Monetising skills in Nigeria: Your phone as your first office
Turning your digital skills into a Steady income in today’s challenging economy
In today’s Nigeria, monetising skills is one way to keep up with the not-so-kind economy. And since technology has evolved so much, all you need might just be the smartphone in your hands and the trending digital platforms.
Last year, 2024, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) estimated that over sixty-one percent of young Nigerians now rely on digital platforms for some part of their income, and this has become the way out for many. From freelance design and content creation to tutoring and social media management, digital platforms are giving young Nigerians a chance to earn independently.
The economy is not taking it easy. Jobs are fewer and costs are higher, but your phone still works. With widespread mobile penetration, over 214 million active mobile subscriptions recorded by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in 2024, smartphones are the gateway to earning, connecting with clients, and growing a skill-based business. The challenge is knowing which skills to monetise, how to reach clients efficiently, and how to turn digital activity into consistent income within the Nigerian context.
The skills that work on your phone
Not every skill translates easily into a mobile-based income stream. The ones that do tend to share a common trait: they are digital, flexible, and in demand. In Nigeria, some of the most monetisable skills include content creation, social media management, graphic design, video editing, copywriting, and tutoring. Freelancing platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and local platforms such as Asuqu and FindWorka make it possible for Nigerians to connect with paying clients both locally and internationally.
For example, a young content creator in Lagos can manage Instagram pages for multiple small businesses entirely from their phone, scheduling posts, editing images, and tracking engagement metrics without stepping into a traditional office.
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Similarly, tutors in Abuja, Enugu, or anywhere are conducting lessons via WhatsApp or Zoom, reaching more students than they could in person. NITDA’s statistics show that most of these digital income earners are between eighteen and thirty-five years old, proving that mobile-based work is particularly accessible to youth who already spend time online.
Platforms and opportunities
The Nigerian digital ecosystem now provides both local and global opportunities. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube serve as marketplaces for content creators, while freelance platforms connect service providers with clients worldwide. WhatsApp has also emerged as a commerce hub, allowing micro-entrepreneurs to sell products, offer services, or take bookings entirely through chat.
International clients are especially valuable because payments in dollars or euros can be converted to naira at favourable rates, giving mobile workers an edge over peers relying solely on local clients. For instance, a freelance graphic designer earning US$300 monthly from international clients makes over ₦500,000, well above the national minimum wage. Local clients may pay less, but they provide higher volume and more frequent opportunities.
Navigating Nigeria’s challenges
Nigeria presents hurdles for anyone turning a phone into an office. Unreliable electricity, inconsistent internet, and limited access to certain apps or payment solutions can slow productivity. According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, only about fifty percent of households had reliable electricity in 2024, making battery management and mobile data plans critical considerations for mobile workers.
The solution lies in preparation and adaptability. Mobile workers often invest in power banks or solar chargers, use lightweight mobile apps that consume less data, and maintain multiple payment options such as PayPal, Flutterwave, or local bank transfers. Selecting skills that can be delivered asynchronously, like popular graphic design or content creation, helps mitigate connectivity issues.
Turning your phone into a sustainable office
Successful mobile workers in Nigeria treat their phone as a business hub, not just a communication device. Clear work hours, boundaries between personal and business communications, and organisational tools available on smartphones help create efficiency. Apps like Trello, Canva, InShot, and Google Workspace allow users to manage projects, create content, and communicate with clients all from one device.
The payoff is tangible. A well-managed mobile “office” can generate steady income, reduce overhead costs, and open doors to international clients. For many young Nigerians, this is more than a side hustle; it is a pathway to financial independence and professional growth in a market where formal jobs are becoming increasingly limited.
