How to make money with computers in Nigeria

Posted by Felix Okoli on Thursday January 12, 2012 17:42:13:

Not everyone in Nigeria really knows how to use a computer. There is actually a very large population of people who belong to that group and that could be at over 90% of the over 150 million people living in this west African country.

Computer businesses in various forms are booming in cities like Lagos, Abuja, Bening, Onitsha, Rivers, Ibadan, Kwara, Owerri and so on.

When I say computer businesses, I'm referring to businesses like retail shops selling computer accessories and parts such as even printer cartridges as well as computer related services. However in this write-up, I'm really talking about offering computer services and getting paid for it.
One good thing about offering computer services is that you can offer them over and over again without spending much on stock or storage of any hardware for resale. All you basically need is your skill and a computer system that workds for you.

Types of computer services you can make money with in Nigeria:
- Typing
- Scanning
- Web designing
- Article writing
- Graphic design
- Training
- Programming
- Hardware/Software installation and maintenance

Basic requirements for doing this business
- A working computer system
- Skills
- Payment system
- Office (Virtual or physical)

Tips for making more money with your computer service business:
- Use a standby power supply such as battery and standby generator. Power supply is inefficient in Nigeria
- Get trained or hire a trained staff with the right skills. It could save you time and earn you more in the long run
- Employ more hands as more jobs come in.
- Use latest software and technologies to make your services more efficient and profitable for your business
- Sell computer related products like flash drives, CDs or original software.
- Make use of templates as they make work faster

Conclusion
The more you get used to offering computer services, the better you'd be good at doing it in the long run.
Little things like typing services are profitable in cities like Lagos as it can bring in over N50 per page. Scanning brings in over N100 and graphic designs or website designs can bring in much more than that.