Lagos is a city where anything can happen. It is a place where people wake up every day with a hustle on their minds, ready to chase opportunities. But something has changed in recent years. Money is now lying in the streets, waiting for those who can see it and grab it with their smartphones. It sounds crazy, but it is happening.
Take a walk in Lagos today, and you will see people filming skits, making TikTok videos, or selling products online. Some years ago, nobody would have thought that making funny videos could put food on the table, but now, it is a full-time business. Skit makers in Lagos are not just playing; they are making millions. A single viral video can bring in endorsement deals, YouTube revenue, and brand partnerships. Many of them started with nothing but a smartphone and creativity. They don’t need a fancy office; the streets of Lagos are enough.
Social media has changed the game. Before now, people believed you had to rent a shop and wait for customers to come. But today, you can sit at home, take good pictures of products, post them online, and start making sales. From fashion items to food, perfumes, and gadgets, anything can be sold if you know how to use your phone well. Some people are even reselling items they do not own, making profits just by connecting buyers and sellers.
The story of online vendors in Lagos is inspiring. Some started with zero capital, taking pictures of items from big markets and posting them on WhatsApp, Instagram, or Facebook. When someone orders, they rush to buy and deliver. Before they know it, they have built a business without even touching the actual products. With consistency, they grow into big-time sellers with warehouses and delivery teams.
Beyond skits and online sales, there is also money in content creation. People now make money from simply sharing their daily lives. Influencers on Instagram and TikTok get paid to post about fashion, food, or travel. Some started casually, just sharing what they love, but today, they are smiling to the bank. Brands now know the power of social media, and they are ready to pay to be seen. It is no longer about TV or radio; it is about who has followers and engagement.
Even professionals are making money from the streets of Lagos in new ways. Photographers, makeup artists, fitness trainers, and even mechanics now use social media to attract customers. Instead of waiting for referrals, they post their work online, and clients find them easily. It is no longer about knowing big people; if your work is good and your phone is smart, money will locate you.
Ride-hailing services have also changed the Lagos hustle. Many people now make a living from driving with platforms like Bolt and Uber. Some are car owners who put their vehicles on the road and let others drive for them, earning money without doing the actual work. Others save up to buy cars or rent vehicles to drive. In a city where movement is constant, there is always money to be made in transportation.
Even food vendors have tapped into the power of social media. Small restaurants and home cooks now sell meals through Instagram, Twitter, and WhatsApp. They take orders online and deliver directly to customers, avoiding the high cost of running a physical shop. Some of them started by simply posting pictures of meals they cooked at home, and today, they run full-fledged businesses. The best part? They don’t even need a restaurant space.
The music industry has also benefited from this new wave. Gone are the days when musicians had to beg record labels for deals. Now, with platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Audiomack, young artists are dropping songs, gaining fans, and making money without waiting for anyone’s approval. A song can blow up overnight, and the artist can go from unknown to famous, securing deals and shows in a matter of weeks.
Cryptocurrency, forex trading, and digital marketing have also created money on the streets of Lagos. Young people are learning how to trade online, build websites, and manage social media accounts for businesses. Some of them make more money than people with office jobs, and they do it all from their phones. Many companies now prefer hiring freelance digital marketers rather than paying full-time staff, and this has opened more doors for skilled individuals.
The tech industry is also booming. Young developers, graphic designers, and programmers are getting remote jobs with international companies while sitting in their Lagos apartments. Some are building apps, others are creating websites for businesses, and some are even launching their own tech startups. They don’t need to leave Nigeria to earn in dollars; all they need is internet access and the right skills.
Even comedy has gone beyond just skits. Some people now make money from prank videos, reaction videos, and even memes. A well-timed funny post can spread across social media, bringing in followers and eventually attracting brands. It is no longer just about telling jokes at events; the internet has given everyone a microphone.
The bottom line is simple—Lagos is full of money, but only those who are ready to embrace change can grab it. The old ways of doing business are fading. The new way is digital. You don’t need a big office, you don’t need huge capital, and you don’t need connections. If you have a smartphone, data, and the right mindset, you can make something out of nothing.
People used to say that money doesn’t grow on trees. That may still be true, but in Lagos today, money is growing on social media, online businesses, and digital platforms. Those who understand this are cashing out daily. The city is noisy, the traffic is crazy, and the hustle is real, but one thing is clear—huge money is now found in the streets of Lagos. The question is, are you ready to pick it up?
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