Side Hustles You Can Start With Less Than ₦50,000

Welcome to 2025, where inflation continues to rise, your salary mysteriously vanishes before the 15th, and the phrase “multiple streams of income” sounds less like a motivational quote and more like survival advice.

If you’ve been searching for a way to secure the bag without breaking the bank, relax—I’ve got you. Here’s a roundup of side hustles you can kick off with less than ₦50,000. Yes, you’ll have to put in some work, but who doesn’t love the idea of extra cash for shawarma and Netflix?

1. Perfume Oil Plug

Everybody wants to smell like a million bucks without spending it, and that’s where you come in. Perfume oils are affordable, long-lasting, and high in demand. With ₦30,000 to ₦50,000, you can buy wholesale and start selling on Instagram or WhatsApp.

Learn to say things like, “This is an exact dupe of Baccarat Rouge 540” even if you can’t pronounce it. Nigerians love “luxury on a budget.”

2. Thrift Store Extraordinaire

Take advantage of your knack for spotting gems in a pile of bend-down select. Thrifted clothes, bags, and shoes are trendy and profitable. Use ₦50,000 to hit up the nearest second-hand market, clean the items up, and sell them online for double or triple the price.

Label your thrift shop “Pre-loved Luxury,” and people will gladly pay extra. Remember, it’s not about what you’re selling—it’s about how you package it.

3. Finger Food Business

Food businesses make great side hustles. They will always thrive because everybody must chop. For less than ₦50,000, you can start a mini food empire with easy-to-make snacks like chin-chin, puff-puff, or zobo. Package them nicely, and target offices, schools, or gyms.

For faster sales and crowd appeal, label your zobo “Detox Juice” and your chin chin “Fitness-friendly Snack.” Nigerians love a good health twist, even if it’s a lie.

4. Social Media Content Creator

If you’re funny and know how to navigate TikTok, Instagram, or X (Twitter, for the OGs), congratulations—you can turn that into a side hustle. With ₦50,000, you can buy a small ring light, data, and maybe a tripod. Start creating relatable or funny content and monetize through ads, partnerships, or skits.

5. Laundry Service

Invest ₦50,000 in detergent, a pressing iron, and packaging bags, and you’re ready to start a home-based laundry service. People who hate doing laundry (read: everyone) will happily pay you to handle the chore.

Offer to pick up and drop off clothes. Bonus points if you give discounts for people with large families—Nigerians love awoof.

6. Event MC, Hypeman or Karaoke Host

If you’re the life of the party, you can turn that energy into cash. With ₦50,000, you can invest in a portable microphone, branded shirts, and marketing materials. From weddings to baby showers and birthday parties, people will hire you to crack jokes and keep guests entertained.

Offer karaoke sessions for house parties. Nigerians love showing off their off-key singing skills.

7. Freelance Writer

Are you the friend who writes birthday captions for everyone? Monetize it. With a laptop or smartphone and internet, you can become a freelance writer for blogs, businesses, or social media accounts. Your initial investment? Data and vibes.

Create a portfolio on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, or just DM people saying, “I noticed your posts need more spice – let me help.”

Gone are the days when ₦50,000 was considered small money. In 2025, that amount can be your ticket to financial freedom – or at least help you survive till payday. Whether you’re selling zobo or creating TikToks, the key is consistency, creativity, and the ability to hype yourself shamelessly.

Remember, it’s not just about the hustle – it’s about working smarter, not harder. So pick one of these side hustles, shoot your shot, and let’s make this year the soft-life year you’ve always dreamed of!

Join the SME Community on Fusion for more business tips, ideas, and advice. You’ll find fellow business owners there and you’re guaranteed to love it!