Side Hustles To Make Money As a Corper

The cost of living is high. It’s no joke. Now, if you’re a corper serving in Lagos and only receiving the government’s N77,000 allowance, with transport and other bills draining it fast, you will need an extra stream of income. This is also the same if you’re posted to a rural area with fewer job opportunities; having an extra stream of income can make your NYSC year a crucial one for an enjoyable experience

The good news? You don’t need huge capital or special connections to earn while serving. With the right skill, consistency, and a bit of creativity, there are several side hustles you can start during NYSC that fit perfectly around your service schedule.

In this article, there are 13 in-demand side hustles you can start that can bring in steady supplementary income to support you throughout your service year, and some can even grow into full-time businesses long after NYSC is over.

13 Side Hustles To Make Money As A Corper

Serving your country doesn’t mean putting your financial goals on hold. Whether you’re posted to a busy city where your allowance disappears quickly or a quieter town with limited job options, having a side hustle as a corper can make a huge difference. In this guide, we’ve rounded up 13 easy side hustles you can start during NYSC, many of which require little to no capital and can fit easily around your service schedule.

1. Freelancing

If you have digital skills like writing, graphic design, social media management, video editing, or web design, freelancing is one of the most flexible ways to earn. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn allow you to work with local and international clients, often earning in dollars while working from anywhere.

2. Baking

Baking is a popular and profitable hustle. If you already know how to bake or are willing to learn, you can sell cakes, pastries, meat pies, and small chops. Start by taking orders from fellow corps members, schools, or offices around your PPA, then grow by supplying cafés or event planners.

3. Content Creation

Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X are powerful income tools. If you’re good at creating engaging videos, graphics, or high-quality photos, you can work as a content creator or social media manager for small businesses and personal brands.

4. Home and Online Tutoring

If you’re strong in subjects like Mathematics, English, Physics, or even university-level courses, tutoring can be very rewarding. You can teach secondary school students in your area or take classes online, especially for exam preparation.

5. Barbering and Hairdressing

People will always need haircuts and hairstyles. If you have barbing or hairdressing skills (or picked them up during SAED), you can work from home or rent a small space. With good service and consistency, you can build a loyal customer base quickly.

6. E-commerce and Online Reselling

You can make money selling products online via WhatsApp, Instagram, or Jumia. Popular items include thrift clothes, skincare products, accessories, gadgets, or even digital products. This hustle works well if you’re good at marketing and customer service.

7. Blogging

If you enjoy writing, consider starting a blog around topics like lifestyle, career growth, or even your NYSC experience. Blogs can be monetised through ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsored posts.

8. Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Services

Laundry services are always in demand, particularly in busy areas. With basic tools like an iron, detergent, and access to water, you can start small. Offering door-to-door pickup and delivery to corporates and working professionals can help you stand out.

9. Undergraduate and Postgraduate Project Research

Many students struggle with academic research and project writing. If you’re good at research, data analysis, or formatting, you can assist students within and outside Nigeria for a fee.

10. Personal Shopping and Errand Services

Busy professionals, students, and corpers often need help with shopping. You can offer personal shopping services for groceries, clothing, or electronics, and earn by charging a commission per order.

11. Professional Training Programmes

If you have specialised knowledge in areas like digital marketing, programming, public speaking, or design, you can organise paid training sessions for fellow corpers or members of your host community. These sessions can also be hosted online to reach a wider audience.

12. Fashion Design

If you have tailoring or fashion design skills, you can offer clothing alterations, sew custom outfits, or sell ready-made designs. Social media can help you attract customers beyond your immediate location.

13. Small-Scale Farming

If you’re posted to a rural area, agriculture can be a smart option. You can farm vegetables, rear poultry, or raise catfish. Your produce can be sold in local markets, to fellow corps members, or even to restaurants.

How to Choose the Right Side Hustle During NYSC

With so many money-making ideas out there, deciding on one side hustle during NYSC can feel overwhelming. The truth is, not every hustle will suit your skills, location, or service schedule, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to try everything; it’s to choose something realistic, profitable, and sustainable for you.

To help you narrow things down, here are a few simple factors to consider before settling on a side hustle during your service year:

Start with what you know (or enjoy learning).

Side hustles are easier to stick with when they align with your existing skills or interests. Whether it’s writing, baking, teaching, or digital work, playing to your strengths increases your chances of success.

Check how much it costs to begin

Some hustles require little to no startup capital, while others need equipment or materials upfront. Be honest about what you can afford to start immediately without borrowing or stretching your finances.

Confirm there’s real demand

A good hustle solves a problem people are already willing to pay for. Look around your community. What services do people constantly need or complain about?

Make sure it fits your NYSC routine

Your PPA, CDS, and general service obligations matter. Choose a hustle that allows flexibility and won’t clash with your daily responsibilities.

Think beyond service year

If possible, pick something that can grow with you after NYSC. A hustle with long-term potential can become a solid source of income or even a full-time business later on.

Be clear about your money goals.
Your allowance alone isn’t designed to cover everything. Choose a side hustle that helps you save, spend comfortably, and still make progress toward your financial goals, despite your ₦77k allawee, not just because of it.

Conclusion

For most corps members, the NYSC allowance isn’t enough, and that’s why having a side hustle makes sense. The ideas shared in this article require minimal capital, fit around your service year, and can generate extra income long after you pass out. With consistency and smart money habits, some can even evolve into full-time businesses post-NYSC.