As Nigeria enters 2025, the interplay of economic challenges and technological advancements highlights the urgent need for Nigerians to acquire relevant money-making skills. With persistently high unemployment rates and inflation eroding household incomes, adaptability and innovation are essential for financial survival.
Digital skills have become indispensable in a world driven by technology. Fields such as software development, digital marketing, and data analysis offer vast opportunities for Nigerians. A tech entrepreneur based in Lagos, Chinedu Eze, remarked, “Learning a digital skill can completely change your financial trajectory. The global demand for tech professionals is insatiable, and Nigerians can tap into that demand through remote work platforms.” He further said platforms like Upwork and Fiverr have already allowed many Nigerians to access global clients, earning foreign currency and sidestepping local economic challenges.
Bolstering that point, the chief executive of AntHill Concepts Limited, member of the Board of Economists, NATIONAL ECONOMY, Dr. Emeka Okengwu, stated that with the everyday Android phones young people carry about, they can make money from the Social Media through skits. Also, he said many Nigerians who dare to do something in the agriculture sector are earning a dignified living off their effort.
Okengwu added that young Nigerians are turning garbage into wealth. He stressed that the only people in the society who can give justifiable excuses for not earning a living legitimately are people who do not have hands, legs and eyes.
He stated that entrepreneurship remains another vital avenue for income generation. He said Nigeria’s growing population and urbanisation create opportunities in agriculture, retail, and renewable energy.
Also, according to a farmer in Kano, Sadiq Adebayo, there are many opportunities in the agriculture sector that young people can make wealth from. “Agribusiness is no longer just about feeding your family; it’s a lucrative venture with the potential to uplift entire communities. With the right support, farming can generate significant income,” he said.
An architect, Simeon Kemakolam, noted that entrepreneurs focusing on solving local problems, such as clean water access and affordable housing, have the potential to achieve both profitability and social impact. He stated that there are boundless untapped opportunities in the real estate sector that exist in virtually every state of the federation that Nigerians can latch on to. He noted that there is also a growing number of realtors in major Nigerian cities; but stressed that what is happening currently is just the tip of the iceberg, compared to the potential in the sector.
The creative economy is also thriving, with sectors like Nollywood, Afrobeats, and fashion gaining international recognition. Efe Ogboru, an Abuja-based fashion designer, highlights the transformative power of social media. He said, “Platforms like Instagram have given small businesses like mine a global audience. You no longer need a physical store to succeed in the fashion industry.” Content creation on platforms like YouTube and TikTok has also opened new income streams for individuals with unique storytelling skills.
On the other hand, noted Development Economics professor at Adeleke University, Tayo Bello, traditional technical and vocational skills continue to hold value, particularly in a rapidly urbanising nation. He cited that mechanics, electricians, and carpenters are essential to Nigeria’s infrastructure development. “Technical and vocational education and training programmes, supported by both public and private initiatives, can empower individuals to secure steady and practical incomes,” Bello stated.
It is noteworthy, also, that adaptability and continuous learning are crucial in an evolving job market in the path to finding the right things to do to earn an income, especially among young people in Nigeria. Online platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer affordable and diverse courses that enable Nigerians to acquire new competencies. Nkechi Ajayi, a career coach in Lagos, emphasised, “The job market changes so fast that yesterday’s skills might not be relevant today. Lifelong learning is now a necessity, not a choice.”
She added that supportive policies and infrastructure are indispensable for maximising these opportunities.
Professor Bello, on his part, added that reliable electricity, affordable internet access, and financial incentives for small businesses can enable more Nigerians to participate in the digital and entrepreneurial economy. He said the government’s role in creating an enabling environment is critical to unlocking the nation’s potential.
A financial economist at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Dr. Felix Echekoba, noted that in 2025, the key to financial success for Nigerians lies in acquiring a diverse set of skills, from digital proficiency to entrepreneurial innovation. He said the journey is not without challenges, but with determination and the right ecosystem, Nigerians can harness their vast human capital for economic transformation.
