The Day I Graduated Broke and Jobless in Nigeria (What Happened Next Will Shock You) - Daily Reality NG 🎓 The Day I Graduated Broke and Jobless (And What Happened Next) 📅 December 11, 2025 ✍️ Samson Ese ⏱️ 18 min read 📁 Personal Growth 👋 Welcome to Daily Reality NG Real Stories • Real Money • Real Nigeria Welcome back to Daily Reality NG, where we talk about the things that actually matter to everyday Nigerians. Today's story is personal. Very personal. It's about the day I graduated from university with noth...
How I Turned My Android Phone Into a Money-Making Machine in Nigeria (₦150k+ Monthly)
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How I Turned My Android Phone Into a Money-Making Machine in Nigeria (₦150k+ Monthly)
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How I Turned My Android Phone Into a Money-Making Machine in Nigeria (₦150k+ Monthly)
Real strategies, proven results, and step-by-step guide for Nigerians ready to transform their smartphones into income generators
Welcome to Daily Reality NG, where we break down real-life issues with honesty and clarity. Today, I'm sharing something that changed my financial life completely — and you can start right now with the phone in your hand.
I'm Samson Ese, founder of Daily Reality NG. I've been blogging and building online businesses in Nigeria since 2016, helped over 4,000 readers start making money online, and my sites currently serve 800,000+ monthly visitors across Africa.
📖 The Story That Started Everything
Let me take you back to March 2019. I was sitting inside a molue bus on my way from Oshodi to Ikeja, sweating under the afternoon Lagos sun. My phone battery was at 15 percent, I had ₦800 in my account, and I'd just left another interview where they told me "we'll get back to you" — the polite Nigerian way of saying no.
That day, I made a decision. I looked at my Tecno Spark 3 and thought: "This phone can browse the internet. It can take pictures. It can run apps. There must be a way to make money with it."
I wasn't wrong.
But I was also very naive. I thought making money online would be instant. I fell for the "pay ₦5,000 and start earning ₦50,000 weekly" scams. I wasted time on survey sites that paid $0.02 after 30 minutes of work. I downloaded every "make money" app on Google Play Store, only to realize most were just ad-watching schemes.
Three months later, I was frustrated and ₦12,000 poorer.
Then something shifted. I stopped looking for quick money and started asking better questions: "What skills can I learn on this phone? What services do Nigerian businesses actually pay for? How can I deliver value using only my smartphone?"
Those questions led me to my first ₦8,000 freelance gig — writing product descriptions for a Lagos-based online store. I did everything on my phone: research, writing, communication, delivery. The client didn't even know I wasn't using a laptop.
That was the beginning. Today, my phone generates over ₦150,000 monthly through multiple income streams. And no, I'm not selling a course or asking you to join a network. I'm simply sharing what works.
Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash
📱 Why Your Phone Is Already a Business Tool
Here's what nobody tells you: your Android phone is more powerful than the computers that put men on the moon. The Tecno, Infinix, or Samsung device in your pocket has internet access, a camera, processing power, and access to millions of apps.
The problem isn't the phone. It's what we do with it.
Most Nigerians use their smartphones for:
WhatsApp gossip
Instagram browsing
TikTok videos
Betting apps
Nothing wrong with entertainment. But what if you could dedicate just 3 hours daily to turning that phone into an income generator?
💡 Real Talk
Let me be honest with you: making money with your phone isn't passive. It's not "download app, watch ads, get rich." That's a scam. Real phone-based income requires:
Learning a valuable skill
Consistent daily effort
Smart use of free tools
Building relationships with clients
Patience for the first 30-60 days
If you're looking for overnight millions, stop reading now. But if you're ready to build something real, keep going.
Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash
💰 The 5 Income Streams I Built on My Phone
Let me break down exactly how I make ₦150,000+ monthly using only my Android phone. These aren't theories — these are my actual income sources with real client names and payment receipts.
1. Freelance Writing (₦60,000 - ₦80,000/month)
This is my biggest earner. I write blog posts, product descriptions, and social media content for Nigerian and international clients.
How I started:
Downloaded Google Docs app
Created a Fiverr account (later switched to Upwork)
Wrote 10 sample articles on topics I knew (tech, business, lifestyle)
Applied to 5 jobs daily for 3 weeks
Got my first ₦5,000 gig
Tools I use:
Google Docs (writing)
Grammarly keyboard (editing)
Hemingway Editor (simplifying text)
QuillBot (rephrasing when needed)
📊 Real Example
Last month, I wrote 12 articles for a Dubai-based travel company. Payment: $180 (₦162,000 at ₦900/$1). All written on my Infinix Note 10 Pro.
Time investment: 2-3 hours daily
2. Social Media Management (₦30,000 - ₦40,000/month)
Nigerian businesses are desperate for people who can manage their Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter accounts. Most business owners are too busy to post consistently.
What I do:
Create content calendars
Design graphics using Canva mobile app
Schedule posts using Buffer
Reply to comments and DMs
Track engagement metrics
My clients:
A beauty supply store in Lekki (₦20,000/month)
A fitness coach in Abuja (₦15,000/month)
A fashion designer in Port Harcourt (₦12,000/month)
How I got them: I reached out to 50 small businesses on Instagram with poor posting consistency. Offered the first week free. 3 became paying clients.
Time investment: 1-2 hours daily
3. Graphic Design (₦20,000 - ₦35,000/month)
You don't need Photoshop or CorelDraw. Canva mobile app is powerful enough to design:
Flyers
Social media posts
Business cards
Logos
WhatsApp status graphics
My process:
Client sends brief via WhatsApp
I create 3 design options in Canva
Send previews, get feedback
Deliver final files via email
Get paid via bank transfer
Price range: ₦2,000 - ₦8,000 per design depending on complexity
Best clients: Small business owners, churches, event planners
Time investment: 3-5 hours weekly (not daily)
4. Affiliate Marketing (₦15,000 - ₦25,000/month)
I promote products I genuinely use and earn commissions. No lies, no fake reviews, just honest recommendations.
What I promote:
Web hosting (Hostinger Nigeria) - 60 percent commission
Online courses (Udemy, Coursera) - up to 45 percent commission
Digital products (ebooks, templates) - 50 percent commission
Where I promote:
My WhatsApp status (real life updates with product mentions)
This is the smallest earner but requires the least skill. I use:
Google Opinion Rewards
Premise app
Remotasks (simple data entry)
Appen (occasional tasks)
⚠️ Reality Check
Don't expect millions from surveys. But ₦500 here, ₦1,200 there adds up to ₦10,000+ monthly with minimal effort.
Time investment: 30 minutes daily during commute or NEPA outage
Photo by Carlos Muza on Unsplash
🛠️ Tools and Apps I Use Daily (All Free or Freemium)
Let me show you my exact toolkit. Every app here works on Android and most have free versions.
📝 Writing & Editing
Google Docs - Main writing tool
Grammarly Keyboard - Catches spelling and grammar errors
Hemingway Editor - Makes writing clearer
Microsoft Word Mobile - For client-specific formats
🎨 Design
Canva - 90 percent of my design work
PixelLab - Text on images
Background Eraser - Remove backgrounds from photos
Adobe Express (formerly Spark Post) - Quick social graphics
📱 Social Media Management
Buffer - Schedule posts across platforms
Hootsuite (free plan) - Manage multiple accounts
Canva - Create content
InShot - Video editing for Reels/TikTok
💼 Client Communication
WhatsApp Business - Professional client communication
Gmail - Email management
Zoom - Client calls
Google Meet - Backup for calls
💳 Payment & Banking
OPay - Receive payments, low transfer fees
Kuda - Backup account
Moniepoint - For clients who prefer it
Payoneer - International clients (links to my bank)
📊 Productivity & Organization
Google Calendar - Schedule everything
Notion (mobile app) - Track projects, clients, income
Google Keep - Quick notes and ideas
Toggl Track - Track time spent on tasks
💰 Earning Apps
Fiverr - Freelance gigs
Upwork - Long-term clients
Remotasks - Microtasks
Premise - Location-based tasks
💵 Real Numbers: My Monthly Breakdown (November 2025)
Let me show you the actual money. This was my November 2025 income:
Income Source
Amount (₦)
Hours Worked
Hourly Rate
Freelance Writing
75,000
60 hours
₦1,250/hour
Social Media Management
47,000
40 hours
₦1,175/hour
Graphic Design
28,500
15 hours
₦1,900/hour
Affiliate Marketing
22,300
8 hours
₦2,788/hour
Surveys/Microtasks
11,200
15 hours
₦747/hour
TOTAL
₦184,000
138 hours
₦1,333/hour
📊 Key Observations
Freelance writing is my biggest earner but lowest per-hour rate (because I'm still building expertise)
Affiliate marketing has the best hourly rate but requires upfront content creation
138 hours over 30 days = 4.6 hours daily on average
This is part-time income — I still have time for other things
My Expenses:
Phone: Infinix Note 10 Pro (bought for ₦89,000 in 2023, still works perfectly)
Data: ₦8,000/month (MTN 20GB plan)
Power bank: ₦15,000 (one-time purchase, lasts 1+ year)
Apps: All free versions (I don't pay for premium yet)
Net income: ₦184,000 - ₦8,000 (data) = ₦176,000 monthly
Photo by Prateek Katyal on Unsplash
🚀 How to Start With Zero Experience (30-Day Action Plan)
Truth be told, when I started, I had zero freelancing experience. No portfolio. No connections. Just a phone and determination.
Here's the exact 30-day plan I wish I had followed (instead of wasting 3 months):
Week 1: Foundation (Days 1-7)
Day 1-2: Choose Your Path
Pick ONE skill to start with (writing, design, or social media management)
Don't try everything at once — that's how you fail
Choose based on what you already enjoy doing
Day 3-5: Learn the Basics
Watch 5-10 YouTube tutorials on your chosen skill
Best channels:
Writing: Write with Joe, Elna Cain
Design: Canva Design School, Gareth David Studio
Social Media: Social Media Examiner, Vanessa Lau
Day 6-7: Set Up Your Workspace
Download necessary apps
Create professional profiles (Gmail with your real name, not "sweetboy4life@gmail.com")
Join 5 relevant Facebook groups and Telegram channels
Week 2: Build Your Portfolio (Days 8-14)
Day 8-10: Create 5 Sample Projects
Writers: Write 5 articles (300-500 words each) on topics you know
Designers: Create 5 designs (flyers, social posts, logos)
Social Media Managers: Create a 7-day content calendar for a fictional business
Day 11-12: Set Up Your Selling Platforms
Create Fiverr account (or Upwork, but Fiverr is easier to start)
Create a simple portfolio on Google Slides or Canva
Write a compelling bio focusing on what you CAN do, not what you're learning
Day 13-14: Practice Pitching
Write 3 different pitch templates for cold outreach
Practice introducing yourself in 30 seconds
Screenshot good gig descriptions for reference
Week 3: Start Hunting (Days 15-21)
Day 15-21: Apply, Apply, Apply
Apply to 5 jobs DAILY (35 applications this week)
Don't wait for the "perfect" gig
Start with low-budget jobs to build reviews
Expect rejections — they're normal
💪 Real Talk
I got rejected 47 times before landing my first client. That's not failure, that's math. More attempts = more chances.
Week 4: Deliver & Improve (Days 22-30)
Day 22-25: Land Your First Client
If you haven't gotten a client yet, lower your price temporarily
Offer a money-back guarantee
Over-deliver on your first job (add extra value)
Day 26-28: Get Your First Review
Politely ask satisfied clients for reviews
Use testimonials in future pitches
Screenshot positive feedback
Day 29-30: Scale Up
Raise your prices slightly
Apply to better-paying gigs
Analyze what's working and double down
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid (I Made Them So You Don't Have To)
Let me save you months of frustration by sharing the mistakes that cost me time, money, and energy.
1. Chasing Every "Make Money Online" Opportunity
What I did wrong: I tried writing, design, video editing, dropshipping, crypto trading, and forex all at the same time.
Result: I became mediocre at everything and great at nothing.
What you should do: Pick ONE income stream. Master it for 60 days before adding another.
2. Working for Free Too Long
What I did wrong: I did 8 free projects thinking it would lead to paid work.
Result: 6 clients disappeared after getting free work. 2 became paying clients.
What you should do: Do maximum 2 free projects to build portfolio, then charge — even if it's just ₦2,000. Free work attracts people who don't value your time.
3. Not Tracking My Time and Income
What I did wrong: For 4 months, I had no idea which income stream was profitable. I just worked randomly.
Result: I spent 40 hours on tasks earning ₦15,000 while neglecting tasks that could earn ₦50,000.
What you should do: Use Toggl Track or Google Sheets to log every hour worked and every naira earned. Review monthly.
4. Terrible Client Communication
What I did wrong:
Replied to client messages after 6 hours
Used unprofessional language ("Bros, I fit send am tomorrow")
Didn't set clear expectations
Result: Lost 3 good clients who thought I wasn't serious.
Let me distill everything into action points you can implement today:
Your Android phone is enough — You don't need a laptop, expensive software, or special connections to start making money online.
Skills beat luck — The fastest path to phone-based income is learning a valuable skill (writing, design, social media management) and delivering it professionally.
Start with one income stream — Master one method before adding others. I recommend freelance writing or social media management for beginners.
Free tools are sufficient — Google Docs, Canva, Buffer, and WhatsApp Business can run a ₦100,000+/month business.
Consistency beats intensity — 2 hours daily for 60 days beats 12-hour hustle sessions once a week.
Your first ₦5,000 is the hardest — After your first paying client, momentum builds. Don't quit before you get there.
Track everything — Log your hours, income, and client feedback. Data reveals what's working.
Protect your phone like a business asset — Good power bank, regular maintenance, and smart app management keep your income machine running.
Build relationships, not transactions — One happy client who refers you is worth 20 strangers.
Patience is non-negotiable — Month 1 might earn ₦8,000. Month 3 might earn ₦35,000. Month 6 might earn ₦120,000. Growth isn't linear but it's real.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What phone do I need to start making money online?
Any Android phone with at least 2GB RAM and Android 8.0 or higher works. I started with a Tecno Spark 3. Currently use Infinix Note 10 Pro. You don't need the latest Samsung or iPhone.
How much data do I need monthly?
I use 15-20GB monthly. Costs about ₦6,000-₦8,000 on MTN or Airtel. If you're on a tight budget, start with 10GB and work mostly on WiFi when possible.
Can I do this while working a 9-5 job?
Yes. I started while working part-time. Dedicate 2-3 hours daily: one hour in the morning, one hour during lunch break, one hour at night. Weekends give you extra time to build.
How long before I make my first ₦10,000?
Realistic timeline: 3-6 weeks if you're consistent. Some people get lucky in week 2. Others take 8 weeks. Your speed depends on your skill, effort, and market demand.
Do I need to pay for any courses or training?
No. Everything I learned came from free YouTube videos, blog posts, and practice. Save your money until you're earning, then invest in advanced training if needed.
What if I'm not good at writing or design?
Start with social media management or virtual assistance. These require less technical skill and more organization and consistency. Or pick one skill and commit to getting better.
How do I avoid scams?
Use escrow platforms like Fiverr and Upwork for new clients. Never pay money to get a job. If someone promises ₦200,000 monthly for ₦5,000 registration, run. Real income requires real work.
Can I do this in any Nigerian city?
Yes. I know people making ₦80,000-₦150,000 monthly from Owerri, Kaduna, Warri, Calabar, and even rural areas. Location doesn't matter if you have internet access.
Founder of Daily Reality NG. Helping everyday Nigerians navigate life, business, and digital opportunities since 2016. I've helped over 4,000 readers start making money online, and my sites currently serve 800,000+ monthly visitors across Africa.
Your ₦150,000+ monthly income journey starts with one decision today. Make it count.
💬 Stay With Me
Thank you for reading this guide. You're now part of the Daily Reality NG community — a space where we don't sell dreams, we share real strategies that work in the Nigerian context.
If this article helped you, please:
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Drop a comment below with your biggest takeaway or question
Remember: Your phone is not just for entertainment. It's a business tool waiting to be activated. The question isn't whether you can make money with it — the question is when you'll start.
See you in the next article. Keep building, keep growing, keep earning.
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