Category: PM News

With the cost of living continuing to rise and salaries struggling to keep pace, many Nigerians are looking beyond their regular jobs for additional income.

From digital services and content creation to online retail and remote work, side hustles have become an important way for professionals to boost earnings, build financial security and create alternative streams of income.

The good news is that many of these opportunities require little startup capital and can be run alongside a full-time job.

Here are 10 profitable side hustles Nigerians are embracing in 2026.

1. E-Commerce

Selling products online through platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp Business remains one of the most profitable ventures. Entrepreneurs who identify the right products and market them effectively can earn substantial monthly profits.

2. Ghostwriting

Many executives, entrepreneurs and public figures now hire writers to create articles, newsletters, speeches and social media content on their behalf. Skilled ghostwriters can build a steady income from multiple clients.

3. User-Generated Content (UGC) Creation

Brands are increasingly paying creators to produce authentic videos showcasing their products and services. Unlike influencers, UGC creators do not need a large following to make money.

4. Virtual Assistance

Businesses around the world are outsourcing administrative tasks such as email management, scheduling, customer support and research to virtual assistants, creating opportunities for remote workers.

5. Media Buying

Companies rely heavily on online advertising to reach customers. Professionals who can manage and optimise Facebook, Instagram and Google ad campaigns are in high demand.

6. Online Tutoring

The demand for online learning continues to grow. Professionals can teach academic subjects, coding, finance, digital marketing and other skills to students and working adults.

7. YouTube Script Writing

As content creators compete for viewers, many outsource research and script writing. Writers who can create engaging and informative content are finding plenty of opportunities in this space.

8. Mobile Photography

Modern smartphones have turned photography into a low-cost business opportunity. Mobile photographers are earning money from events, product shoots and social media content creation.

9. Dropshipping

This business model allows entrepreneurs to sell products online without keeping inventory. Suppliers handle storage and delivery while sellers focus on marketing and customer acquisition.

10. Selling Digital Products

From e-books and templates to planners and online guides, digital products offer a way to generate recurring income from knowledge and expertise.

The Bottom Line

The side hustle economy in Nigeria is growing rapidly as professionals seek new ways to increase their earnings and stay ahead of economic challenges.

Whether through digital services, content creation or online commerce, these opportunities provide flexible and scalable ways to build extra income while maintaining a regular job.

The Police on Tuesday arraigned a 27-year-old man, Douglas Josiah, before a Life Camp Magistrate’s Court, Abuja, for allegedly stealing goods worth N10.8 million.

The police charged Josiah of Akarak Village with criminal conspiracy, mischief and theft.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against him.

The Prosecution Counsel, Charity Nwachukwu, told the court that the complainant, Olushola Olayede, of Parakout Street, Abuja, reported the matter at the Wuye Police Station on June 20.

Nwachukwu alleged that on the same date, the defendant and one Suleiman, now at large, criminally broke into the complainant’s 20ft container without his consent.

She said that the defendant made away with goods all worth N10.8 million.

Nwachukwu said that during the police investigation the defendant made a confessional statement admitting to the offence.

She said that the offence contravenes Section 287 and 327 of the Penal Code.

Magistrate Ramlatu Yusuf, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum N2 million with two sureties each in like sum.

Yusuf ordered that the sureties must be a Level 9 civil servant and provide reliable means of identification.

She adjourned the matter until Aug. 17, for hearing.

The Nigerian Army has dismissed a fake advertisement circulating on social media and other online platforms, inviting applications for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSC) Course 50/2027.

The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in a statement on Monday, described the advertisement as false, fraudulent and unauthorised.

Anele warned members of the public, particularly prospective applicants, to disregard the advert and avoid making payments to individuals or websites claiming to recruit on behalf of the Army.

She reiterated that all Nigerian Army recruitment and commissioning exercises were free, transparent and strictly merit-based.

According to her, official recruitment announcements are made only through national newspapers, the Nigerian Army’s verified social media platforms and other recognised official communication channels.

She stressed that no application form was sold and no individual or agent was authorised to facilitate recruitment or demand payment at any stage of the process.

Anele said security agencies had been activated to identify, arrest and prosecute those behind the fake advertisement.

She warned that anyone found producing, circulating or using the fake advert to defraud Nigerians would face the full weight of the law.

The Army spokesperson urged Nigerians to verify all recruitment information through official Nigerian Army channels and report suspicious recruitment activities to the nearest military formation or security agency.

The Yayi Youth Vanguard has pledged to deliver over 400,000 votes for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola in support of his 2027 Ogun governorship ambition following the inauguration of Polling Unit Marshals across all the 5042 polling units in the State.

The pledge was made by the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Youth Development and Convener of the Yayi Youth Vanguard, Olamide Lawal, during a youth sensitisation programme and inauguration of Polling Unit Marshals in Ijebu Ode.

Lawal said each polling unit marshal has been tasked with mobilising at least 75 young voters through grassroots sensitisation, mobilization and advocacy for Senator Adeola’s governorship campaign.

He explained that the Yayi Youth Vanguard was established to encourage young people to participate actively in politics and leadership, stressing that youth involvement is vital to building a future capable of competing in the era of artificial intelligence and technological advancement.

Lawal urged Nigerian youths to see political participation as a civic responsibility and play active roles in shaping the future of Ogun State and the country.

Also speaking, political stakeholder, Otunba Bankole Olugbile, called on leaders who will emerge in the 2027 elections to prioritise youth inclusion in governance, noting that young people constitute the largest segment of Nigeria’s population and deserve greater representation in leadership.

Representing the State Coordinator of the Yayi Youth Vanguard, Comrade Ojo Emmanuel, the Special Adviser to the Executive Chairman of Ijebu North East Local Government on Youth and Sports, Comrade Otubanjo Olalekan, urged youths to align with progressive leadership and prepare to take up leadership responsibilities.

Also, Councillor representing Ward 1 in Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Hakeem Idowu, encouraged youths to support Senator Adeola’s governorship ambition, expressing confidence that his administration would expand youth empowerment opportunities.

The Women leader, APC, Ijebu Ode Local government, Mrs. Ajayi Olusola, appealed to Senator Adeola to prioritise women and youth participation in governance if elected, while commending Governor Dapo Abiodun for promoting gender inclusion in his administration.

By Celine-Damilola Oyewole and Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has promised Gov. Alex Otti that if her husband wins the 2027 presidential election, she would wear a wrapper and ‘buba’ made from prestigious hand-woven textile indigenous to Akwete community in Abia for the inauguration.

The first lady made the promise in Aba on Tuesday, during her visit to the state to celebrate and promote the historic Akwete weaving heritage, in Ukwa East Local Government Area of the state.

She also donated N2 billion to the Abia Government to support the development of Akwete fabric.

The First Lady explained that the gesture was to support the development of the Akwete production site, with a view to create more jobs and boost the economy of the state.

She added that the donation would support efforts by the Abia Government to preserve the centuries-old craft and ensure its sustainability for future generations.

ýShe praised the uniqueness and the richness of the Akwete fabric, crafted on vertical looms by women in Abia, using cotton, raffia, and silk and famous for its vibrant colours and intricate geometric motifs.

‘I am in awe of all the richness of what the Akwete fabrics stand for.

ý’I love traditional outfits because our tradition, our culture tells us who we are. The moment we lose that; we won’t remember where we come from.

‘The craft was transferred from generation to generation. It is a sacred craft done with love, patience, and endurance.

‘The tradition of the Akwete handmade fabric is dear to the hearts of the women who make it, and they should be encouraged to pass it on to the next generation,’ she said.

ýMrs Tinubu encouraged the younger generation to embrace their culture, particularly cultural attire that connects the young with the older generation.

According to her, people should be proud of their cultural heritage and wear the African traditional attires with pride.

ý’We should not let our children forget that.

‘To the women of Akwete, I heard your cry. I am here to announce to all Nigerians and the Igbo people that it is time to take Akwete fabric to the national stage.

ý’Therefore, all the notable sons and daughters of Igbo land should rise up to preserve this culture. On my part, I am donating N2 billion for the project,’ the first Lady said.

Responding, Otti and his wife, Mrs Priscilla Otti, thanked the first lady for the gesture saying, ‘it will significantly transform Akwete fabric production in the state’.

He described the visit to the state as timely and significant for preserving the indigenous craft.

Otti noted that the Abia Government had been engaging with the Akwete weaving community since 2023 to reposition the industry for greater economic value.

The governor said that the state government was working to remove barriers limiting the growth of the centuries-old craft while embracing technology to improve production and competitiveness in the global market.

He praised President Bola Tinubu for implementing economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market.

The lawmaker representing Abia South Senatorial District, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, described the women that weaves the fabric as the bedrock of the community.

‘Today we celebrate the ingenuity of the women in this area and I would like to be part of the construction of the weaving center,’Abaribe said.

Abia Council of Traditional Rulers conferred the traditional title of ‘Ugo Nwanyi Abia’ (the Pride of Abia Women) on the first lady in recognition of her generosity, care and motherly roles to all Nigerian women.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has disowned Okey Ezeala, accusing him of falsely presenting himself as the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary and allegedly collecting money from members with promises of party tickets and political appointments.

The NDC issued the warning in a disclaimer signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq.

According to the party, Ezeala was never elected or appointed as Deputy National Publicity Secretary and is not a member of either its National Working Committee or National Executive Committee.

The NDC said it had received several complaints alleging that Ezeala had been parading himself as a national official and using the claim to transact business in the party’s name.

It further accused him of collecting large sums from members after allegedly promising to secure party tickets and political appointments for them.

The party also linked Ezeala to an unauthorised congress in Abia State, which it alleged was organised through intimidation and resulted in the emergence of an unlawful parallel executive.

‘Mr Okey Ezeala is not elected or appointed by any organ of our great party as Deputy National Publicity Secretary or into our NWC or NEC as a member,’ the statement said.

The NDC maintained that Ezeala does not hold any executive position at the national, state or local government level and has no authority to represent the party.

It warned members and the public against conducting any transaction with him on behalf of the NDC.

The party also asked anyone who may have fallen victim to his alleged activities to report formally to the office of the National Secretary for appropriate action.

It was big gain for Kaduna chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, on Sunday as no fewer than 12,000 members of other parties defected to the party in Lere Local Government Area of the State.

The defectors were received on Sunday at Ramin Kura and Gure/kahugu wards by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Alhaji Abubakar Buba, who represented Gov. Uba Sani

The event drew party leaders, government officials, community leaders and supporters from Ramin Kura, Lere and Gure/Kahugu wards.

Buba said the administration of Gov. Uba Sani remained committed to justice, fairness and equal treatment of all citizens across Kaduna State.

He said the governor’s rural transformation agenda had endeared the administration to people across the state, regardless of political affiliation.

According to him, ongoing investments in roads, schools and other infrastructure had continued to attract support for the APC.

The commissioner assured the defectors of equal opportunities and full integration into the party without discrimination.

Chairman of Lere Local Government, Alhaji Jafaru Ahmad, described the defections as a demonstration of growing confidence in the APC led administration.

Ahmad commended the new members for what he described as a timely decision to join the ruling party.

Also speaking, APC Chairman in Lere Local Government, Mr Jonathan Shekarau, welcomed the defectors into the party.

Shekarau assured them of equal treatment, saying the APC was committed to delivering good governance and addressing the shortcomings of previous administrations.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Mr Nathan Azman and Mr Rayyanu Dauda, both former PDP members, said they joined the APC because of Gov. Uba Sani’s inclusive leadership.

They said the administration had demonstrated commitment to equitable development and improved the welfare of citizens.

The representatives appealed to the state government to rehabilitate roads in their communities.

They also called for the completion of a secondary school project abandoned in the area for decades.

The defectors pledged their loyalty to the APC and promised to support the administration’s development agenda in the state.

Police operatives in Anambra State have arrested three members of kidnapping gang targeting Point of Sale (POS) operators in Ogbaru Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The arrest of the suspects identified as Chekwube Chukwu, 32, Amarachukwu Nwobosi, 34 and Sopuluchukwu Ifeakor, 30 years respectively were disclosed in a statement by the spokesperson for Anambra Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Sunday in Awka.

Ikega said the three were among four suspects arrested over separate kidnapping and robbery incidents across the state recently by the Command.

According to Ikenga, the three suspects were arrested when operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, in collaboration with detectives from the Ogbaru Divisional Police Station, foiled a suspected kidnap plot in Iyiowa, Odekpe, Atani in Ogbaru Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

‘The team arrested three male suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered a black Toyota Camry with tinted glasses and Lagos Registration number LND 789HR, believed to have been used by the gang for its operations.

‘The suspects are Chekwube Chukwu, 32, Amarachukwu Nwobosi, 34 and Sopuluchukwu Ifeakor, 30 years respectively,’ he said.

He said that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were intercepted while actively attempting to abduct a female POS operator at Atani in Ogbaru LGA, in the morning.

The Anambra police spokesman said that the victim raised an alarm, which attracted the attention of some residents and prompted a swift response by the police following a distress call.

The PPRO said that the timely intervention by the police frustrated the kidnap attempt, leading to the rescue of the victim and subsequent arrest of the suspects.

According to him, further investigation linked the suspects to the earlier kidnapping of another female POS operator, at Dominion Park, Head Bridge, Onitsha, on June 3, 2026, during which she was abducted.

He said that the suspects dispossessed the operator of two POS machines and Android phones and compelled the family to pay a ransom of N3.5 million, before she was released.

He said that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the crimes.

Ikenga said that the suspects were currently providing useful information to assist the police in identifying and arresting their criminal receivers and other members of the syndicate operating within the state.

The police spokesman further said that in the afternoon of July 15 2026, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, arrested one Johnbosco Okoye (Bone), 32.

The Anambra Police spokesperson who did not mention the area the suspect was arrested said that the arrest was in continuation with the ongoing investigation into the kidnapping of a victim at Okpanam, Asaba, Delta state.

He explained that the victim was abducted, robbed, and forced to pay a ransom before regaining his freedom.

The PPRO said that during a search on the suspect, the operatives recovered one locally fabricated pistol, two live rounds of ammunition, one axe, and one Itel Android phone bearing the victim’s photograph as its screensaver.

He said that the suspect confessed to the crime and efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang currently at large.

Ikenga said that the operations underscore the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and improving public safety in the state.

The Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with timely and credible information to enhance security across Anambra state.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Gombe State Command, says it has arrested 58 offenders since the launch of its ‘War Against Overloading’ campaign in the state.

The state Sector Commander, Mr Samson Kaura, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Monday.

Kaura said the campaign began in April as part of the corps’ efforts to reduce the high number of casualties resulting from road traffic crashes caused by overloaded vehicles.

He said overloading remained one of the leading causes of fatal road crashes in the state.

According to him, tackling the menace is essential, adding that reducing crash-related deaths requires strict enforcement of load limits, public awareness and responsible behaviour by drivers and vehicle owners.

The sector commander said avoiding overloading was not just a traffic rule but a lifesaving measure that protects drivers, passengers and other road users.

According to him, vehicles are manufactured with specific limits on the number of passengers and the amount of goods they are designed to carry.

‘But we neglect the authorised specifications and overload our vehicles.

‘When these vehicles are overloaded, movement becomes difficult because of the excess weight, which contributes to higher fuel consumption as they cannot move fast enough.

‘The lifespan of the vehicle is also affected because it will not last as long as it is supposed to.

‘If an overloaded vehicle that is designed to carry no more than five passengers is involved in a crash, there will likely be more casualties because it was carrying too many people and goods.

‘That is why we need to nip the issue of overloading in the bud to reduce the number of fatalities from road traffic crashes.’

Kaura urged passengers to avoid boarding overloaded vehicles because of the dangers involved. He also advised vehicle owners to desist from overloading their vehicles, especially during the rainy season.

‘When a vehicle is overloaded, its stability is compromised and controlling it becomes difficult, putting everyone on board at risk,’ he said.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has detained four officers accused of extorting N53,000 from the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Aliyu (SAN), during an unauthorised stop-and-search operation in Abuja.

Addressing journalists on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, condemned the officers, describing them as ‘thieves’ who had disgraced the police force through their actions.

Investigations showed that the officers allegedly abandoned their assigned duty posts, converged around the Banex area of Wuse and erected an illegal checkpoint where they targeted motorists for extortion. Unaware of the identity of their victim, they reportedly stopped the ICPC chairman and compelled him to obtain cash through a Point of Sale (POS) operator.

According to Sanusi, Aliyu withdrew N53,000, paid the transaction charges and handed over the money, which the officers allegedly shared among themselves.

‘I must say here too that we have about four policemen in custody as we speak who successfully extorted somebody of high importance, unknown to them that this person is a highly placed person in society. In clear terms, they extorted the Chairman of the ICPC.

‘They extorted him of N53,000. They took him to a POS, he withdrew the money, paid the charges and they shared the money among themselves.’

The police chief said the suspects operated as a criminal syndicate rather than law enforcement officers.

‘They are a gang of criminals who left various divisions, clustered together, moved to Wuse Banex and created a checkpoint where they perpetrated this act before fleeing.’

Sanusi disclosed that the command declared the officers wanted before tracking down their leader. His confession, he said, led investigators to the remaining members of the group.

‘We got all of them. We are going to make sure they are severely punished. Those that are going to be dismissed will definitely be dismissed.’

The commissioner also reminded officers and members of the public that the Inspector-General of Police had outlawed the indiscriminate search of citizens’ mobile phones during patrols.

‘You cannot stop anybody on the road and ask the person to bring out his phone for search. If any policeman stops you and asks to search your phone, don’t agree. Call the police emergency lines and we will ask them why.’

He urged residents to promptly report cases of extortion and other misconduct by police personnel, assuring them that erring officers would be identified and punished.

‘We will still enforce the IG’s directive. Some of them are on the task because they are criminally minded. They want to perpetrate such acts. If we get them, they will face disciplinary actions and will be made to face the consequences.’