Weekend Hustle: 5 side jobs that keep Nigerians going

In today’s Nigeria, a single source of income is hardly sufficient to keep up with the rising cost of living.

From increasing fuel prices to unpredictable economic conditions, many Nigerians have turned to weekend hustles to supplement their earnings and stay afloat.

Whether it is selling thrift clothes, driving ride-hailing services, or baking for events, these side jobs are proving to be more than just additional income – they are becoming lifelines.

Gone are the days when a stable nine-to-five job guaranteed financial security. With inflation reaching a high of 26.72% in September 2023, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, the average Nigerian worker is constantly seeking ways to earn more. A report by Jobberman Nigeria indicates that over 40% of employed Nigerians engage in side businesses, with weekends being prime time for their hustle.

Popular Weekend Hustles

1. Ride-Hailing Services (Uber/Bolt/Keke Napep)

For those with a vehicle, working as a driver for Uber, Bolt, or even Keke Napep (tricycle taxis) is a lucrative weekend hustle. Many professionals, including bankers and teachers, use their free time on Saturdays and Sundays to earn extra cash ferrying passengers across cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Chukwuemeka Umeh, a civil servant in Abuja, says, “I drive Bolt on weekends, and I make up to ₦30,000 every Saturday. It helps me cover my monthly bills.”

2. Baking and Catering

Food is a constant in Nigerian society, and many people, especially women, are making money through catering businesses. Cakes, small chops, and local dishes such as jollof rice and moi-moi are in high demand for birthdays and weekend parties. Blessing Adebayo, a full-time teacher, shares: “I bake cakes for birthdays on weekends. What I make in a month from my side hustle sometimes surpasses my salary.”

3. Fashion and Thrift Business (Okrika/Ready-to-Wear)

Selling clothes, especially second-hand fashion (okrika), is another common hustle. With social media platforms such as Instagram and WhatsApp, many Nigerians buy and sell thrift items without needing a physical shop. Zainab Olawale, a student in Lagos, says, “I started selling thrift bags on Instagram. Now, I get orders from different states, and it has really helped my finances.”

4. Freelancing and Online Jobs

Many skilled Nigerians are now taking advantage of online platforms such as Fiverr, Upwork, and LinkedIn to earn extra income. From graphic design and content writing to social media management, these digital jobs allow for flexible work schedules. Ayodeji Aluko, a Lagos-based freelance writer, explains, “I use my weekends to write articles for international clients. It’s my main source of foreign exchange earnings.”

5. Event Planning and Decoration

Weekends in Nigeria are packed with weddings, birthdays, and corporate events, creating a booming market for event planners and decorators. Many people work part-time in this field, offering services in makeup, photography, DJing, and MC duties. Chisom Ugochukwu, an HR officer who doubles as an event decorator, says, “If I plan two events in a month, I can comfortably cover my rent for the year.”

Why Weekend Hustles Are Here to Stay

With economic uncertainty still a major concern, it is no surprise that more Nigerians are embracing multiple income sources. Social media, e-commerce, and digital banking have made it easier to start and run businesses without heavy capital investments.

Financial expert Kelechi Onwuzuruike advises, “Having multiple streams of income is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Nigerians are resilient and creative, and weekend hustles will continue to grow as a financial strategy.”

The Challenges of Juggling a Side Hustle

Despite the benefits, balancing a side hustle with a full-time job is not without challenges. Fatigue, lack of capital, and time management are common struggles. However, many Nigerians believe that the extra effort is worth it.

The Nigerian hustle spirit remains undefeated. As the economy continues to shift, more people will turn to side gigs to make ends meet. Whether it is driving, selling clothes, baking, or freelancing, weekend hustles are reshaping financial survival in the country.