10 Jobs You Can Find on Every Street in Nigeria

Nigeria is a country of hustle and survival. No matter where you go, from the ultra-busy streets of Lagos to the quiet corners of a small town in Enugu, you will find people engaged in various jobs that keep society moving. Some of these jobs are informal but provide a steady income for many Nigerians. Whether you are looking for something to do or just curious, here are 10 jobs you can find on almost every street in Nigeria.

10 Jobs You Can Find on Every Street in Nigeria

1. Street Food Vendors (Mama Put & Roadside Sellers)

One of the most common businesses in Nigeria is food vending. Nigerians love their street food, and this business never runs out of customers. You will find women and men selling everything from jollof rice, ewa agoyin, akara, moimoi, suya, abacha, and bòlé (roasted plantain). These food vendors set up stalls or operate from large pots on the roadside. Some even use wheelbarrows to sell roasted corn and ube (African pear). Street food vending is profitable because food is a basic necessity, and Nigerians eat out a lot.

2. Commercial Motorcycle & Tricycle Riders (Okada & Keke Napep)

Despite the bans in some states, Okada (commercial motorcycles) and Keke Napep (tricycles) remain dominant modes of transport. They provide quick movement for people navigating busy streets, especially in places where buses struggle to go. Many young men, and even some women, make a living from riding Okada or Keke. It requires minimal capital to start – just get a bike, obtain a rider’s permit (if required in your area), and start ferrying passengers.

3. Pure Water & Soft Drinks Hawkers

On a hot Nigerian afternoon, who doesn’t need a chilled sachet of pure water or a bottle of soft drink? Hawkers carrying buckets or coolers filled with cold drinks are everywhere, running after cars in traffic or standing at strategic spots near motor parks, schools, and offices. Some specialize in selling beverages like Zobo, Kunu, and Tiger nut juice. It's a low-capital business and a daily income earner for thousands of Nigerians.

4. Phone Accessories & Charging Kiosks

With almost every Nigerian owning a phone, phone accessories businesses thrive on every street. You will find vendors selling earpieces, chargers, screen guards, power banks, and memory cards by the roadside or at busy junctions. Some go a step further by offering phone charging services where customers pay to charge their devices during power outages. This job is easy to start, and the demand is constant.

5. Tailors & Fashion Designers

Nigerians love fashion, and street tailoring is big business. Everywhere you go, you will see small kiosks or roadside tailors mending clothes, making new outfits, or adjusting garments. They sew traditional wears like agbada, senator, iro & buba, and kaftans, as well as modern designs. Some tailors even specialize in making school uniforms, which guarantees steady patronage. The best part? You don’t need a big shop to start – just a sewing machine and basic skills.

6. Car Wash Operators

Car wash businesses are booming in Nigerian streets, especially in busy areas where car owners don’t have time to wash their vehicles themselves. You will find car wash operators using buckets and hoses on open plots or under trees. Some upscale spots have proper washing bays with pressure washers and vacuum cleaners. This business is profitable, as many Nigerians prefer outsourcing their car washing.

7. Shoe Makers & Repairers (Cobbler / Aboki)

In Nigeria, when your shoe gets damaged, you don’t throw it away – you take it to the Aboki shoemaker. These skilled workers repair shoes, bags, and belts on the spot. Some even make custom leather slippers and sandals. They set up their workstations with small stools, tools, and spare shoe parts on sidewalks and under shade trees. Shoemaking and repair remain essential because most Nigerians prefer fixing their footwear rather than buying new ones.

8. POS Operators (Mobile Banking Agents)

With the rise of cashless transactions and the unreliability of ATMs, POS (Point-of-Sale) agents have become lifesavers. They provide cash withdrawal, deposits, bill payments, and transfers right on the street. You will find them sitting under umbrellas or in small kiosks with their POS machines, assisting customers who don’t want to visit the bank. It’s a lucrative business, especially in areas with limited bank branches.

9. Barbers & Hairdressers

Grooming is a daily necessity, and barbershops and salons exist on almost every Nigerian street. People need haircuts, braids, and styling regularly. Some barbers operate in small shops, while others run open-air setups with just a chair and clippers. Hairdressers specialize in braiding, fixing weaves, and making wigs. If you have skills in hairdressing or barbering, you can easily start with little capital.

10. Waste Pickers & Recycling Agents

Although overlooked, waste picking is a steady source of income for many Nigerians. Some individuals go around streets collecting plastics, metals, cartons, and bottles to sell to recycling companies. Others offer waste disposal services, moving from house to house collecting refuse for a fee. With the increasing awareness of waste recycling, this business is growing, and more Nigerians are tapping into it.

Final Thoughts

Survival in Nigeria requires creativity, resilience, and the ability to identify opportunities. These 10 jobs are proof that you don’t need to wait for white-collar employment before making money. If you are willing to work, there is always something to do. Whether you choose to sell food, ride Okada, or run a POS business, success depends on your effort and customer service. If you’re currently unemployed, why not consider one of these jobs and start earning today?