When people hear “dirty ways to make money,” they often assume illegal schemes. But that’s not the focus here. In Nigeria’s challenging economy, where opportunities can be scarce, sometimes the key to survival is embracing jobs others shy away from—jobs that require effort, resilience, and a willingness to get your hands dirty.
The truth is, the most overlooked opportunities often turn out to be the most profitable. From personal experience, I’ve seen how certain “unglamorous” jobs can provide a steady income and even open doors to bigger financial breakthroughs. In this post, I’ll share some unconventional yet fully legal ways to make money quickly in Nigeria. Whether you’re a student, a stay-at-home parent, or just looking for a side hustle, these options are practical, accessible, and tailored to the realities of life in Nigeria.
Why Consider These Jobs?
Many of these money-making methods thrive on low competition because most people avoid them. They don’t require huge startup costs, making them ideal for those starting from scratch. With high unemployment and a rising cost of living, it’s crucial to think beyond traditional job paths. These opportunities may not be glamorous, but they build resilience, work ethic, and resourcefulness—qualities that can pave the way to greater success.
Ready to dive into some underrated but profitable ways to earn? Let’s get started.
1. Waste Collection and Recycling
Nigeria generates over 32 million tons of waste every year, and only about 20-30% of it is properly collected. This means there’s a huge opportunity in waste management, especially in recycling. Many people overlook this sector because it involves dealing with garbage, but it’s a goldmine for those willing to put in the effort.
To get started, you can begin by collecting recyclable materials like plastic bottles, cans, and paper from homes and businesses in your area. Partnering with recycling companies like Wecyclers and Chanja Datti can provide a steady market for your collections. As you grow, you can invest in a tricycle or small truck to collect larger quantities of waste.
I once met a young man in Lagos who started by collecting plastic bottles from his neighborhood. Within a year, he had saved enough to buy a tricycle and now supplies recyclables to a major recycling company. He earns between ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 monthly, depending on the volume he collects.
2. Cleaning Services
Cleaning might not be glamorous, but it’s a service that’s always in demand. From homes to offices, people are willing to pay for a clean environment. This is a great option if you’re looking for a job that requires minimal startup costs and can be done on a flexible schedule.
You can start by offering your services to friends, family, and neighbors. As you gain experience, consider specializing in areas like post-construction cleaning, which often pays more. Building a team can help you take on bigger contracts and increase your earnings.
A friend of mine started a cleaning business with just a mop, bucket, and detergent. She now has a team of five and cleans offices and homes in her area. She makes an average of ₦80,000 monthly.
3. Farming and Agriculture
Agriculture is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, and there’s money to be made if you’re willing to get your hands dirty. Whether you have access to large farmland or just a small plot, farming can be a lucrative venture.
Urban farming is a great option if you don’t have access to large farmland. You can grow vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, and peppers in sacks or small plots. Poultry farming is another lucrative option, as raising chickens for eggs and meat is always in demand. Snail farming is also gaining popularity due to its low startup cost and high demand.
I once visited a small-scale farmer in Ogun State who grows vegetables in sacks. He sells his produce to local markets and makes a decent profit. He shared that he earns about ₦60,000 monthly from his small farm.
4. Mobile Car Wash and Detailing
With the increasing number of cars on Nigerian roads, mobile car wash services are in high demand. Many car owners prefer the convenience of having their cars washed at their homes or offices. This is a great business to start with minimal investment.
All you need is a bucket, sponge, detergent, and a hose to get started. As you gain experience, you can offer additional services like interior cleaning, waxing, and polishing. Using social media to promote your services and offering discounts to first-time customers can help you build a clientele quickly.
A guy in my neighborhood started a mobile car wash business with just ₦10,000. Within six months, he had a steady clientele and was making around ₦70,000 monthly.
5. Gutter Cleaning and Drainage Maintenance
During the rainy season, clogged gutters and drainage systems are a common problem in Nigeria. Many homeowners and businesses are willing to pay for this service. It’s a dirty job, but it’s also one that can be very profitable.
You can start by offering to clean gutters and drainage systems in your area. As you grow, you can invest in tools like shovels, rakes, and protective gear. Partnering with local governments can also provide steady work, as some outsource drainage maintenance to private contractors.
I know a man who started by cleaning gutters in his neighborhood. He now has a contract with his local government and earns over ₦100,000 monthly.
6. Pet Grooming and Care
As more Nigerians keep pets, the demand for pet grooming and care services is on the rise. This is a great option if you love animals and are looking for a flexible, rewarding job.
You can learn pet grooming through online tutorials or by apprenticing with an experienced groomer. Offering mobile services can make your business more attractive to pet owners who prefer having their pets groomed at home. Selling pet products like food, toys, and accessories can also boost your income.
A lady in Abuja started a pet grooming business after learning the skill online. She now grooms an average of 10 pets weekly and earns about ₦50,000 monthly.
7. Scrap Metal Collection
Scrap metal is a lucrative business in Nigeria, with a ready market for materials like copper, aluminum, and iron. This is a great option if you’re looking for a job that requires minimal startup costs and can be done on a flexible schedule.
You can start by collecting scrap metal from construction sites, mechanic workshops, and junkyards. Selling to scrap metal dealers can provide a steady income. As you grow, you can invest in tools like a scale and a truck to transport larger quantities.
A friend of mine started collecting scrap metal as a side hustle. He now earns over ₦80,000 monthly from this business.
8. Laundry Services
With the busy lifestyles of many Nigerians, laundry services are always in demand. This is a great business to start with minimal investment and can be done on a flexible schedule.
You can start by offering to wash and iron clothes for your neighbors. As you grow, you can invest in a washing machine and dryer. Offering pickup and delivery services can make your business more attractive to customers.
A woman in my area started a laundry service with just a washing basin and iron. She now has a small shop and earns about ₦60,000 monthly.
9. Painting and Decorating
Painting is another “dirty” job that can be quite profitable, especially in urban areas where people are constantly renovating their homes and offices. This is a great option if you’re looking for a job that requires minimal startup costs and can be done on a flexible schedule.
You can learn painting through apprenticeships or online tutorials. Starting with small jobs like painting rooms or small buildings can help you build a portfolio. Taking before-and-after photos of your work can attract more clients.
A young man I know started as an apprentice painter. After two years, he started his own business and now earns over ₦100,000 monthly.
10. Construction Labor
The construction industry is booming in Nigeria, and there’s always a need for laborers. This is a great option if you’re looking for a job that requires minimal startup costs and can be done on a flexible schedule.
You can start by working as a laborer on a construction site. As you gain experience, you can learn skills like bricklaying or plumbing, which pay more. Starting your own construction business can provide a steady income.
A friend of mine started as a construction laborer. After learning bricklaying, he now earns over ₦120,000 monthly.
Conclusion
Making money fast in Nigeria doesn’t have to involve illegal activities. Sometimes, it’s about being willing to do the jobs others avoid. Whether it’s waste collection, cleaning, farming, or construction, these “dirty” jobs can provide a steady income and even grow into profitable businesses.
From my personal experience and observations, the key to success in these fields is consistency, hard work, and a willingness to learn. So, if you’re looking for a way to make money fast, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.
Have you tried any of these “dirty” jobs? Share your experiences in the comments below! If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to share it with others who might benefit from these ideas. And if you’re ready to take the plunge, start small, stay consistent, and watch your efforts pay off.
