How Nigerians Can Turn Their Phones into Money-Making Tools

For many smart and hardworking Nigerians, a smartphone is more than just a device for chatting or scrolling through social media, it can be a tool to make real money. 

Whether you’re a student, stay-at-home parent, unemployed, or even already working, your smartphone can help you earn extra income if you use it the right way. 

With the rise of mobile apps, digital platforms, and internet access, there are now many ways people in Nigeria can make money online using only their phones. 

Here are simple and practical ways you can turn your smartphone into a money-making machine.

1. Participate in Online Surveys and Market Research

Companies are always in search of consumer feedback to improve their products or develop new ones. Nigerians can take advantage of this by participating in online surveys.

Platforms like Survey Junkie and Swagbucks pay users for completing surveys and offering their opinions on various topics.

2. Engage in Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a lucrative way to earn money by promoting other people’s products and earning commissions from sales.

By using social media apps on your smartphone, you can promote products to your followers and direct them to the merchant’s website using a unique affiliate link.

3. Try Dropshipping

Dropshipping is an e-commerce model where you sell products without holding any inventory. Through your smartphone, you can set up an online store, partner with suppliers, and manage orders.

When a customer buys a product, the supplier ships it directly to them, and you earn the difference between the wholesale and retail prices.

4. Offer Freelance Services

Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer allow Nigerians to offer various services online, from writing and graphic design to digital marketing and programming.

With your smartphone, you can create a profile, browse job listings, and communicate with clients from anywhere.

5. Content Creation and Social Media

If you have a knack for creating engaging content, platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram can be profitable. By consistently posting high-quality content and growing your follower base, you can attract advertisers, secure brand deals, or earn money through platform-specific monetization features.

6. Investing and Trading

With apps like Robinhood, Acorns, and local platforms like Cowrywise, smartphones give Nigerians the power to invest in stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments.

You can also trade cryptocurrencies using apps like Binance or Coinbase, all from the convenience of your phone.

7. Teach and Tutor Online

If you possess expertise in a particular subject, you can use apps like TutorMe or create courses on platforms like Udemy.

You can teach students from around the world right from your smartphone, providing lessons and materials through video calls or pre-recorded sessions.

8. Sell Photos Online

For photography enthusiasts, selling photos to stock photography websites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock can be a great way to make money.

You can take high-quality pictures with your smartphone and upload them directly to these platforms.