10 Nigerian Women On Why They Need More Than One Source Of Income

Having a job that pays your bills doesn’t always guarantee financial security. You might still be trying to save for a big move, support your family or make sure you can leave a job or relationship without worrying about how you’ll survive. The failing economy, coupled with the rising costs of everyday living in Nigeria, has made having a side hustle a necessity for survival.

We asked 10 Nigerian women why having more than one source of income feels necessary. They spoke about the expenses one income can’t cover, the experiences that shaped their relationship with money and whether they’d give up the extra work if one income could cover everything they need.

**1. “I Didn’t Know Where My Next Meal Would Come From” — Vivian, 30, Ibadan **

I earn 400k a month as a social media associate. My salary pays my bills and covers black tax. I also own a flower shop that brings in an extra 300-500k monthly. I’ve had times when I didn’t know where my next meal would come from. Having another source of income makes me feel more financially secure.

Even if my salary comfortably covered all my expenses, I’d still want the extra income. I enjoy testing my skills and trying new things. I also enjoy making money and having enough to spend.

2. “A Second Income Gives Me An Exit Plan” — Ijeoma*, 30, Lagos

I work in sales and earn close to 700k a month, with commissions in some months. My salary covers basics like food, skincare and beauty maintenance. I also run a baking business. It’s more of a hobby, so I don’t take it too seriously, but it made about 1million last year.

Having another income gives me an exit plan. I can decide to quit my 9-to-5 and have something to fall back on. As a woman, being able to afford what I want or need feels essential to my survival. Even if my salary comfortably covered all my expenses, I’d still want another source of income.

3. “I Want Something To Rely On If My Main Job Falls Through” — Iqmat, 32, Lagos

I earn around $4,000 a month as a content strategist and editor. It covers my rent, groceries, bills, black tax and spending on my partner. I can save and invest too. I don’t have a side hustle at the moment, but I still want one. Before getting my current job, I worked two jobs for a few years. I also took on freelance gigs and ran a plants-and-home-decor business. My last side hustle paid me 700k in one month.

I started my business because the company I worked for between 2020 and 2022 was shutting down. I also realised I was helping other people build their dreams while putting mine off. Having a business gave me a sense of ownership, and the extra money made me feel more secure.

The business is on hiatus because our model doesn’t work in a country where most people don’t have disposable income. I’d like to start something else, even though my salary covers my needs. If I leave or lose my job, I want something to fall back on. This time, I’d prefer something that makes money without needing my daily input or too much of my time.

4. “It Helps Me Care For My Mom” — Gail, 31, Lagos

I’m a freelancer earning around ₦250,000 a month. I live with my mum, so I don’t pay rent, but I cover electricity, cooking gas, her health expenses and other household bills. I also sometimes help my sister and two cousins. What’s left goes towards food, gifts for friends and, when I can, savings.

I bake and make resin art on the side, although the income varies each month. The extra money helps me make my mum’s life easier. It’s also about my independence. I believe someone who feeds you can also starve you, and I don’t want anyone to have that kind of power over me.

Even if my main income covered everything, I’d still want a side hustle, especially if it means I get to do something I love. I love the access and freedom money gives me.

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5. “My Salary Alone Can’t Cover My Japa Plans” — Dara*, 26, Lagos

I earn 200k a month as a social media manager and content creator. My income mostly goes towards savings, data and transport. My parents make sure I don’t have to contribute too much to household expenses.

I’m saving to leave the country, and my salary alone can’t reach that goal. I help people write proficiency exams on the side. I also run a jewellery business. Each exam gig pays around 500k, so doing four in a month brings in about 2m. It can be more or less, depending on how many gigs I get. The jewellery business brings in an extra 15-20k weekly.

I put 70% of everything I earn into savings to reach my goal by next year. Beyond that, I think everyone should have another source of income, even if their salary covers their expenses. Life is unpredictable, and it helps to have a safety net.

6. “I Wouldn’t Have To Borrow Before The End Of The Month” — Christine*, 30, Ibadan

I work as a social media manager and a product manager, earning 100k from each job. Most of that money goes towards food, caring for my three dogs and supporting my mum. I also try to save towards my 400k rent, but sometimes I run out of money before the end of the month and have to borrow from friends.

I have four years’ experience as a social media manager, yet I’m still being offered jobs that pay 100k or less. I’ve also been meaning to get a new laptop, but I can’t afford to save for it.

I’m starting a tigernut business because my current income barely covers my bills. I want to stop borrowing and start saving for emergencies. Even if my salary eventually covered everything, I’d still want another source of income. You can lose a 9-to-5 without notice, and I’d want something to fall back on.

7. “I Earn An Extra 500k Monthly” — Esther*, 28, Lagos

I was broke and jobless after NYSC, so I had to move in with a guy I was dating at the time. He provided the basics, but he treated me badly and was verbally abusive. He also refused to help me start a business even though he could afford to, then stole my idea and executed it poorly.

That experience shaped how I feel about money. I have a crippling fear of not being able to afford what I want. Having more than one source of income makes me feel safe.

My main income now comes from an export business I run with my current partner. My salary is about 800k a month. I also write scripts, manage social media for brands and earn from two farms, which brings an extra 500k. The money pays my bills, makes black tax more bearable and allows me to contribute to the savings my partner and I are putting towards our marriage.

Even if my main income covered everything, I’d still want other sources. This is Nigeria, and anything can happen. Knowing I have something to fall back on gives me peace of mind.

8. “My Main Job Does Not Sustain My Lifestyle” — Seyi*, 30, Lagos

I work in business development and earn about $3,000 a month. It covers food, transport, data and household bills. I save towards rent and other things I need as well.

I also have a contract role that pays $2,000 a month. I realised I needed more than one source of income because many Nigerian companies don’t pay enough to sustain your lifestyle and set money aside for other things.

While the extra money has helped me feel more grounded, I want another source of income. Working two jobs is draining, but I need to save more.

9. “I’m Chronically Ill, and My Meds Are Expensive” — Onome*, 32, Lagos

I’m a writer and editor earning 350k a month. I’m also chronically ill. I spend 50k on medication monthly and can spend up to 150k when I need to see a doctor or run routine tests. My HMO barely covers these costs.

My salary also goes towards food, data and black tax, so it doesn’t always stretch far enough for me to save. I take on tutoring, exam invigilation, writing, editing and ushering gigs, which bring in an extra 100-150k on average. That money helps me save and pay my rent.

Having extra income feels necessary to me because my healthcare expenses are too high. If my salary comfortably covered all my needs, I wouldn’t take on extra work. It’s stressful, and stress makes my symptoms worse.

10. “Adult Toys Bring Extra Income” — Tee, 30, Lagos

I work as a test centre administrator and earn 250k a month. My salary doesn’t cover much beyond basic groceries and saving towards rent. With how hard things are in the economy, having extra income feels necessary.

I sell adult toys on the side and make about 50k monthly. It’s just enough to cover miscellaneous expenses. I don’t feel more financially secure, but it’s better than nothing. I’m also an enthusiast of self-pleasure, so I’m killing two birds with one stone. Even if my salary comfortably covered all my expenses, I’d keep selling adult toys because I’m a huge advocate for sexual satisfaction.

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