Let’s be honest — times are tough, and most of us could use a little extra income. Whether it’s to save up for something special, cushion your finances, or just enjoy more financial freedom, weekend side hustles can make a big difference. The best part? You don’t have to quit your weekday job to make it happen.
In Nigeria, there are plenty of flexible opportunities that fit perfectly into your Saturday and Sunday schedule. Whether you’re into driving, cooking, cleaning, or creating, there’s something out there for you. So, grab a cup of tea, get comfy, and let’s walk through some of the most practical and money-making weekend hustles you can start right now.
Ride‑Hailing & Delivery Services
If you’ve got a car, a motorcycle, or even a bicycle, you can start making money by driving or delivering food and parcels around town. Apps like Bolt, Uber, and Gokada are super popular in major Nigerian cities, and demand spikes on weekends when people are heading out or ordering in.
Approximate Startup Costs
- Driver registration & vehicle inspection: ₦5,000 – ₦15,000
- Fuel or charging costs: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000 per weekend
- Mobile phone + internet data: ₦3,000 – ₦5,000 monthly
Required Tools and Skills
- A reliable vehicle (car, bike, or motorcycle)
- A smartphone with good internet
- A valid driver’s license and patience for Lagos traffic (or any city you’re in)
Tips to Get Started
- Sign up with multiple apps to boost your chances of getting orders.
- Learn the high-demand areas in your city — malls, events, churches, and markets are gold mines.
- Be polite and punctual. Good ratings can mean more jobs!
Event Planning & Party Services
Nigerians don’t joke with their owambe! From weddings to naming ceremonies, there’s always something to celebrate. If you’re a naturally organized person and enjoy putting things together, event planning could be your golden ticket to weekend income.
Approximate Startup Costs
- Business cards/flyers: ₦2,000 – ₦5,000
- Basic decor items or rentals: ₦10,000 – ₦30,000
- Transport to venues: ₦2,000 – ₦5,000 per event
Required Tools and Skills
- Great time management
- Good negotiation and people skills
- A creative eye for decor and setup
Tips to Get Started
- Start small by planning a friend or family member’s party.
- Take lots of photos and post them on Instagram or WhatsApp.
- Partner with vendors like caterers and DJs — they’ll refer you to clients, and you can return the favor.
Food Catering & Baking
Love cooking or baking? Why not turn that talent into cash? With Nigerians’ love for food, small chops, cakes, and meals, you can cater events or offer weekend food deliveries.
Approximate Startup Costs
- Ingredients: ₦5,000 – ₦20,000 (depending on order size)
- Kitchen tools or baking pans: ₦15,000 – ₦50,000 (if you’re just starting out)
- Packaging and branding: ₦3,000 – ₦10,000
Required Tools and Skills
- Cooking or baking skills
- Clean kitchen environment
- Phone and social media for taking orders
Tips to Get Started
- Offer tasting samples to friends — they’ll likely place orders afterward.
- Post consistently on WhatsApp status or Instagram stories.
- Consider offering “weekend family packs” or snack boxes.
Home Cleaning & Laundry Services
Let’s face it — not everyone wants to spend their weekend doing chores. That’s where you come in. Offering weekend cleaning and laundry services can be a great way to earn from people who just want to rest.
Approximate Startup Costs
- Cleaning supplies: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000
- Branded T-shirt or apron (for a professional look): ₦2,000 – ₦4,000
- Transport fare: ₦1,000 – ₦3,000 per job
Required Tools and Skills
- A strong work ethic and eye for detail
- Trustworthiness (clients must feel safe letting you in)
- Good communication
Tips to Get Started
- Ask family and friends to let you clean their homes for a discount in exchange for testimonials.
- Use referrals and word of mouth — people trust recommendations.
- Join local estate groups or neighborhood WhatsApp chats.
Freelance Writing & Graphic Design
If you enjoy writing or designing graphics, this is one of the easiest ways to earn on weekends. You can work from home, a café, or anywhere with decent internet.
Approximate Startup Costs
- A laptop: ₦50,000 – ₦150,000
- Monthly data plan: ₦3,000 – ₦6,000
- Free tools like Canva, or invest in Adobe Suite
Required Tools and Skills
- Writing or design skills
- A portfolio to show your work
- Consistency and ability to meet deadlines
Tips to Get Started
- Create a few samples to show what you can do.
- List your services on Fiverr, Upwork, or even Twitter.
- Don’t underprice yourself — charge based on the value you provide.
Online Tutoring & Coaching
If you’re good at a subject or a skill — maths, English, coding, makeup — you can make money teaching it to others. Parents are often looking for tutors, and many adults want to learn new skills too.
Approximate Startup Costs
- Teaching materials: ₦3,000 – ₦6,000
- Internet subscription: ₦3,000 – ₦5,000
- Tripod and light for videos (optional): ₦10,000 – ₦15,000
Required Tools and Skills
- Subject matter knowledge
- Ability to explain clearly
- Apps like Zoom, Google Meet, or WhatsApp
Tips to Get Started
- Create a short video explaining a concept and share it online.
- Offer your first lesson for free to attract students.
- Ask students for testimonials and share them to build credibility.
Photography & Videography Services
Weekend parties, graduations, birthdays — they all need someone behind the camera. If photography or video editing is your thing, why not turn it into weekend cash?
Approximate Startup Costs
- Entry-level camera: ₦80,000 – ₦200,000
- Basic lighting/memory card: ₦10,000 – ₦20,000
- Editing software (can be free or paid)
Required Tools and Skills
- Camera knowledge
- Editing software proficiency
- Friendly personality and punctuality
Tips to Get Started
- Offer to cover an event for free to build your portfolio.
- Promote your work on Instagram — people love visuals.
- Team up with decorators or event planners to get referrals.
Print‑On‑Demand & Digital Products
If you’re more of a homebody or creative type, this hustle is for you. You can create T-shirt designs, digital planners, or even eBooks and sell them online — all while chilling at home.
Approximate Startup Costs
- Canva Pro or design tools: ₦2,000/month
- Setup on Gumroad, Selar: Free or low-cost
- Marketing budget: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000 for ads
Required Tools and Skills
- Basic design or writing skills
- A laptop or smartphone
- Social media or email marketing know-how
Tips to Get Started
- Start with one or two products and test the market.
- Join Facebook groups to promote your products.
- Create urgency with limited-time offers.
Conclusion
The truth is, weekends don’t have to be all about rest or chores. With the right mindset and a bit of effort, your Saturday and Sunday can become profitable. From cooking and cleaning to creating and coaching, there’s something here for everyone.
Pick a hustle that fits your lifestyle, start small, and don’t be afraid to learn along the way. Before you know it, you could be making enough to support your dreams — or even turn your side hustle into your main gig.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best weekend side hustles in Nigeria?
Some of the best include food catering, online tutoring, cleaning services, and freelance writing. These offer flexibility and solid income potential.
How much can I earn from a weekend hustle in Nigeria?
This depends on the hustle and how much time you put in. Some people earn as little as ₦10,000 monthly, while others rake in ₦100,000 or more.
Can I start a weekend side hustle with zero capital?
Yes. Freelancing, tutoring, and cleaning services can be started with minimal to no capital — just your skills and smartphone.
How do I market my weekend side hustle locally?
Use WhatsApp status, Facebook, and local community groups. Hand out flyers or get listed on Google Business. Don’t forget to ask satisfied clients for referrals.