery services allow you to earn money by delivering food from restaurants to customers. You can use a car, bicycle, or motorbike for deliveries.

Earnings range from £10 to £20 per hour, with peak hours offering higher pay.

Deliveroo

https://www.deliveroo.co.uk
Deliveroo is a popular food delivery service operating in cities across the UK. It connects customers with local restaurants and independent riders. Nigerians in the UK can sign up as delivery partners using a bike, scooter, or car, enjoying flexible hours and fast payments.

Uber Eats

https://www.ubereats.com
Uber Eats is the food delivery arm of Uber, allowing drivers and cyclists to deliver meals from restaurants to customers. It’s widely used in the UK and offers flexible earning opportunities similar to the main Uber ride-sharing service.

Just Eat

https://www.just-eat.co.uk
Just Eat is one of the UK’s largest online food delivery platforms. It partners with thousands of restaurants and employs both independent couriers and contracted drivers. It’s a great option for those looking to earn income through delivery work.

Required Skills

Ability to navigate efficiently using GPS

Good time management to handle multiple deliveries

Basic customer service skills

Factors for Success

Work during meal times when demand is high.

Use multiple platforms to increase earnings.

Ensure timely and friendly deliveries to get good ratings.

4. E-commerce (Selling on Amazon, eBay, and Etsy)

Selling products online is a lucrative side hustle. Platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy allow Nigerians in the UK to sell various items, from handmade crafts to wholesale products.

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com
Amazon is one of the world’s largest online marketplaces, offering sellers access to millions of customers globally. You can sell new or used items, use Amazon’s fulfillment service (FBA), and manage your store with powerful tools. It’s ideal for both individual sellers and businesses.

eBay

https://www.ebay.com
eBay allows individuals and businesses to sell products via auctions or fixed-price listings. It’s perfect for selling everything from electronics and fashion to collectibles and used goods. Sellers have flexibility in pricing, shipping, and product categories.

Etsy

https://www.etsy.com
Etsy is tailored for handmade, vintage, and craft-related products. It’s popular with artists, crafters, and designers who want to reach a global audience. Nigerians in the UK can use Etsy to sell custom-made or unique items like jewelry, art, clothing, and home décor.

Potential Earnings

Depending on the product and sales volume, sellers can earn anywhere from £500 to £10,000+ per month.

Required Skills

Product sourcing and inventory management

Digital marketing and customer service skills

Packaging and shipping knowledge

Factors for Success

Research profitable products before listing them.

Optimize product listings with high-quality photos and descriptions.

Use digital marketing strategies to increase sales.

5. Tutoring (Online and In-Person)

If you have expertise in subjects like Math, English, or Science, you can offer tutoring services to students. Platforms like Tutorful and Superprof connect tutors with learners.

Potential Earnings

Private tutors can earn between £20 to £50 per hour, depending on their qualifications and subject demand.

Required Skills

Strong knowledge of the subject

Good communication and teaching skills

Patience and adaptability

Factors for Success

Offer a free trial lesson to attract students.

Build a reputation through positive reviews and testimonials.

Utilize social media to market your tutoring services.

6. Social Media Management

Businesses need help managing their social media pages. If you are good at creating content and engaging audiences, you can offer social media management services.

Potential Earnings

Freelance social media managers can earn between £200 to £1,500 per month per client.

Required Skills

Content creation and branding

Analytics and engagement tracking

Advertising and marketing knowledge

Factors for Success

Stay updated with social media trends.

Offer competitive pricing and high-quality service.

Use scheduling tools to manage multiple clients efficiently.

7. Photography and Videography

Photography and videography can be profitable if you have a passion for capturing moments. Specializing in weddings, birthdays, or corporate events can bring high earnings.

Potential Earnings

Event photographers and videographers can earn £500 to £2,000 per event.

Required Skills

Camera handling and editing skills

Creativity and attention to detail

Marketing and networking abilities

Factors for Success

Invest in quality equipment.

Offer discounts for referrals and repeat clients.

Showcase your work on social media and a professional website.

8. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting products and earning a commission on sales. Platforms like Amazon Associates and ShareASale provide opportunities to earn passive income.

Amazon Associates and ShareASale are popular affiliate programs that allow you to earn commissions by promoting products or services on your platform.

Amazon Associates

Overview
One of the largest affiliate programs, Amazon Associates allows affiliates to promote products from Amazon’s marketplace, earning commissions of 1% to 10%. The program provides easy-to-use tools like links, banners, and widgets.
Sign up here for Amazon Associates

Key Features

Access to a wide range of products

Simple integration and use

Global reach

Potential Drawbacks

Low commission rates

24-hour cookie duration

ShareASale

Overview
ShareASale connects affiliates with a variety of merchants across different industries, offering multiple compensation models like pay-per-sale and pay-per-click.
Sign up here for ShareASale

Key Features

Diverse merchant options

Real-time reporting and analytics

Flexible payment options

Potential Drawbacks

Quality varies by merchant

Some merchants require approval before promoting

Both are great for affiliate marketing but choose based on your niche, audience, and preferences.

Potential Earnings

Earnings vary based on product sales but can range from £100 to £10,000 per month.

Required Skills

Digital marketing and SEO skills

Content creation and social media management

Patience and consistency

Factors for Success

Focus on a niche market.

Build an email list and grow an audience.

Promote products you trust and believe in.

9. Dropshipping

Dropshipping allows you to sell products without keeping inventory. You only purchase items from suppliers when customers place an order.

Potential Earnings

Profits range from £500 to £20,000+ per month, depending on sales.

Required Skills

Website creation and e-commerce management

Marketing and advertising expertise

Customer service skills

Factors for Success

Choose a profitable niche.

Offer fast shipping and good customer service.

Optimize product pages for conversions.

10. Virtual Assistant Services

Many businesses need virtual assistants to handle administrative tasks like scheduling, data entry, and email management.

Potential Earnings

VAs earn between £10 to £25 per hour, depending on experience.

Required Skills

Time management and organization

Communication and computer skills

Multitasking abilities

Factors for Success

Market yourself through LinkedIn and freelancing websites.

Offer specialized services to stand out.

Provide excellent customer service to build long-term clients.

Nigerians in the UK have plenty of opportunities to earn extra income through side hustles. By leveraging skills and market demand, you can create a stable financial future. Start small, stay consistent, and build your side hustle into a profitable business!