Best Side Hustles for Ex-Corps Members

Transitioning from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) into the workforce can be challenging. Many ex-corps members find themselves searching for job opportunities while trying to maintain financial stability. One of the best ways to stay afloat and even build a sustainable income is through a side hustle. Whether you’re looking to earn extra cash, develop a skill, or start a full-time business, there are plenty of opportunities to consider.

Here are some of the best side hustles for ex-corps members in Nigeria:

1. Freelancing

Freelancing is one of the fastest ways to start earning money after completing NYSC. If you have skills in writing, graphic design, programming, digital marketing, or video editing, you can offer your services on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and PeoplePerHour.

Why freelancing?

• It requires little to no startup capital.
• You can work from anywhere with an internet connection.
• It allows you to gain experience and build a portfolio.

To get started, identify a skill you’re good at, create a strong profile on freelancing websites, and start applying for jobs. Many freelancers have turned this side hustle into a full-time business.

2. Online Tutoring

If you excelled in certain subjects during school, online tutoring can be a great way to make money. Websites like TutorMe and Preply allow you to teach subjects such as Mathematics, English, and Sciences. Additionally, you can offer private home lessons to students preparing for WAEC, NECO, and JAMB.

With the increasing demand for online education, this is a profitable venture. You can even create video courses on platforms like Udemy and sell them to a wider audience.

3. Mini Importation

Mini importation is a lucrative side hustle that involves buying products from international markets at low prices and reselling them for profit. Websites like Alibaba, AliExpress, and 1688 offer a variety of products at wholesale prices.

To start, research high-demand items such as fashion accessories, electronics, and beauty products. Then, use social media to market them. With proper planning, mini importation can grow into a full-time business.

4. Social Media Management

Businesses are always looking for individuals who can handle their social media pages, create content, and engage with customers. If you have a knack for social media, you can turn it into a side hustle.

Many small businesses in Nigeria do not have time to manage their online presence. You can offer services such as content creation, scheduling posts, and running ads for them. The best part? You don’t need huge capital to start—just your phone and a good understanding of social media trends.

5. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is similar to mini importation, but with one major difference—you don’t need to stock products. Instead, you create an online store, list products from suppliers, and when customers place orders, the supplier ships the items directly to them.

Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Facebook Marketplace make it easy to start. This business is attractive because it eliminates the stress of managing inventory and handling logistics.

ALSO READ: What is Affiliate Marketing? How to Get Started and Start Making Money

6. Agribusiness

Agriculture remains one of the most profitable sectors in Nigeria. If you have access to land, you can start small-scale farming of crops like maize, vegetables, or poultry farming. Even if you don’t have farmland, you can explore urban farming methods such as snail farming, mushroom cultivation, or catfish farming. These require little space and can yield good profits. With the rising demand for organic food, agribusiness is a smart choice.

ALSO READ: Online Business Opportunities After NYSC

7. Photography and Videography

If you enjoy taking pictures or making videos, you can turn it into a side hustle. Events such as weddings, birthdays, and corporate functions always require photographers and videographers.

With a smartphone and editing software like Adobe Lightroom or CapCut, you can start small. As you gain experience, you can invest in a professional camera and expand your business.

8. Blogging and YouTube

Creating content through blogging or YouTube can become a steady source of income. If you have knowledge or experience in a particular area—such as finance, entertainment, tech, or health—you can share valuable insights and attract an audience.

While blogging requires consistency, it can generate income through Google AdSense, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing. YouTube, on the other hand, offers monetization through ads and brand partnerships.

9. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services and earning a commission for every sale made through your referral link. Companies like Jumia, Konga, and Amazon offer affiliate programs that allow you to earn passive income.

To succeed, you need a platform to share your affiliate links. This could be a blog, a YouTube channel, or social media pages with a good following. The more people buy through your link, the more you earn.

10. Print-on-Demand Business

Print-on-demand (POD) allows you to sell custom-designed products without handling inventory. Platforms like Teespring and Printify enable you to create and sell T-shirts, mugs, and phone cases with unique designs. If you have design skills, you can create artwork and market them online. Even without design experience, you can hire freelancers to create designs for you and start your business.

11. Event Planning

If you are good at organizing and coordinating, event planning can be a profitable venture. People are always looking for event planners to handle birthdays, weddings, and corporate events.

You can start by assisting established event planners to learn the ropes. As you build experience and contacts, you can start handling events independently.

ALSO READ: Are You Applying for Admission this Year? Please this Important Information is for You

12. Virtual Assistance

Virtual assistants help businesses with administrative tasks such as email management, data entry, and customer support. Many companies prefer hiring virtual assistants to cut costs, making this a good side hustle for ex-corps members. Websites like Remote.co and Freelancer offer opportunities to find virtual assistant jobs. If you have good communication and organizational skills, this can be a steady income source.

13. Fashion and Tailoring

Fashion never goes out of demand. If you have tailoring skills, you can start a clothing business. Even if you don’t know how to sew, you can hire tailors and focus on marketing. Another option is selling thrift clothes (Okrika) or customizing T-shirts and caps. With a solid social media strategy, you can attract customers and grow your brand.

ALSO READ: How to Start a Successful Side Hustle in Nigeria

14. Digital Products

Selling digital products such as e-books, templates, and courses is a smart way to make money without dealing with physical goods. If you have expertise in a particular field, you can create digital guides and sell them on platforms like Gumroad and Paystack. For instance, an ex-corps member who studied Accounting can create an e-book on basic bookkeeping for small businesses and sell it online. The beauty of digital products is that they can be sold repeatedly without needing to restock.

15. Baking and Catering Services

Food businesses are always profitable because people love to eat. If you enjoy baking, you can start a small bakery making cakes, pastries, or snacks for events. Catering services for small gatherings, office lunches, and birthday parties can also bring in steady income. With word-of-mouth marketing and social media, you can grow your customer base quickly.

ALSO READ: Government Jobs for Ex-Corps Members in Nigeria