6 Best Paying Menial Jobs In Nigeria

What are the 6 best paying menial jobs in Nigeria, and how much can one make from them?

With the critical rising cost of living coupled with the looming low purchasing power of most Nigerians, a resort to menial jobs and rendering of certain low class services either on full-time or part-time basis appears to be a logical resort of making a living for a vast majority of Nigerians. 

Over the years, the world has witnessed varying degrees of inflation, but the current wave of inflation ravaging most economies, particularly Africa, is unleashing untold hardship on Nigeria in particular, and Africa at large.

In order to survive the current harsh reality on ground, a lot of Nigerians have resorted to doing menial jobs inorder to make ends meet. Such jobs are described or classified as “menial” since anyone can undertake the demands and tasks which go with jobs of that nature. 

The distinctive features of menial jobs implies that they are jobs requiring no definite professional skills or academic qualifications, but can still fetch money for those who engage in them. In Nigeria, the idea of menial jobs represents a boring, long man-hours and grossly underpaying job, which those with professional and good academic qualifications should not undertake.

Interestingly, those who seek additional source of income to sustain themselves, including the educated ones, can do so by finding dignity in menial labour. Again, the dwindling economy of most African countries, including Nigeria, calls for possession and acquisition of more than one stream of income. Those in this category have to decide on the area of menial jobs particularly suiting their interest.

Some of the 6 best paying menial jobs in Nigeria, as found among the urban population have the prospects to impact the welfare of those who engage in them.

Here is A List Of The 6 Best Paying Menial Jobs In Nigeria

1. Plumbing Work

This involves fixing the various pipes through which water and wastes are channeled. Very often, after one moves into a new apartment, discovery is made of one leakage or another in the water running system within the apartment. Aside the discomfort this could cause to occupants of the building, it is also a waste of resources if such plumbing works and repairs are not carried out as quickly as possible. Since there is no definite scale of charges among the workmen, each plumber, therefore, is expected to charge what he deems fair enough for the tasks undertaken. The person who receives the services may, however, engage the service provider on an agreed price after rounds of bargain. Overall, this menial work, depending on the scope and duration, can attract a bill of Ten Thousand Naira and above per day.

This leaves the service provider (Plumber) with a considerable amount of money when multiplied by the scope of the work or the number of days required to accomplish it.

What does it take to start out as a plumber?

Plumbing work is one of the easiest menial jobs to embark on, as it doesn’t require much time to learn, and the overhead is very cheap. With #10,000 one can purchase the few equipments needed to start. All you need is a good knowlege of the job, and your ability to diagnose what could be wrong with the plumbing system in an apartment. For instance, if someone calls you to report that the water in the kitchen sink is not flowing out, you should be able to tell where the fault is coming from, and subsequently get it fixed as fast as possible. This will help build trust in your competence, and help you get more jobs on recommendation.

2. Home Cleaning

The cleaning job is classified into two: domestic cleaning and industrial cleaning. In domestic cleaning, one goes to someone’s apartment to help clean the house, tidy up the garden, dishes, or in some cases, wash clothes for the person.

This is one common menial job where absolutely zero skill or experience is required. It is also a job which even those gainfully employed elsewhere can undertake in their spare time or time off. 

Industrial cleaning is more advanced than domestic cleaning. As housing estates continue to spring up in most Nigerian cities, so is the need for home cleaners springing up in equal measure. This job involves picking up debris after construction by the various technicians engaged during the period of the building or construction work. This is achieved by removing all filthy substances such as mud, dust and all other accumulated dirt adhering to or embedded in the surface of the apartment. The amount charged by home cleaners depends on the scope of the work and nature of the building. A virgin apartment usually attracts a higher pay within the range of Thirty to Fifty Thousand Naira, while a building already in human habitation or use could attract a bill within the region of Ten to Twenty Thousand Naira per day.

3. Bush Clearing

Nigeria had once been described as a “construction site” following massive investment in infrastructural development. Before a construction firm mobilises its men to a site, the construction site has to be prepared by a labourer who clears the bush on the site and surrounding land for ease of passage. A labourer is employed to get that done through manual labour – use of cutlass and machetes. Depending on the size of the area to be prepared for construction, such daily labour attracts a rate of Ten to Twenty Thousand Naira for each day’s job. The prospect is seen in the mass of bush to be cleared by manual means, and the number of days it will take to get that done.

4. Roadside Vulcanization

Even with a spare tyre attached, a vehicle on motion can still develop tyre issues. Aside giving treatment of elasticity, strength and stability to motor tyres, a roadside vulcaniser also helps in inflating and gauging the dimension or testing the mechanical fitness of motor tyres. This menial job attracts a daily turnover of Five to Ten Thousand Naira and above, depending on the location of operations.

5. Taxicab Driver

The impact of globalisation has helped transformed most Nigerian towns and villages into cities, thereby attracting a large influx of new comers. What that means is that there must be a convenient means of transportation whereby commuters are carried within the city for a fare that is usually determined by the distance traveled or covered. Anyone who engages in this nature of work is assured of raking in between Five to Ten Thousand Naira on a daily basis.

6. Hair Making/Dressing

This involves operating a beauty shop to attend to customers who want to maintain neat appearance but are unable to spend hours grooming themselves. This could cover braiding, perming and trimming as well as other embellishments with ribbons, laces or associated ornaments. This job which is often considered menial could rake in a fortune for those who engage in it. The daily returns here is between Ten to twenty Thousand Naira only.

There are many other menial jobs that a lot of people outrightly consider to be below them, but if explored, could actually generate reasonable income to help them survive and even thrive during this period of inflation. If you missed the post on the secret of making money in Nigeria, you can go read the post here.

How To Get Menial Jobs In Nigeria

Having seen the 6 best paying menial jobs in Nigeria, how can you get the jobs?How can you get people to know that you can provide these services? How do you get customers/clients?How do you create awareness about what you do?

I have written an extensive article that offers practical guidance on how to market and promote yourself and business, irrespective of the kind of business you are doing, or want to go into. The principles highlighted in the article are universal principles. It’s also a very easy-to-follow article, which if followed properly, can get you hundreds of customers who will not only patronize you, but will be glad to pay you well for your services.

You can read the full article here. And do remember to drop your comments after reading.