How to make money as a web developer in Nigeria

The demand for web development services in Nigeria has been on a steady rise in recent years. According to a report by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the country’s IT sector has been growing at an annual rate of 12%, with web development being a significant contributor to this growth. A recent survey by the Nigeria ICT Federation revealed that 75% of businesses in Nigeria now have an online presence, creating a huge demand for web developers. This growing demand has led to a significant increase in the number of web development jobs available in the country.

Are Web Developers still in High Demand?

Web developers are still in high demand in Nigeria. The country’s digital landscape is rapidly evolving, with more businesses and organizations recognizing the importance of having a strong online presence. This has created a huge need for skilled web developers who can design, build, and maintain websites, web applications, and mobile applications.

The demand for web developers is not limited to the tech industry alone; various sectors such as finance, healthcare, education, and government also require web development services. For instance, banks and financial institutions need web developers to design and maintain their online banking platforms, while hospitals and healthcare providers require web developers to build patient management systems and electronic health records.

How Much are Web Developers Paid in Nigeria?

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a web developer in Nigeria is around ₦1.5 million (approximately $800) per year. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and specific job requirements. For example, a senior web developer in Lagos can earn up to ₦5 million (approximately $4,500) per year, while a junior web developer in Abuja may earn around ₦800,000 (roughly $700) per year. It’s worth noting that these figures are subject to change and may vary depending on the current market conditions.

Is Web Development a Profitable Career?

Web development can be a highly profitable career in Nigeria. Beyond traditional employment, as a web developer, you can explore various monetization opportunities such as freelancing, building and selling web applications, creating and selling online courses, and offering consulting services. For instance, as a web developer, you can build a web application for a client and charge a one-time fee or offer maintenance and update services for a recurring fee. Additionally, as a web developer, you can create and sell online courses teaching web development skills, which can generate passive income. With the rise of e-commerce in Nigeria, web developers can also build and maket their own online stores, selling products and services to a wide range of customers.

For example, a web developer in Nigeria built an e-commerce platform for a client in the fashion industry, charging a one-time fee of ₦1000,000 (approximately $750). The web developer also offered maintenance and update services for a recurring fee of ₦50,000 (approximately $40 USD) per month.

Therefore, web development is a highly sought-after skill in Nigeria, with many opportunities for web developers to make a good living. The demand for web developers is still on the rise, and the career can be highly profitable beyond traditional employment. With the right skills and mindset, web developers in Nigeria can thrive in this field and enjoy a lucrative career.

How Web Developers Make Money in Nigeria

Web development as already established in the introductory section are a lucrative profession and skill in the Nigerian Labour market. Web Developers make money in Nigeria by freelancing, Creating and Selling Templates/Themes, Teaching and Tutoring, Building and Selling Web Applications, Job Opportunities, Consulting and Contract Work, open Open-Source Contributions, Building Personal Brands, etc. By following these tips as a web developer in Nigeria, you can build a successful freelance career, earn a good income, and enjoy the flexibility and autonomy that comes with it.

These will be explored fully below:

Freelancing

Freelancing is a popular way for web developers in Nigeria to monetize their skills, offering flexibility and autonomy in their work. With the rise of online platforms, freelancing has become more accessible, connecting web developers with clients from all over the world. In Nigeria, freelancing provides an opportunity for web developers to work on diverse projects, gain experience, and build a strong portfolio.

Freelancing platforms, both international and local, provide a conduit for web developers to find clients and showcase their skills. International platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr offer a global client base, while Nigerian platforms like Asuqu, FindWorka, and Naija Freelancers cater to the local market. These platforms provide a range of features, including project posting, bidding, and payment processing, making it easier for web developers to manage their freelance work.

To succeed in freelancing, web developers in Nigeria must adopt effective strategies. Here are some tips:

Build a strong portfolio: Create a portfolio that showcases your skills and experience. You should also include personal projects or sample work to demonstrate your expertise. For instance, you can create your own website or web application that showcases your skills, such as a personal blog or a simple e-commerce site. You can have an edge over your equals with that.
Start with competitive pricing: Set your prices competitively to attract clients and build your reputation. Consider offering a lower price for your first few projects to build reviews and ratings, then gradually increase your prices as you gain more experience. Avoid the temptation of first wanting to charge your customers a higher rate as it can scare away customers.
Specialize in a niche: Focus on a specific area of web development, such as e-commerce sites, blogs, or custom CMS, to differentiate yourself and attract high-paying clients. Avoid being a jack of all trades which is not bad but having an area of specialization brings about trust and makes you stand out. You can consider specializing in building e-commerce sites using Shopify or WooCommerce, and market your services to online store owners.

Creating and Selling Templates/Themes

Creating and selling templates and themes is a lucrative opportunity for web developers in Nigeria to make money. Many businesses and individuals need pre-designed templates for their websites, blogs, and e-commerce platforms. By creating high-quality templates and themes, you can sell them on international and local marketplaces, generating passive income. For example, a web developer in Nigeria created a popular WordPress theme on ThemeForest, earning over $10,000 in sales.

The creation and selling of themes are done both locally and internationally. They give room for you to showcase your skills and sell it. International platforms like ThemeForest and TemplateMonster are two of the largest marketplaces for selling templates and themes. ThemeForest has over 1 million active users, while TemplateMonster has over 5 million. These platforms offer a vast customer base, making it easier to sell your products. You can sell your templates on local platforms such as Jumia and Konga, which are two popular e-commerce platforms in Nigeria where you can sell your templates and themes. These platforms have a large customer base, and by selling your products here, you can target the local market.

To succeed in the creation and selling of templates/ themes, you as a web developer in Nigeria should consider adopting effective strategies such as:

Research popular trends and high-demand themes: Identify popular trends and themes in the market, such as e-commerce templates, blog themes, or landing page templates. Create products that cater to these demands.
Provide excellent documentation and support: Include detailed documentation and provide support to your customers. This will help them understand how to use your templates and themes, reducing support requests and increasing customer satisfaction.
Regularly update your products: Regularly update your templates and themes to keep them relevant and compatible with the latest software and technologies. This will also help you attract repeat customers and positive reviews.

Teaching and Tutoring

Teaching and tutoring are excellent ways to make money as aweb developer in Nigeria. By creating online courses, conducting workshops, and offering private tutoring, you can share your knowledge and experience with others. For example, a web developer in Nigeria created an online course on web development, earning over ₦1000,000 (approximately $750) in sales. In conducting the online courses, you can consider offering live online classes and teaching web development skills to students.

You can use platforms like Zoom or Google Meet for live classes. Teachable and Thinkific are popular platforms for creating and selling online courses. These platforms offer features like course creation, payment processing, and marketing tools. You can check them out.

You can also consider local options such as conducting workshops and boot camps. This is about you organizing workshops and boot camps in Nigeria, teaching web development skills to students. You can partner with local organizations or use your own facilities. With that you have the opportunity to offer private tutoring to students, providing personalized guidance and support. Be vigilant on social media also you will have the privilege of finding people who are in need of such skills.

To have an edge in this area of teaching and tutoring others with your skill, you can consider some tips like:

Focus on both beginner and advanced levels: Create courses and tutorials that cater to both beginners and advanced learners. This will help you attract a broader audience and increase your earning potential.
Provide practical, hands-on projects: Include practical projects in your curriculum, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills. This will help them understand the concepts better and increase their chances of success.

Building and Selling Web Applications

Building and selling web applications is a lucrative opportunity for web developers in Nigeria. By creating custom solutions or SaaS products, you can solve real-world problems and generate revenue. For example, a web developer in Nigeria built a web application for managing small businesses, which became a huge success and generated significant revenue.

Web applications come in various forms, including custom solutions and SaaS products. Custom solutions are tailored to meet the specific needs of a business or industry and can be built locally or internationally. Build applications for businesses, such as inventory management systems, CRM tools, or booking systems.

Other types of web applications include e-learning platforms, project management tools, and social media management tools. SaaS products, on the other hand, are cloud-based applications that provide a specific service to customers and can be built and sold on various platforms such as Shopify, Google Apps Marketplace, and Zapier. These platforms enable developers to build and sell SaaS products that integrate with popular services, automate workflows, and more. Some tips that can make you outstanding in these areas are:

Identify a market need and build a solution: Research the market and identify a problem or need that your web application can solve. Build a solution that meets that need.
Provide excellent customer service and support: Consider offering top-notch customer service and support to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty. When you offer something not up to their desired service they will go somewhere else to look for it thereby leaving you stranded.
Regularly update and improve your product: Continuously update and improve your web application to meet changing customer needs and stay ahead of the competition.
Conduct market research and analyze competitors: Research your target market and analyze your competitors to understand the landscape and identify opportunities.
Develop a pricing strategy: Develop a pricing strategy that reflects the value your web application provides to customers.

Job Opportunities

The demand for skilled web developers is on the rise, and job opportunities are abundant both locally in Nigeria and internationally through remote work. Many companies, startups, and agencies are looking for talented web developers to join their teams, and with the right skills and experience, you can land your dream job. Remote work has become increasingly popular since the time of COVID-19 in 2020, and web development is one of the most in-demand skills for remote jobs. Many international companies are looking for skilled web developers to work on their projects, and you can apply for these positions through various platforms. For instance, you can search for remote web development jobs on platforms like Remote OK, We Work Remotely, and Remote. co. These platforms offer a range of job listings, from full-time positions to freelance work, and you can apply to the ones that match your skills and experience.

Moreover, If you prefer to work in a traditional office setting, there are many job opportunities available in Nigerian tech companies, startups, and agencies. You can search for web developer roles on job portals like Jobberman, MyJobMag, and Hot Nigerian Jobs. These portals offer a range of job listings, from entry-level positions to senior roles, and you can apply to the ones that match your skills and experience.

To land a good job as a web developer in Nigeria, you consider adopting the following strategies which are:

Keep your resume and LinkedIn profile updated: Make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile are up-to-date and highlight your skills and experience as a web developer.
Network with other professionals: Attend meetups and tech events to network with other professionals in the industry and learn about job opportunities.
Build a strong portfolio: Build a strong portfolio that showcases your projects and achievements as a web developer.
Stay up-to-date with industry trends: Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies to increase your chances of getting hired.
Prepare for interviews: Prepare for interviews by practicing your coding skills and learning about the company and the position you’re applying for.

Consulting and Contract Work

As a web developer in Nigeria, you can leverage your expertise to offer consulting and contract work services to businesses, generating additional income streams. By providing valuable advice and solutions, you can help businesses improve their online presence and operations.

Offering consulting services is an excellent way to monetize your expertise and experience as a web developer. You can provide advice and guidance to businesses on web development, digital transformation, and technology strategies. This can include conducting website audits, providing recommendations for improvement, and developing customized solutions to meet their specific needs. Additionally, you can take on short-term contracts for specific projects or tasks, such as building a website, developing a mobile app, or implementing a content management system.

By offering consulting and contract work services, you can help businesses in Nigeria and internationally achieve their goals and objectives. For instance, as a web developer, you can provide consulting services to a startup, helping them to develop a minimum viable product (MVP) and secure funding from investors.

To succeed in consulting and contract work, it is essential to showcase your expertise and network effectively. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Showcase your expertise: Develop a strong portfolio that highlights your projects and achievements as a web developer. Use case studies and testimonials to demonstrate your value and impact.
Network: Attend industry events, conferences, and meetups to connect with potential clients and partners. Join online communities and groups to expand your network and stay up-to-date with industry trends.
Develop a strong personal brand: Establish a professional online presence, including a website and social media profiles, to promote your services and expertise.
Stay up-to-date with industry trends: Continuously update your skills and knowledge to remain competitive and provide cutting-edge solutions to your clients.
Set clear boundaries: Establish clear contracts and agreements with clients to ensure a smooth working relationship and protect your interests.

Open Source Contributions

Contributing to open-source projects is a great way for web developers in Nigeria to build their reputation, network, and skills, while also giving back to the community. By contributing to open-source projects, you can demonstrate your expertise and showcase your work to a global audience. For example, as a web developer in Nigeria contributing to the development of a popular open-source content management system can lead to you being hired by an international company.

Contributing to open-source projects is a strategic way to build your reputation and attract opportunities to make money as a web developer. You can start by searching for open-source projects on platforms like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket. Look for projects that align with your interests and skills, and start by reporting bugs, suggesting features, or submitting patches. As you contribute more, you can take on more responsibility and become a maintainer or leader of the project.

By contributing to open-source projects, you can build a strong portfolio and demonstrate your skills to potential employers or clients. You can also use platforms like GitHub to showcase your work and attract opportunities. For example, by choosing a career as a web developer in Nigeria you can create a popular open-source library for building web applications, which attracted thousands of users and led to him being hired by a top tech company.

However, Contributing to open-source projects can also lead to monetization opportunities. You can attract job offers or consulting opportunities through your open-source work, as companies and clients are often impressed by your skills and reputation. You can also offer premium versions or support for your open-source projects, generating revenue through licensing or services. For instance, as a web developer, you can create a popular open-source e-commerce platform, and offer premium support and customization services to businesses, generating revenue.

Building a Personal Brand

Building a personal brand is essential for web developers in Nigeria to establish themselves as experts in their field, increase their visibility, and attract opportunities. A strong personal brand can help you stand out in a competitive market, build trust with potential clients and employers, and increase your earning potential. For instance, as a web developer, you should consider building a strong personal brand through your website and social media presence, which attracts clients and can lead to you being hired by a top tech company.

Having a professional online presence is crucial for building a personal brand. Your website is often the first impression people have of you, so it’s important to make it count. Showcase your portfolio, services, and skills on your website, and make sure it’s easy to navigate and visually appealing. Additionally, be active on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, where you can share your thoughts, experiences, and expertise with a wider audience.

Networking is another important aspect of building a personal brand. Attend tech conferences, webinars, and local meetups where you can meet other developers, learn about the latest trends and technologies, and share your own knowledge and experiences. Collaborate with other developers and tech enthusiasts on projects and participate in online communities related to web development.

To build a strong personal brand, it’s important to consistently share your knowledge and expertise with others. The larger your network, the higher the chances of jobs you can get from them, which helps you make more money as a web developer. Here are some tips to help you do so:

Share your knowledge: Write blog posts, create videos, and speak publicly about web development topics.
Stay up-to-date: Consistently update your skills and knowledge to stay informed about industry trends and technologies.
Be authentic: Be true to yourself and your values, and don’t try to be someone you’re not.
Be consistent: Regularly post content and engage with your audience to build trust and credibility.
Engage with others: Participate in online communities, comment on others’ posts, and engage in meaningful conversations.

On making your money work for you:

Now that we have considered different ways you can make money as a web developer in Nigeria, it may not matter how much you save if you don’t have a system to save your money. Sycamore NG’s Target Contribution offering allows web developers like you to set a goal (such as to buy a car, PC, etc) and automate the saving deduction process based on your set interval which can be weekly or monthly.

While putting down this article, we fielded questions from developers like you around making money as a web developer in Nigeria. We have answered them below:

Can AI replace web developers?

AI cannot replace web developers. While AI can automate certain tasks, human creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking are essential in web development. AI can assist web developers in tasks such as code completion, debugging, and testing, but it cannot replicate the creative process of designing and building a website or application. Web development requires a deep understanding of user needs, business goals, and technical constraints, which AI systems currently cannot replicate.

How do you become a millionaire as a web developer?

To become a millionaire as a web developer, focus on building successful web applications, providing high-demand services, and creating valuable digital products. Identify a profitable niche or market need and develop a solution that meets that need. Build a strong brand, market your services effectively, and continuously deliver high-quality work to attract and retain clients. Additionally, create and sell digital products, such as templates, themes, or plugins, to generate passive income.

Can web developers work from home?

Yes, web development can be done remotely, and many companies and clients are open to remote work arrangements. With the advancement of technology and communication tools, web developers can work from anywhere and collaborate with teams and clients globally. Many web developers prefer working from home due to the flexibility and comfort it provides, allowing them to be more productive and focused.

Why is it so hard to get a job in web development?

The job market can be competitive, but building a strong portfolio, networking, and staying updated with industry trends can increase the chances of getting hired. Many web development jobs require experience and a strong portfolio, which can be challenging for beginners to obtain. Additionally, the field is constantly evolving, and as a web developer, you need to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends to remain competitive.

Can I be a web developer as a side hustle?

Web development can be done part-time, and many developers start out by working on projects in their spare time. With the flexibility of remote work, web development can be a lucrative side hustle for those with the skills and dedication. Start by building small projects, offering services to friends and family, or freelancing on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. As your skills and portfolio grow, you can transition to full-time web development or continue to work on projects in your spare time.