Sure! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make money in Nigeria through tech, complete with elaborations and key examples. The tech industry offers immense potential for income generation, and Nigeria—with its growing digital population and increasing mobile and internet penetration—presents many opportunities.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Money in Nigeria Through Tech

Step 1: Identify Your Tech Niche

First, narrow down the area of tech you want to focus on. Common profitable niches in Nigeria include:

1. Software Development (Web, Mobile, Desktop)

2. Digital Marketing

3. Graphic Design & UI/UX

4. Data Science & Analytics

5. Cybersecurity

6. Blockchain & Crypto

7. Tech Sales (e.g., SaaS Sales)

8. E-commerce & Dropshipping

9. Affiliate Marketing

10. Tech Blogging/YouTube

Example:

• A young Nigerian, Harnet, learned web development and now builds websites for businesses in Lagos and Abuja, charging ₦200,000–₦500,000 per project.

Step 2: Learn and Build Skills (Free or Paid)

Once you've picked a niche, invest in learning. You don’t need a university degree to start—use online platforms like:

• Free: FreeCodeCamp, Coursera (audit), Khan Academy, YouTube (e.g., Traversy Media, CodeWithMosh)

• Paid: Udemy, Coursera (certified), Skillshare, ALX, Zuri Training, Side Hustle Internship

Example:

• Chidera took a free ALX course in software engineering and got a remote job paying $1000/month.

Step 3: Practice and Build a Portfolio

Build real-life projects to show what you can do. This helps with gaining confidence and impressing clients or employers.

• Create your own blog, mobile app, landing page, eCommerce site, dashboard, etc.

• Use GitHub to store code.

• Use Behance or Dribbble if you’re into design.

Example:

• Temi built a FinTech dashboard clone and posted it on GitHub. A recruiter saw it and offered her an interview.

Step 4: Freelance to Make Quick Money

Freelancing is one of the fastest ways to earn online. Platforms like:

• Fiverr

• Upwork

• PeoplePerHour

• Toptal (advanced)

• Nigerian platforms like Asuqu, TERAWORK

Services in demand in Nigeria and globally:

• Web design

• SEO services

• Mobile app development

• Logo design

• Data entry and analytics

• Video editing

Example:

• Obinna made over ₦2 million in 6 months building Shopify stores for U.S. clients through Upwork.

Step 5: Apply for Remote Jobs (Global & Local)

Many Nigerian tech professionals now work remotely for foreign companies, earning in USD or Euros.

Job Platforms:

• LinkedIn

• Remote OK

• We Work Remotely

• Jobberman (Nigeria)

• Andela (for developers)

• Turing, Deel, Deel Remote Talent

Example:

• Ngozi works remotely for a UK startup as a UI/UX designer, earning £2,000 monthly while living in Lagos.

Step 6: Monetize Tech Knowledge Locally

If you’d rather stay local or combine both:

1. Teach Tech – Start a YouTube channel, blog, or online course.

2. Start an Agency – Offer web dev, SEO, digital marketing.

3. Tech Repair or Support – Offer phone/computer services, network setups.

4. Sell Digital Products – Ebooks, website templates, stock photos, code snippets.

Example:

• Femi teaches coding via TikTok and YouTube, and now makes ₦500k–₦1m monthly from content monetization and sponsorships.

Step 7: Scale and Build a Tech Business

With experience and capital, consider building:

• A tech startup solving local problems (e.g., logistics, edtech, fintech)

• An online learning platform for tech skills

• A SaaS (Software as a Service) product

Nigeria has a huge market for tech solutions. Even small business tools like inventory management software or point-of-sale systems can thrive.

Example:

• Flutterwave, Paystack, and PiggyVest are now multi-million-dollar Nigerian tech companies started by young Nigerians.

Bonus Tips for Success

1. Join Communities – e.g., DevCareer, Tech Twitter, Women Who Code Lagos, GitHub Nigeria, Lagos Tech Meetups

2. Keep Learning – The tech world evolves fast.

3. Be Patient – The first few months can be slow, but with consistency, growth is inevitable.

4. Focus on Value – Whether coding or selling digital products, think “how can I solve someone’s problem?”

Conclusion

Tech is one of the most reliable paths to financial freedom in Nigeria today. From freelancing and remote jobs to building startups and teaching others, the opportunities are endless if you’re consistent and strategic.