Are you currently serving as a corps member and looking for the best side hustles for NYSC corps members? Or maybe you’re asking: How can I make extra money during NYSC? What are the best ways to earn while serving? How do I start a profitable business or side gig during my service year?
If yes, then this post is exactly what you need.
Do you know that it's very possible to earn over ₦100,000 monthly as a corps member, even with your NYSC allowance still intact? Yes, it’s not just possible—it’s happening already!
In this article, you’ll learn the best side hustles for NYSC corps members that you can start with little or no capital and make real money while serving. Whether you’re posted in a city or rural area, there’s a hustle here that can work for you.
So, let’s dive right in!
Why Every Corps Member Needs a Side Hustle
Let’s be honest: the NYSC allowance isn’t enough.
While the Federal Government currently pays ₦33,000 monthly, many corps members still struggle to:
Afford transportation and feeding
Save money or support family
Buy materials or pay for certifications
A good side hustle during NYSC can solve all that.
It helps you earn more, learn new skills, and even build something long-term for life after NYSC.
âś… Best Side Hustles for NYSC Corps Members (2025 Edition)
Here are the top side hustles you can start today as a corps member—ranked based on ease of starting, profitability, and flexibility.
1. Freelance Writing
If you can write blog posts, articles, or even school assignments, then freelance writing is for you. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Facebook writing groups are great starting points.
Why it works:
No capital needed
Flexible time
High demand online
2. Graphics Design
Design flyers, posters, social media content, and logos using tools like Canva or Adobe Photoshop. You can even learn online for free and start offering services to local businesses or online clients.
Average earnings: ₦5,000–₦30,000 per project
3. Tutoring (Online or Physical)
If you’re good in a subject like Math, English, or Physics, offer private lessons to students around you—or teach online via WhatsApp, Telegram, or Classgap.
Bonus Tip: Help students prepare for WAEC, JAMB, or JSCE and charge per hour or weekly.
4. Affiliate Marketing
Promote products online and get paid a commission for every sale. Start with platforms like Expertnaire, Stakecut, or Amazon Associates.
Tools you’ll need:
A smartphone
Data
Basic digital marketing knowledge
5. Social Media Management
Are you always online? Help small businesses grow their pages, schedule posts, or respond to DMs. This is one of the easiest digital jobs for youths today.
Start by: Offering free trials, building your portfolio, then charging monthly.
6. Mini Importation
Buy cheap products from China (like phone accessories, bags, or beauty items), ship to Nigeria, and sell on WhatsApp, Instagram, or Jiji.ng.
You can start mini importation with as little as ₦20,000.
7. Blogging or Vlogging
Love to talk or write about your NYSC journey, fashion, tech, or lifestyle? Start a YouTube channel, TikTok, or blog. Monetize with ads, sponsorships, and affiliate links.
It takes time to grow, but it pays big in the long run.
8. Photography
If you own a smartphone or camera, take photos of events, people, or products. Offer affordable photo shoots, especially in rural areas where photographers are scarce.
9. Baking or Cooking Services
Corpers with cooking or baking skills can easily sell snacks, food packs, or pastries to fellow corps members or school staff. You can start small and grow fast.
10. Phone or Laptop Repairs
Tech-savvy corpers can offer repair services or even software installations to students and locals. Start with basic knowledge and learn more through YouTube tutorials or apprenticeships.
đź’ˇ Low-Cost Hustles for Corps Members with No Capital
If you’re serving in a rural area or don’t have much money, try:
Data reselling
Airtime vending
POS business (partner with someone)
Writing CVs or application letters
Creating Canva designs for small businesses
âś… How to Balance NYSC Duties with Side Hustles
Use weekends wisely – plan, market, and fulfill orders.
Involve your CDS group – you may find customers or partners.
Schedule smartly – focus on jobs you can do at night or during breaks.
Avoid hustles that disrupt your PPA – professionalism still matters.
🚀 Side Hustles that Can Become Full-Time Jobs After NYSC
The beauty of side hustles is that some can grow into real businesses. Here are some you can scale up post-NYSC:
Start your own digital agency (if you do design or writing)
Launch an online course or YouTube channel
Open a POS or phone accessories shop
Become a full-time tutor or education consultant
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I start a business while serving in NYSC?
Yes. Many corps members run small businesses during service. Just ensure it doesn’t affect your PPA or camp duties.
2. What side hustle pays the most during NYSC?
Freelancing, mini importation, and tech services (like design or repair) pay the highest, depending on your skill level and consistency.
3. Do I need a lot of money to start a hustle during NYSC?
Not at all. Some hustles like writing, social media management, and data reselling require little to no capital.
4. Can I run a side hustle in a rural posting?
Yes. In fact, rural areas offer unique opportunities like farming, tutoring, and selling everyday goods to locals.
5. Will NYSC allow me to run a business?
Yes. As long as it doesn’t interfere with your service responsibilities.
6. What is the easiest hustle to start during NYSC?
Tutoring, writing, and data reselling are some of the easiest to start with no equipment.
7. Can my hustle get me a job after NYSC?
Absolutely. Many employers love practical experience, and some corps members even get jobs from freelance gigs.
8. What if I have no skill yet?
Start learning on YouTube, Coursera, or Skillshare. Skills like Canva design or writing are easy to learn fast.
9. How do I find customers for my side hustle?
Use social media, NYSC group chats, CDS members, and locals at your PPA. Word of mouth works too!
10. Can I do more than one hustle?
Yes—but don’t overwork yourself. Start with one, master it, then expand.
🎯 Conclusion: Start Now, Grow Fast
Being a corps member doesn’t mean you have to be broke. Whether you’re in Lagos, Bauchi, or Enugu—there’s a hustle for you.
Pick one, start small, stay consistent, and watch it grow. Many top entrepreneurs today started from their NYSC year!
So now that you’ve seen the best side hustles for NYSC corps members, it’s time to take action. Don’t wait until POP—start building your future now.
