The NYSC (National Youth Service Corps) year is a defining period for many Nigerian graduates. While it comes with the thrill of starting a new journey, it also presents a financial challenge. With the current allowance barely covering monthly expenses, many corps members are asking the same question: “How can I make money during NYSC?”
In this blog post, we’ll explore 8 practical, profitable, and easy-to-start side hustles for NYSC members that can significantly supplement your income. These ideas are tailored for Nigerian youths who want to make the most of their service year without needing huge capital or advanced experience.
1. Freelancing (Writing, Graphics Design, Video Editing, etc.)
Why It Works:
Freelancing is one of the most flexible and rewarding side hustles for NYSC members. As a youth corper, you likely have some free time outside your Place of Primary Assignment (PPA), and freelancing allows you to turn that spare time into income. All you need is a smartphone or laptop and access to the internet.
With freelancing, you can offer services like content writing, graphic design, social media management, voice-over, transcription, video editing, and even virtual assistance. The beauty of freelancing is a side hustles for NYSC members that your clients can come from anywhere in the world, so you’re not limited to jobs in Nigeria alone.
Platforms to Get Started: Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and even Side Hustle NG (a Nigerian-based freelancing platform) make it easy to find paying gigs. You can create a professional profile and start applying for jobs based on your skill set. Many NYSC members have started small and eventually grown their freelancing hustle into a full-time business or remote career.
Extra Tip:If you’re just starting out and don’t have a strong portfolio yet, offer your services at a competitive rate or even volunteer for a few small jobs to build experience. Once you have good reviews and a few sample works, your chances of getting hired go up significantly.
Why It’s a Great Side Hustle for NYSC Members:
- You don’t need to rent a shop or invest in physical products.
- You can start with zero capital if you already have a device and data.
- It builds your resume and gives you practical experience that can help you land future jobs.
- It’s scalable. You can start solo and grow into a full-fledged business or agency.
Whether you’re passionate about creativity or just need a way to make extra cash during your service year, freelancing is hands down one of the best side hustles for NYSC members.
Skills You Can Sell:
- Article/Blog Writing
- Graphic Design (use Canva if you’re a beginner)
- Video Editing (CapCut, InShot)
- Transcription
- Voice Over
- Virtual Assistance
Start-Up Need: Data + smartphone/laptop
Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₦30,000 – ₦150,000
2. Mini Importation & Dropshipping
Why It Works: Mini importation is a smart and profitable side hustle for NYSC members because it requires little capital, no need for a physical shop, and you can run it entirely online. Thanks to platforms like 1688, AliExpress, and Alibaba, you can buy cheap products directly from China and resell them in Nigeria for a good profit.
Even if you don’t want to import, you can still jump into e-commerce by selling trending or fast-moving products locally—such as fashion accessories, phone gadgets, perfumes, skincare products, and more. You can use platforms like Jumia, Konga, Facebook Marketplace, and WhatsApp TV to promote and sell your products.
Tools to Get Started:
1688.com or AliExpress.com for sourcing cheap products.
Paystack Storefront, Flutterwave, or a free WhatsApp catalog for showcasing your items.
Logistics companies like GIGL, Kwik, or local dispatch riders for delivery.
Why It’s a Great Side Hustle for NYSC Members:
- You can start small with just ₦20,000–₦50,000 worth of goods.
- You can run the business during your free time, even while serving in a rural area.
- It teaches you real business and marketing skills you can use for life.
- Most sales are done online, meaning you don’t need to worry about rent or high overhead.
Many corps members have started mini-importation during their service year and continued full-time after NYSC. It’s one of the most practical and scalable side hustles for NYSC members who are business-minded and willing to take action.
Popular Products to Dropship as an NYSC Member
- 1. Wireless Earbuds (e.g., TWS Bluetooth Earphones)Affordable, high-demand gadget perfect for students, workers, and music lovers.
- 2. Beard Growth Oil or Beard Kit Very trendy among young Nigerian men—easy to market with before/after visuals.
- 3. Waist Trainers & Body Shapers are Always in demand among ladies looking to tone their midsection or enhance curves.
- 4. Smart Watches & Fitness Bands, Cheap smart watches with health tracking features appeal to both fashion and fitness enthusiasts.
- 5. Mini Rechargeable Fan or Neck Fan Essential during hot weather, especially in NYSC camps or rural areas with poor power supply.
- 6. Phone Ring Lights or Mini Tripods Great for content creators, makeup artists, or anyone doing video calls and selfies.
- 7. Pimple Patches or Face Serum (e.g., Vitamin C Serum)Affordable skincare essentials with mass appeal and high repeat purchase potential.
- 8. Non-Stick Frying Pan or Manual Chopper Popular among homemakers, new couples, and cooking lovers—solves daily kitchen hassles.
- 9. LED Motion Sensor Light or Rechargeable Bulb,Energy-saving, useful during blackouts, and great for rural NYSC postings.
- 10. Car Phone Holder or Car Organizer Useful for drivers, Bolt/Uber partners, and anyone with a personal car—easy to sell with demos.
Start-Up Need: ₦50,000 and above + marketing skills
Tip: Leverage Facebook Marketplace and Instagram.
3. Tutoring (Physical or Online)
Why It Works:
One of the easiest and most natural side hustles for NYSC members is private tutoring, especially since many corps members are posted to schools or already involved in education. Tutoring allows you to earn extra income by teaching students one-on-one after school or during weekends.
And you’re not limited to in-person sessions, you can also offer online classes via WhatsApp, Zoom, or Google Meet. Whether you’re preparing students for WAEC, JAMB, NECO, or teaching practical skills like graphic design or coding, its one the side hustles for NYSC members that always has a market , as there is always a market for knowledge.
What to Teach:
Here are some high-demand subjects and skills you can offer as a tutor:
Academic Subjects (Primary & Secondary School)
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Physics, Chemistry & Biology
- Government & Literature
- Economics & Accounting
Exam Prep Classes
- WAEC, NECO, & JAMB revision
- Post-UTME coaching
- Common Entrance or Junior WAEC prep
- IELTS & TOEFL preparation
Skill-Based Training
- Basic Computer Literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Coding (HTML, CSS, Python, JavaScript basics)
- Graphic Design (using Canva or CorelDRAW)
- Video Editing (CapCut or mobile-based apps)
- Digital Marketing (social media, email, WhatsApp marketing)
Languages
- French or Spanish for beginners
- Igbo, Yoruba, or Hausa (for cultural preservation or language exchange)
Why It’s a Great Side Hustle for NYSC Members:
- You can charge hourly, per subject, or offer a full package.
- It builds your confidence and communication skills.
- You don’t need capital—just your knowledge and a way to connect with students.
- You can earn weekly and even create recorded courses for passive income.
Bonus Tip: Start by offering free trial classes or create a sample video. Use testimonials and social proof to attract more clients.
Start-Up Need: Basic teaching materials + marketing
Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₦10,000 – ₦80,000
4. Affiliate Marketing
Why It Works:
Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest side hustles for NYSC members to earn money online without creating there own product. As an NYSC member, all you need to do is promote products or services created by others, and once someone buys through your unique affiliate link, you earn a commission.
This is a fantastic side hustle for NYSC members because it requires zero capital to start, and you can do everything from your smartphone. You don’t need to worry about inventory, delivery, or customer service. Just focus on recommending valuable products and using the right platforms to reach people.
Several Nigerian affiliate platforms pay well and are beginner-friendly. These include:
- Expertnaire – Focuses on high-ticket digital products with commissions as high as ₦20,000 per sale.
- Stakecut – A growing platform offering courses, eBooks, and physical products.
- Learnoflix – Specializes in marketing digital products and offers regular training for affiliates.
Platforms to Use:
You don’t need a website to succeed in affiliate marketing. Many successful affiliate marketers use these free platforms effectively:
- WhatsApp Start by building a personal brand or status-based sales funnel. Join or create niche WhatsApp groups where you can share helpful content and links.
- Instagram Create a page around your niche (e.g., tech, beauty, health). Use reels, carousels, and story highlights to share testimonials and affiliate links.
- Twitter (X)Use threads to share stories, lessons, and product reviews. Engage in trending conversations and organically plug in your affiliate links.
Why It’s a Great Side Hustle for NYSC Members:
- No inventory, delivery, or capital needed.
- You can start making commissions within days.
- It teaches digital marketing skills you can use for future jobs or businesses.
- It’s scalable. You can start small and grow into a full-time income stream.
Pro Tip: Focus on promoting products that solve real problems, and always add value first (e.g., through reviews, tutorials, or demos). People are more likely to buy from someone they trust.
Start-Up Need: Learning affiliate basics + marketing
Bonus: Combine it with a personal blog or YouTube channel.
5. Digital Skills Training(Teach a Skill You Know)
Why It Works:
In today’s digital world, skills are currency—and many people are actively looking to learn valuable skills like Canva design, social media marketing, video editing, or even phone-based graphic design. If you’ve taken the time to master any in-demand skill during or before your NYSC year, why not turn that knowledge into cash?
Offering paid tutorials is one of the smartest and most empowering side hustles for NYSC members. It positions you as a knowledge provider and lets you earn from what you already know, without needing any startup capital or fancy setup.
You can start by offering basic skill training sessions at affordable rates, then gradually increase your pricing as your reputation grows. You can even pre-record your lessons and sell access to them over and over again.
Skills You Can Teach:
- Canva design for flyers, social media posts, and business branding
- Social media marketing & content planning
- CapCut or VN video editing for beginners
- WhatsApp marketing for small businesses
- Basic graphic design using mobile apps
- Phone photography and editing
- Voice-over training or presentation skills
- Freelancing (how to get jobs on Fiverr/Upwork)
Best Platforms to Host Your Class:
WhatsApp Groups
- Create a paid class group and drop lessons daily via voice notes, PDFs, and short videos.
- Great for beginners and those with limited data or tech access.
Telegram
- Ideal for larger classes with more organized materials (video, voice, and document sharing).
- Allows you to pin messages and schedule content delivery.
Zoom
- Best for live interactive sessions.
- Use for premium classes, masterclasses, or advanced training.
Why It’s a Great Side Hustle for NYSC Members:
- You can start teaching with just your phone and free tools.
- Builds your brand and authority online.
- No capital needed—just your skill and willingness to teach.
- Teaches you digital presentation and communication skills, which are valuable long-term.
Pro Tip: Create a free mini-class to attract students, then offer a paid advanced version. Ask your students for testimonials—you’ll use these to promote your next class and build trust with new clients.
Start-Up Need: Your existing knowledge
Extra Tip: Offer your first training free or cheap to build credibility.
6. POS Business
Why It Works:
Even with the rise of digital banking in Nigeria, cash is still king in many small towns and rural communities. As an NYSC member posted to such areas, you have a unique opportunity: people need a reliable way to withdraw cash, transfer funds, and pay bills, and you can be the go-to solution.
The POS business is a perfect side hustle for NYSC members serving in underserved or remote locations where banks and ATMs are scarce. With just a basic setup, you can start earning daily commissions from transaction fees while meeting a real need in your community.
How to Start:
- Get a POS machine: You can apply for one through your bank, fintech companies like Opay, Moniepoint, PalmPay, or Baxi. Most require little to no deposit.
- Have a reliable cash source: Ensure you have access to float (cash) to handle daily transactions.
- Choose a good location: A busy roadside spot, market area, or even outside your PPA can work.
- Start small and grow: You can begin with just ₦50,000–₦100,000 in capital and scale as trust builds.
Services You Can Offer:
- Withdrawals and cash deposits
- Fund transfers to any bank
- Airtime & data recharge
- Electricity and DSTV/GOtv bill payments
- WAEC & JAMB registration payments (seasonal)
Why It’s a Great Side Hustle for NYSC Members:
- High daily demand, especially in cash-dependent areas
- You can start earning from day one
- Minimal setup; most operations can be done under a simple umbrella or from your lodge
- Teaches you money handling, customer service, and small business management
Pro Tip:
Be honest and consistent. People in small communities value trust, once they know you’re reliable, word-of-mouth will bring you steady customers.
Start-Up Need: Around ₦50,000 to ₦100,000
7. Blogging or Starting a YouTube Channel
Why It Works:
While this side hustle may take time to gain traction, it has massive long-term potential. Starting a blog or YouTube channel is a smart way to build a personal brand, share your knowledge or experiences, and earn passive income over time. Once your audience grows, you can monetize through Google AdSense, affiliate marketing, brand sponsorships, and selling your own digital products.
As an NYSC member, you can start documenting your service year, sharing tips about survival in camp, side hustles, tech reviews, makeup tutorials, educational content, or even village life stories, anything relatable or entertaining to your target audience.
This is one of the most scalable side hustles for NYSC members because it allows you to grow a personal brand that can continue paying you long after your service year ends.
What You Can Create Content About:
- NYSC life & survival tips
- Side hustle ideas and money-making strategies
- Tutorials (design, editing, makeup, crypto, freelancing)
- Faith or motivational content
- Campus life or post-uni tips
- Entertainment, reaction videos, or skits
Monetization Options:
- Google AdSense (for blogs and YouTube once you meet traffic/subscriber requirements)
- Affiliate links (promote products and earn commissions)
- Sponsored posts and brand deals
- Digital product sales (eBooks, courses, templates)
Why It’s a Great Side Hustle for NYSC Members:
- You can start with your phone—no expensive gear needed at first.
- Builds your digital communication and content creation skills.
- Long-term income potential even after NYSC.
- Helps you build a personal brand or portfolio.
Pro Tip:
Stay consistent and pick a niche you enjoy. It might not pay in the first few months, but once your content gains traction, it can become a full-blown business. Many popular Nigerian influencers started this way, even during school or NYSC.
Start-Up Need: A website or YouTube account, consistency
Monetization: Ads, affiliate links, paid promotions
8. Event Planning or Photography
Why It Works
If you’re naturally organized or have a creative eye, event planning or photography can be a very lucrative side hustle for NYSC members—especially during weekends or holidays. In Nigeria, events happen almost every weekend: birthdays, weddings, baby showers, graduations, religious events, and more. These events often need planners, decorators, ushers, and photographers.
As a corps member, you can start small by offering services in your local community, networking at events, and building your portfolio. If you’re skilled at taking photos—even with your smartphone—you can start as a budget photographer, and as you earn, you can invest in better gear.
Ways to Get Started:
- Volunteer or intern with event vendors or photographers to learn the ropes
- Offer event coordination services for friends or fellow corps members
- Learn phone photography or editing with apps like Snapseed, Lightroom, or CapCut
- Promote your work on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook groups
- Start by covering small events or photo shoots, then grow from there
What You Can Offer:
- Photography for birthdays, graduations, and family portraits
- Event planning & day-of coordination
- Decorations and balloon setups
- Ushers and vendor coordination
- Phone photography classes (yes, you can teach others!)
Why It’s a Great Side Hustle for NYSC Members:
- Events happen year-round, especially in local communities
- You can start with little or no equipment
- Fast payment—most events pay same day
- You build a creative portfolio and learn how to deal with real clients
- It could become a full-time business after NYSC
Pro Tip:
Always take and share photos of your work—even if it’s volunteer-based at first. Your visual portfolio will help you land paid gigs faster than just word of mouth.
What You Can Do:
- Rent décor items
- Capture events on your phone or camera
- Help organize events or link vendors
Start-Up Need: Basic planning or camera skills
Bonus: You can do this only on weekends.
Final Thoughts
The NYSC year doesn’t have to be a financially draining experience. With any of the side hustle for NYSC ideas listed above, you can learn new skills, grow your income, and even start a business that outlives your service year.
Whether you choose to teach, freelance, run ads, or sell products online, the key is to start small and be consistent. Don’t wait for your monthly allowee to finish before thinking about money — start building your own source of income now.
Ready to Start Your Side Hustle?
Whether you’re still in camp or already posted to your PPA, this is the best time to start your own side hustle as an NYSC member. Don’t wait till the end of your service year—start now and build something profitable that can grow with you!
Need help launching your side hustle or setting up a blog?
Send me a message directly on WhatsApp — I’ll be glad to guide you step by step:
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