Relying on one income source is a risky game in Nigeria. Prices are rising, salaries are stagnant, and most people are stuck in a cycle of earning just enough to survive.

But there’s another way to make money: passive income.

Passive income is money you earn without actively working for it every day. It’s not magic, though; it takes setup, time, or capital. But once it’s running, it can make money for you while you focus on other things.

From dollar-paying platforms to local ideas that require small capital, these are passive income streams Nigerians are sleeping on in 2025, and how to start making them work.

1. YouTube Automation (Faceless Channels)

You don’t need to show your face or speak to make money on YouTube in 2025. Just run it like a business, hire people (or use AI) to write scripts, record voiceovers, and edit videos. Once your videos go live, they keep earning. This is great for people who love content but prefer staying behind the scenes.

  • Why It Works
    YouTube pays when people watch ads. More views = more passive income.
  • How to Get Started
    Pick a niche (e.g. true crime, AI, celebrity gossip), study what works, use freelancers or AI tools to create content, then post consistently.
  •  Income Potential
    Income can grow steadily, depending on traffic, with exponential spikes when a video goes viral. It’s paid in dollars.
  • Starting Capital
    You can start small with time and free tools, or outsource for faster results.

2. FGN Savings Bonds

FGN (Federal Government of Nigeria) Savings Bonds let you lend money to the Nigerian government, and get paid interest every six months. Once you invest, you don’t have to do any work; just put your money in and watch it grow. It’s passive, stable, and ideal for Nigerians who want predictable returns without daily effort. It’s a long but safe game.

  •  Why It Works
    Backed by the government, so there’s very low risk. Returns are fixed and paid regularly, regardless of inflation or market swings.
  • Income Potential
    Income depends on your capital and interest rates, usually between 12%-15%.
  •  Starting Capital
    Small to medium. It requires a lump sum to lock in returns.

3. Print-on-Demand (POD)

Create a design once and sell it forever. POD lets you upload your designs to be printed on shirts, mugs, or tote bags whenever someone orders. This is perfect for creatives, students, or side hustlers who want to earn while they sleep.

There is no inventory, no delivery stress, just passive profits. 

  • Why It Works
    You upload the design once. The platform handles printing, shipping, and customer service.
  • How to Get Started
    Create simple designs (using Canva or Photoshop), sign up on platforms like Printify or Spring, connect to an online store like Etsy or Shopify, and start promoting.
  • Income Potential
    Slow build at first, but scalable as your shop grows.
  • Starting Capital
    Free to low-cost to start, depending on tools and promotion.

4. Laundromat B2B Rental Model

Instead of running your own laundromat, rent out industrial washing machines to other laundromats or dry cleaners and earn per use or via a monthly fee. It’s passive income once you set up: no customers, just business-to-business income. It’s ideal for people with capital who want stable returns and minimal daily hassle.

  • Why It Works
    Most laundromats can’t afford top-tier machines. You solve that problem and charge them to use yours.

  • How to Get Started
    Buy a few heavy-duty washers, install them in a shared location, and partner with laundromats or dry cleaners. Charge per wash cycle or on a fixed monthly plan.
  • Income Potential
    Moderate but stable, depending on the number of machines and demand.
  • Starting Capital
    Requires upfront investment for machines and location setup.

5. Stock Photography

Take photos once, upload them to stock sites, and earn royalties when someone downloads your images. This business model is great for photographers, hobbyists, or anyone with a decent camera and an eye for what sells.

  • Why It Works
    You create once. Then multiple people buy your photos over time, generating ongoing royalties.
  • How to Get Started
    Shoot high-quality images in popular niches (business, lifestyle, nature). Upload to sites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or iStock. Tag your photos well and watch sales grow.
  • Income Potential
    Starts slow but builds with volume and niche selection.
  •  Starting Capital
    You only need a good camera, a smartphone, and basic editing software.

Join 1,000+ Nigerians, finance experts and industry leaders at The Naira Life Conference by Zikoko for a day of real, raw conversations about money and financial freedom. Click here to buy an early bird ticket!

6. Vending Machine Business

Buy vending machines and place them in busy spots, such as schools, offices, banks, or malls. You earn passive income as people buy snacks and drinks. Once the machines are set up and stocked, it’s hands-off. This is ideal for people who want a physical business with minimal daily effort.

  • Why It Works
    Machines sell 24/7 without you needing to be there, turning everyday foot traffic into steady income.
  • Income Potential
    It varies by location, but it can be profitable even with one machine.
  • Starting Capital
    Medium to high: requires upfront machine and stocking costs.

7. Farming Lease/Rent Model

You don’t need to farm to profit from Nigeria’s growing agriculture sector. Lease your farmland or farming equipment to local farmers who pay you rent or a share of their harvest. This is perfect for landowners or investors wanting to enter farming without hands-on work.

  • Why It Works
    Farmers need land and equipment, but can’t always buy outright; you provide access and earn stable returns.
  • How to Get Started
    Own or lease farmland, identify farmers or agribusinesses to partner with, and draft clear rent or profit share agreements.
  • Income Potential
    Seasonal but stable. Income is linked to harvest cycles.
  • Starting Capital
    Varies depending on land access; some start from inherited plots.

8. Fixed Deposit & Treasury Bills

Put your money in a fixed deposit or buy treasury bills from Nigerian banks or fintech apps. You’ll earn guaranteed interest without lifting a finger. This is great for low-risk investors who want steady, passive returns without any effort.

  • Why It Works
    Your money earns interest while sitting in a bank or government-backed security.
  • How to Get Started
    To invest in T-bills or fixed deposits, use banks or apps like Cowrywise, PiggyVest, or your bank’s mobile app.
  • Income Potential
    Reliable and low-risk, but the income is not sky-high.
  • Starting Capital
    Medium, you need capital to make the returns worthwhile.

9. Dividend-Paying Nigerian Stocks

Buy shares of Nigerian companies that pay out part of their profits as dividends. You earn money just for holding the stock. This is perfect for patient investors building long-term wealth.

  • Why It Works
    You get paid regularly (usually yearly) for owning the right stocks.
  • How to Get Started
    Open a stockbroking account with apps like Trove, Chaka, or Bamboo. Research dividend-paying stocks like GTCO, MTN, or Nestlé, and invest.
  • Income Potential
    Steady, especially when dividends are reinvested.
  • Starting Capital
    Low-to-medium, you can start small and build a dividend portfolio over time.

10. Remote US Real Estate 

Own a piece of U.S. real estate without leaving Nigeria. With apps like Risevest, you invest in rental properties and earn your share of the rent and value appreciation. There’s no landlord or tenant stress. It’s ideal for those seeking real estate returns without buying full properties.

  • Why It Works
    You earn in dollars from U.S. rental income and property growth, managed entirely by the platform.

  • How to Get Started
    Download investment apps like Risevest, create an account, choose a real estate plan, and fund your wallet.
  • Income Potential
    Small but stable dollar income with long-term growth.
  • Starting Capital
  • Low to medium, you can start on Risevest from as little as $5 and scale as you go.

Bottom Line

The smartest Nigerians earn without burning out in a country where the hustle never sleeps. Passive income isn’t a luxury; it’s a survival strategy. Whether it’s a faceless YouTube channel or farmland you’ll never step on, the point is this: your money, skills, or assets should be working harder than you do.

You can start building systems that pay you even when offline, asleep, or on vacation. The choice isn’t easy, but it’s clear.

Pick your income stream and start now.


 Also Read: 10 Investment Apps Nigerians Are Using to Build Wealth in 2025


OUR MISSION

Zikoko amplifies African youth culture by curating and creating smart and joyful content for young Africans and the world.