Whether you’re a student looking for extra income, a professional seeking side hustles, or someone exploring alternative revenue streams, the right apps can significantly boost your earnings. This comprehensive guide explores the most reliable apps to make money in Nigeria in 2025, each vetted for legitimacy, accessibility, and earning potential for Nigerian users.
From freelancing platforms that connect you with global clients to investment apps that help grow your wealth, here are the top 10 money-making apps available at your fingertips. They offer diverse ways to monetise your skills, time, and resources.
1. Upwork (Freelancing)
Upwork is the world’s largest freelancing marketplace, making it the top choice among apps for skilled professionals to make money in Nigeria. With over 18 million freelancers globally, Upwork offers Nigerian talent direct access to international clients willing to pay premium rates for quality work.
How it works: Create a detailed profile showcasing your skills, submit proposals for relevant projects, and deliver quality work to build your reputation and client base.
What makes it ideal for Nigerians: Upwork accepts Nigerian freelancers, offers multiple payment methods including Payoneer and bank transfers, and provides access to a global client base willing to pay competitive rates for quality work.
Pros:
- Vast array of job categories and skill levels
- Global client base with high-paying opportunities
- Secure payment protection system
- Skill development through Upwork Academy
- Flexible working hours and project selection
Cons:
- High competition for popular job categories
- Upwork charges 10% – 20% commissions on all new contracts, regardless of the contract amount.
- Requires a strong portfolio and profile optimisation
- Freelancers need to purchase “connects” to send contract proposals
- Time investment required to build a solid reputation
Best for:
Writers, graphic designers, web developers, digital marketers, virtual assistants, data analysts, and skilled professionals who are seeking remote work opportunities.
Potential earnings:
The pay is highly variable, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars monthly, depending on skills, client base, and time investment. Experienced freelancers can earn significantly more.
Tips for earning more:
- Optimise your profile with relevant keywords and portfolio samples
- Start with competitive rates to build reviews, then gradually increase
- Focus on high-demand niches like blockchain, AI/ML, or mobile app development
- Maintain excellent communication and meet all deadlines
- Seek long-term client relationships for steady income
2. Risevest (Investment)
Risevest revolutionises investing for Nigerians by providing seamless access to US stocks, real estate, and fixed-income securities. As one of the most trusted apps to make money in Nigeria through investing, Risevest has helped over 800,000 Nigerians build wealth systematically.
How it works: Fund your account, choose from pre-built investment plans or create custom portfolios, and watch your money grow through strategic investments in diversified assets.
What makes it ideal for Nigerians: Explicitly built for the Nigerian market with Naira funding options, regulatory compliance, and educational resources tailored to local investors.
Pros:
- Low entry barrier (as low as ₦1,000)
- Access to US stocks and global markets
- Automated investing and dollar-cost averaging
- Strong regulatory compliance and security
- Educational resources for beginner investors
Cons:
- Investment returns are not guaranteed
- Currency exchange risks when investing in foreign assets
- Withdrawal processing may take 1-3 business days
- Limited to long-term investment strategies
- Market volatility can affect returns
Best for:
Young professionals, salary earners, students, and anyone looking to build long-term wealth through systematic investing.
Potential earnings:
9-14% annual returns on average, though this varies with market conditions. Long-term investors typically see better results.
Tips for earning more:
- Start early and invest consistently, even small amounts
- Diversify across different asset classes and geographic regions
- Take advantage of dollar-cost averaging during market volatility
- Reinvest dividends and returns for compound growth
- Educate yourself about market trends and investment principles
3. Mindrift AI (AI Training)
Mindrift AI is a specialised platform that hires skilled professionals to evaluate, train, and improve large language models (LLMs) and other AI systems. Through tasks like ranking AI responses, editing AI-generated text, and creating original content, you play a direct role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
How it works: Sign up and complete qualification assessments, receive AI training tasks including conversation generation and response evaluation, engage with AI models to improve their performance, provide detailed feedback on AI responses, and earn money based on task complexity and quality.
What makes it ideal for Nigerians: It accepts Nigerian participants, pays in USD for higher earning potential, offers flexible working hours, requires no specialised equipment beyond a smartphone or computer, and provides an opportunity to learn about emerging AI technologies.
Pros:
- High earning potential depending on task complexity
- Opportunity to learn about AI and machine learning technologies
- Flexible schedule
- Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technology development
- Access international earning standards and dollar payments
Cons:
- Tasks demand strong communication skills
- Need to understand AI training concepts
- Workload can be inconsistent
- High accuracy requirements for continued access
- Reliable internet and device performance are essential
Best for:
Individuals with excellent writing, editing, and communication skills who are interested in AI and technology.
Potential earnings:
The average Mindrift hourly pay ranges from approximately $32 to $73 per hour, depending on task type and performance
Tips for earning more:
- Develop strong written and verbal communication skills
- Learn fundamental concepts about machine learning and AI training
- Maintain high accuracy rates for access to premium tasks
- Regular participation leads to higher-paying opportunities
- Provide detailed, constructive feedback on AI responses
4. Bamboo (Investment & Trading)
Bamboo simplifies stock market investing for Nigerians, making it one of the most accessible apps to make money in Nigeria through investment. With over 300,000 users, Bamboo offers access to US and Nigerian stocks, fractional shares, and global investment opportunities.
How it works: Download the app, complete verification, fund your account, and start investing.
What makes it ideal for Nigerians: Designed for the Nigerian market with Naira deposits, educational content, and regulatory compliance with Nigerian financial authorities.
Pros:
- Fractional share investing allows small investments
- Commission-free stock trading
- Educational resources and market insights
- Multiple funding options, including bank transfers
Cons:
- Currency conversion fees may apply for global investments
- Investment risks and potential losses
Best for:
Tech-savvy investors or beginners interested in the stock market, and those seeking passive income through dividends.
Potential earnings:
Variable returns based on market performance, typically 7-12% annually for diversified portfolios.
Tips for earning more:
- Focus on dividend-paying stocks for regular income
- Diversify across different sectors and companies
- Use the educational resources to improve investment knowledge
- Consider ETFs for instant diversification
- Invest regularly regardless of market conditions
5. Foap (Sell Photos & Videos)
As one of the most creative apps to make money in Nigeria, Foap offers multiple revenue streams. Photographers can sell their images and videos to brands, agencies, and individuals worldwide through the app.
How it works: Upload high-quality photos and videos through the mobile app, add relevant tags and descriptions, and earn money when your content is purchased.
What makes it ideal for Nigerians: There are no geographical restrictions. They accept mobile photography and provide exposure to international buyers seeking authentic African content.
Pros:
- Mobile-first platform perfect for smartphone photography
- Global marketplace with diverse buyer needs
- No upfront costs or equipment requirements
- Retain rights to your content for multiple sales
Cons:
- High competition from global photographers
- Quality standards can be demanding
- Sales are not guaranteed
- Revenue sharing with the platform (50/50 split)
- Building a substantial income takes time
Best for:
Photography enthusiasts, travellers, content creators, and anyone with an eye for capturing compelling images.
Potential earnings:
Variable, from $0 to potentially hundreds of dollars monthly for consistent contributors with quality content.
Tips for earning more:
- Focus on trending themes and seasonal content
- Study successful sellers’ portfolios for inspiration
- Use relevant, searchable tags for better discoverability
- Maintain a consistent uploading schedule
6. Toloka (Micro-tasking / Data Annotation)
Toloka, developed by Yandex, offers micro-tasks that can be completed from anywhere, including data annotation, image labelling, and content moderation.
How it works: Complete small qualification tasks, access available assignments, perform tasks according to guidelines, and earn money for each completed and approved task.
What makes it ideal for Nigerians: They accept workers from Nigeria, offering tasks in English, and provide flexible earning opportunities that don’t require specialised skills.
Pros:
- No special skills required for most tasks
- Flexible working hours and task selection
- Variety of task types to prevent monotony
- Skill-building opportunities in data analysis
Cons:
- Low pay per individual task
- Requires attention to detail and accuracy
- Task availability can be inconsistent
- The repetitive nature of many assignments
- Quality requirements can be strict
Best for:
Students, part-time workers, people seeking supplementary income, and those comfortable with detail-oriented work.
Potential earnings:
The pay is typically small, ranging from a few dollars to $50-$100 monthly, depending on the time committed and task availability.
Tips for earning more:
- Maintain high accuracy rates to access better-paying tasks
- Complete training modules to unlock new task categories
- Work during peak hours when more tasks are available
- Focus on task types where you can work most efficiently
- Build a reputation through consistent quality work
7. Glovo Rider (Delivery Services)
Glovo operates in Lagos, Abuja, and other major Nigerian cities, making it one of the most accessible apps to make money in Nigeria for individuals with vehicles. As food delivery and e-commerce continue growing, Glovo riders enjoy consistent earning opportunities.
How it works: Sign up as a Glovo rider, complete the onboarding process, accept delivery requests through the app, pick up and deliver items to customers, and earn money per delivery.
What makes it ideal for Nigerians: Local presence in major Nigerian cities, flexible schedule, and opportunity to earn money using your own vehicle or bicycle.
Pros:
- Flexible working hours and schedule
- Immediate earning potential
- No special qualifications required
- Tips can significantly boost earnings
- Local business supporting the Nigerian economy
Cons:
- Requires own transportation (motorcycle, bicycle, or car)
- Weather-dependent earning potential
- Fuel and maintenance costs reduce net income
- Physical demands of delivery work
- Limited to cities where Glovo operates
Best for:
Motorcycle owners, cyclists, students with flexible schedules, and people seeking immediate income opportunities.
Potential earnings:
It varies significantly based on hours worked and city demand. According to a Naira metrics report, some riders in Lagos earn over ₦25,000 per day on average, showcasing the app’s lucrative potential for dedicated individuals.
Tips for earning more:
- Work during peak hours and busy periods (lunch, dinner, weekends)
- Maintain high customer ratings for better delivery opportunities
- Learn optimal routes to complete deliveries faster
- Focus on areas with higher tipping customers
- Keep your vehicle well-maintained for reliability
8. Shutterstock (Sell Stock Photos & Videos)
Shutterstock, the world’s leading stock photography platform, offers Nigerian photographers and videographers access to a global customer base of millions. As demand grows for authentic African content, Shutterstock represents excellent passive income potential among apps to make money in Nigeria.
How it works: Submit photos and videos for review, wait for approval, earn royalties each time Shutterstock customers download your content.
What makes it ideal for Nigerians: It is a global platform with no geographical restrictions, growing demand for diverse and authentic African content, and potential for passive income.
Pros:
- Massive global customer base
- Passive income potential from existing content
- High demand for authentic African imagery
- Multiple earning levels based on lifetime earnings
- Both exclusive and non-exclusive contributor options
Cons:
- Strict quality and technical requirements
- High competition from professional photographers
- Lower royalty rates for new contributors
- The approval process can be time-consuming
- Building significant income requires an extensive portfolio
Best for:
Professional photographers, content creators with quality equipment, and those interested in building passive income streams.
Potential earnings:
The pay is highly variable for established contributors with substantial portfolios.
Tips for earning more:
- Focus on commercially viable subjects and themes
- Study market trends and seasonal demands
- Maintain a consistent upload schedule
- Optimise keywords for better searchability
- Consider exclusive contributor benefits for higher royalties
9. Selar (Sell Digital Products & Services)
Selar, Nigeria’s leading digital marketplace, empowers creators to monetise their knowledge and skills by selling courses, ebooks, templates, and services. As one of the most profitable apps for knowledge workers to make money in Nigeria, Selar offers unlimited earning potential based on value creation.
How it works: Create and upload your digital products, set pricing, customise your store, promote your offerings, and earn money directly from sales with integrated payment processing.
What makes it ideal for Nigerians: Built for the Nigerian market with local payment integration, naira transactions, and understanding of local business needs.
Pros:
- No technical skills required for store setup
- Local payment integration, including bank transfers
- Keep the majority of revenue (low transaction fees)
- Built-in marketing and analytics tools
- Support for various digital product types
Cons:
- Success depends on marketing and audience building
- Competition from other digital creators
- Customer acquisition responsibility lies with the seller
- Income potential tied to product quality and demand
Best for:
Educators, consultants, writers, course creators, coaches, and professionals with valuable knowledge to monetise.
Potential earnings:
Highly scalable, from a few thousand naira to millions, depending on your product’s demand, pricing, and marketing effectiveness.
Tips for earning more:
- Validate product ideas before investing time in creation
- Build an audience through social media and content marketing
- Offer valuable, actionable content that solves real problems
- Use customer feedback to improve and expand offerings
- Implement email marketing for repeat customers
10. Etsy (Sell Handmade & Vintage Goods)
Etsy connects Nigerian artisans and crafters with global customers seeking unique, handmade, and vintage items. As international appreciation for African craftsmanship grows, Etsy represents a significant opportunity among apps to make money in Nigeria for creative entrepreneurs.
How it works: Create an Etsy shop, list your handmade or vintage items with quality photos and descriptions, handle customer inquiries and orders, and ship products to buyers worldwide.
What makes it ideal for Nigerians: There’s a growing international appreciation for African craftsmanship, unique cultural products with global appeal, and established international shipping options.
Pros:
- Access to a global customer base
- Premium pricing for unique, handmade items
- Strong brand recognition and trust
- Community support and seller resources
- Multiple revenue streams through custom orders
Cons:
- International shipping costs and logistics
- Etsy fees reduce profit margins
- Requires physical product creation and inventory
- Competition from established international sellers
- Customer service demands across time zones
Best for:
Artisans, crafters, vintage collectors, jewellery makers, and creative professionals with unique products.
Potential earnings:
Highly scalable, ranging from minimal to hundreds of dollars or more monthly, depending on product uniqueness, quality, and marketing efforts.
Tips for earning more:
- Focus on products that showcase Nigerian/African culture
- Invest in high-quality product photography
- Optimise listings with relevant keywords for search
- Provide excellent customer service for positive reviews
- Consider offering customisation options for premium pricing
The Bottom Line
In 2025, the opportunity to earn money directly from your smartphone is no longer an unfamiliar concept — it’s now a reality for millions of Nigerians. From leveraging your creative skills and investing for future growth to performing micro-tasks or delivering goods, the apps to make money in Nigeria highlighted in this guide offer legitimate and diverse pathways to financial independence.
By choosing the right apps that align with your skills, interests, and available time, and applying consistent effort, your smartphone can become your most valuable earning asset. Start exploring these opportunities today, and take control of your financial future.
Next Read: 10 Investment Apps Nigerians Are Using to Build Wealth in 2025
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