NYSC Side Hustles: What Corpers Are Doing to Make Money in Nigeria (2025 Guide)

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a unique phase in the life of Nigerian graduates—a mix of national service, career discovery, and, for many, their first taste of financial independence. While the monthly allowance (popularly called “allawee”) is a welcome support, it’s hardly enough to meet daily expenses, let alone build savings.

With rising costs of living and high youth unemployment rates, many NYSC corps members are embracing side hustles not only to stay afloat but to lay the foundation for long-term financial freedom. If you’re a serving corper or preparing to enter the program, this article explores top NYSC side hustles young Nigerians are using to earn legitimate income across the country.

Why Side Hustles Are Important During NYSC

Here’s the reality: as of 2025, NYSC pays a monthly stipend of ₦33,000. When you factor in rent (for those posted outside home states), feeding, transportation, and data subscriptions, what’s left is often negligible.

That’s why smart corpers are using their free time to:

• Make extra income
• Learn entrepreneurial skills
• Build networks and portfolios
• Start early on financial independence

Let’s dive into the most popular, low-capital, and high-potential side hustles for NYSC members.

1. Freelancing: Earn from Anywhere

Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal, and PeoplePerHour offer remote job opportunities to skilled individuals.

Popular services NYSC corpers offer include:

• Content writing
• Graphic design
• Video editing
• Social media management
• Virtual assistance
• Programming

Tip: If you have a laptop, stable internet, and a skill, you can start freelancing within a week. Many corpers earn over $200/month with consistency.

2. Tutoring and Lesson Coaching

Teaching is one of the easiest ways to monetize knowledge. You can:

• Offer home lessons to primary/secondary school students
• Prepare students for WAEC, JAMB, or NECO
• Register with platforms like PrepClass or Tuteria

If posted to urban areas, demand for private tutors is high. Even charging ₦5,000–₦15,000 per student per month can add up quickly.

3. Fashion and Tailoring

If you already have tailoring skills, consider offering:

• Uniform sewing
• Aso ebi styling
• Custom-made outfits

Corpers are known to sew khaki outfits for others at orientation camps. It’s a low-cost, high-demand service.

4. POS and Mobile Money Business

Mobile banking is big business in rural and semi-urban NYSC locations. With ₦50,000–₦100,000, you can:

• Get a POS machine from Moniepoint, Opay, or Palmpay
• Start cash-in, cash-out, and bill payment services
• Make commissions per transaction

This is especially useful in areas with limited ATM access. Be sure to register with a reliable fintech provider.

5. Affiliate Marketing and Dropshipping

Without handling products or inventory, you can earn commissions by selling online. As a corper:

• Join affiliate platforms like Expertnaire, Learnoflix, or Stakecut
• Promote digital products (ebooks, courses, software)
• Sell on social media or run targeted WhatsApp/Instagram ads

Some corpers make over ₦100k monthly with just a smartphone and internet.

6. Photography and Videography

If you have a good phone or DSLR camera, start offering:

• Event photography
• Birthday or graduation shoots
• Passport photo services for fellow corpers

You can also edit photos or videos for clients remotely. Tools like Canva and CapCut make editing easy for beginners.

7. Selling Digital Products or Printables

You can create and sell:

• Ebooks (e.g., “How to Pass JAMB in 30 Days”)
• Digital planners or exam timetables
• Canva templates
• NYSC survival kits

Upload them to platforms like Selar, Paystack Storefront, or your own WhatsApp catalogue.

8. Blogging, Vlogging, and Content Creation

Start a blog, YouTube channel, or TikTok account around topics like:

• NYSC life hacks
• Budgeting on a corper’s salary
• Relationship and lifestyle advice
• Fashion on a budget

Once your audience grows, you can monetize through:

• Sponsored posts
• YouTube AdSense
• Affiliate links

9. Skincare, Haircare, and Cosmetics Sales

These products always sell, especially among fellow female corpers.

Steps:

• Buy products in bulk or become a distributor
• Create a small online store or WhatsApp catalogue
• Use your CDS meetings and NYSC network to market

Pro tip: Focus on trusted brands with high margins.

10. Catering and Small Chops

Love cooking? Use it to your advantage!

• Offer meal delivery to hostels and local offices
• Bake cakes and snacks for birthdays or CDS events
• Partner with event planners

Word-of-mouth and social media can help you gain clients quickly.

Getting Started: Key Tips for NYSC Side Hustles

1.     Start small, think big – Use your allawee as initial capital if needed.

2.     Manage your time – Don’t let side hustles interfere with your NYSC duties.

3.     Use free tools – Canva, CapCut, Google Docs, and WhatsApp Business are free and powerful.

4.     Promote online – Instagram, WhatsApp status, and Twitter can drive attention.

5.     Network – Your fellow corpers are your first market. Build relationships.

Final Thoughts

NYSC shouldn’t be a wasted year. While some wait for job opportunities, others create them. Side hustles not only provide extra income—they build skills, boost your confidence, and prepare you for life after service.

If you’re a current or prospective corps member, don’t just rely on allawee. Whether it’s teaching, freelancing, fashion, or tech, there’s something you can start right now—even with zero capital.

Remember: The best investment is in yourself. And NYSC is the perfect time to begin.

Disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or business advice. Readers should carry out independent research or consult a professional before starting any business or investment.