A new study by GoTu, the largest dental talent marketplace, reveals which side jobs pay the most and how hard they are to get into.

Key side jobs trends in America:

• Part-time dentists earn $88 per hour, the highest rate among all gig economy jobs, bringing in over $123K yearly.
• With the fastest job growth at nearly 30%, freelance cybersecurity consultants are in high demand as companies face new AI threats.
• Massage therapists can start earning $39 per hour with just a certificate, making it one of the easiest high-paying gig jobs to take on.

The research examined hourly wages across different gig jobs to find which ones pay workers the most. Jobs were ranked based on what freelancers actually charge per hour on average.

The report also looked at annual income potential, how fast each sector is growing, and what someone needs to get started in that role.

Each job also received a barrier to entry score from 1 to 5, where 1 means no formal education required and 5 means advanced degrees and licensing are needed.

Here’s a look at the top 10 highest-paying gig economy jobs:

1. Dentist

• Average hourly wage:$88.15
• Annual income potential:$123.4K
• Education level:Doctoral/professional degree + license

Freelance dentists earn the most among all gig workers, charging around $88 per hour. That translates to over $123K yearly for those working a typical freelance schedule of about 1,400 hours.

Dental work has shifted toward independent practice models, where dentists rent chair space at clinics rather than taking salaried positions.

This opened up more roles, and the field is now growing 4% annually. Getting into freelance dentistry takes time, though, as it requires going through dental school and obtaining state licensing.

2. Content Strategist

Content strategists come second, earning nearly $71 hourly. They work with brands to plan what content gets created, when it goes out, and who it targets. At this rate, their annual income reaches about $99K.

Content strategists are also in high demand, as the job openings have been growing 6% over recent years.

Unlike dentistry, strategists only need a bachelor’s degree plus some years of experience, making it a popular side job for college graduates who want flexible work.

3. Dental Consultant

Dental consultants rank third, charging $58 per hour on average. These professionals help dental offices improve their operations, train staff, or set up new practices.

With yearly earnings around $81K, the role is more for experienced dentists who want to step back from patient care.

The consulting side of dentistry is expanding faster than clinical work, growing 9% annually. And like freelance dentists, consultants need clinical backgrounds and degrees.

4. Software Developer

Software developers are also among the highest-paid gig roles. These freelancers build apps for clients who need custom solutions or short-term help. For these types of tasks, they usually charge about $56 hourly, making close to $79K per year.

Despite how fast AI is taking over coding, developer jobs are still growing 15% annually, which is actually one of the fastest rates among all gig jobs.

While a bachelor’s degree is typical, some freelancers enter the field through boot camps, making it a more accessible tech role.

5. Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists round out the top five, earning $52 per hour on average. They clean teeth, take X-rays, and screen patients for oral diseases, usually working a few days per week at different dental offices. Yearly income reaches around $73K for those maintaining regular schedules.

The role requires an associate’s degree and state licensing, making it more accessible than becoming a dentist while still paying well above median gig wages. Hygienist positions are also growing 7% annually.

Cary Gahm, co-founder of GoTu, commented on the study:

“The gig economy rewards specialized skills over credentials in some cases, but healthcare roles still require degrees. That’s actually why dentists and hygienists can charge premium rates, as their work requires licensing and a more extensive background. What’s changed is how these workers structure their careers. In the past, most dental professionals worked full-time at one practice. Now they are like real freelancers: rotating between multiple offices, setting their own schedules, and in many cases earning more than their salaried colleagues.”

The initiative aims to give drivers access to affordable healthcare, a benefit many independent drivers normally lack.

The programme allows drivers to choose coverage for themselves and their dependents through a pooled plan, which offers discounted premiums and faster access to services.

Bolt says this will help drivers manage their health while continuing to earn.

Weyinmi Aghadiuno, head of Regulatory and Policy, Africa, said: “Driver wellbeing is critical to the long-term health of the mobility ecosystem. This partnership with Bastion Health is designed to make quality healthcare more accessible and affordable for drivers, helping them protect their health while continuing to earn on the platform.

“By negotiating group benefits for drivers, we’re able to lower barriers to healthcare access and create meaningful support for our driver community.”

The plans combine flexibility and affordability, giving drivers options that traditional individual insurance plans usually do not. Bastion Health’s digital platform makes it easy for drivers to learn about, enrol in, and manage their coverage.

Bolt also noted the safety benefits of the programme. Healthier drivers are more alert on the road, which could lead to fewer accidents. The company said the initiative is part of a goal to support drivers with financial, safety, and well-being programmes.

Beyond the driver health insurance innovation, Bolt is continually seeking partnerships to bolster the gig economy, striving to address the needs of drivers while promoting the long-term sustainability of the ride-hailing ecosystem.

The global mobility giant announced today that its Nigerian courier service recorded a 100% year-over-year growth in 2025, as urban workers increasingly pivot to the app-based delivery model for flexible income.

The surge is driven by a unique “price negotiation” model that has traditionally defined inDrive’s ride-hailing business, now successfully applied to the last-mile logistics market.

The ‘Daily Grind’ of a Nigeria Courier

According to internal data released by inDrive, the average motorcycle courier in Nigeria is now completing roughly 50 deliveries per month.

For many, this has transitioned from a “side-hustle” to a primary revenue stream.

Peak Demand Days: Fridays, Thursdays, and Mondays (reflecting the start/end of the business week and the “weekend order” hangover).

Courier Density: The number of active couriers on the platform nearly doubled in the last 12 months.

Urban Expansion: While Lagos remains the hub, inDrive reports significant growth in Abuja and smaller urban centers where “quick commerce” (Q-commerce) is nascent.

The ‘Platinum’ Pivot: Monetizing Loyalty

In a move to stabilize its fleet against competitors like Chowdeck and Glovo, inDrive is launching a dedicated loyalty program this month. This isn’t just about points; it’s about “Earning Infrastructure.”

The Platinum Tier Benefits:

Priority Dispatch: Lower downtime between orders via increased app visibility.

Operational Discounts: Partner-led benefits in Lagos, including health insurance, vehicle maintenance, and fuel-hedging plans.

Transparency: Unlike “black-box” algorithms, inDrive maintains its signature transparent flow, allowing couriers to see the full details of a request before accepting.

The Super App Evolution

The growth in couriering is a precursor to inDrive’s broader “Super App“ strategy in Nigeria. By doubling its courier fleet, the platform is building the physical “pipes” needed to support its recently launched in-app advertising and grocery delivery pilots.

“Whether it’s to supplement existing income or build a primary source of earnings, everyone can operate in an individually comfortable flow,” says Timothy Oladimeji, country representative for inDrive Nigeria.

Data Sidebar: The 2025/2026 Courier Market Share

Metric	2024 Status	2025/2026 Status	Trend
Courier Fleet Size	Base (1x)	2x (Doubled)	Aggressive Expansion
Avg. Deliveries/Month	~30	50+	Increased Utility

]]> https://techeconomy.ng/how-indrive-hit-100-growth-in-its-nigerian-courier-business/feed/ 0 https://techeconomy.ng/p2p-risks-vendor-scams-threaten-cryptos-role-as-a-payment-system-in-nigeria/ https://techeconomy.ng/p2p-risks-vendor-scams-threaten-cryptos-role-as-a-payment-system-in-nigeria/#comments Fri, 05 Sep 2025 09:24:48 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=166519 Almost daily, Stanley Chiemela, a young Nigerian based in Rivers State, in the oil-rich Niger Delta region of the country, moves thousands of naira worth of cryptocurrency as he engages in the activity of traders: buying when the market dips and selling high.

Like millions of others in Africa’s most populous country, trading cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which was created as the first digital currency in 2009, has become one of the legitimate ways of making money in a country grappling with immense poverty and underemployment.

The year was 2021, and despite trading in cryptocurrency not being regarded as a crime, it was under governmental restrictions as financial institutions, in February of that year, were banned from allowing cryptocurrency transactions.

“All DMBs, NBFIs, and OFIs, are directed to identify persons and/or entities transacting in or operating cryptocurrency exchanges within their systems and ensure that such accounts are closed immediately,” the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) instructed banks and financial institutions in a circular dated February 5, 2021.

The possible closure of accounts due to their engagement in crypto transactions sent rippling fear and panic through Nigeria’s crypto community.

However, instead of abandoning exchanges, many Nigerians, already beginning to see the financial rewards that sometimes accompany digital currency, with Bitcoin having soared from $0.003 on March 17, 2010, when its price was first recorded, to $33,114.36 by January 31, 2021, actively sought alternatives.

Not only did this ban give rise to the birth of online crypto vendors, but it accelerated the adoption of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) transactions, a feature of exchanges that was first introduced by Binance the previous year as talk of a potential ban intensified.

With the inability to buy and sell directly from their banks, Chiemela, like millions of other Nigerian traders, turned to online vendors, including foreign individuals.

According to him, one of such foreign individuals was a Chinese man who, capitalizing on the ban, positioned himself as the go-to vendor. Nigerians who wished to continue trading would send him crypto, and he would in turn credit them in naira.

“As it was with many that have occurred ever since, the transactions were going well until all of a sudden, this Chinese vendor disappeared with over N100 million in funds of me and my friends. I lost N5 million in that scam,” Chiemela said.

Those were the early days of Nigerians pivoting to online crypto vendors to circumvent governmental restrictions. But within that period, the proliferation of P2P exploded equally.

According to some reports, P2P fueled the adoption of digital assets so much that dealing in crypto became widespread, with Nigerians conducting over $59 billion in crypto transactions between July 2023 and July 2024.

But there are inherent issues in these two means of crypto transactions.

First, within the P2P framework, although there appeared to be heightened security in major platforms that still allow the service, as Binance was forced to discontinue P2P in Nigeria following its clash with the Nigerian government, loopholes exist and are being exploited by people.

According to Eze Prince, a Port Harcourt-based trader, users who are inexperienced or not cautious enough risk losing their money during a P2P transaction.

“There are instances where people in the platform would send fake payment receipts to traders seeking to sell their coins. If you are not careful and verify the transaction, and release the coin in a haste, your money will be gone,” he said.

Another user, Gabriel Nwafor, spoke of an experience where traders would send amounts much lower than the coin’s price.

“I’ve had bad experiences with P2P platforms. I’ve had my money locked up for an entire day because of disputes. Imagine needing that money urgently. Or cases where someone underpaid me, like instead of 200k, they sent 150k, hoping I wouldn’t notice before confirming the transaction. Some people do that intentionally. And even when you raise disputes, the appeals process delays everything,” Nwafor said.

Due to the complex nature of P2P transactions, ridden with several instructions and guidelines, new users often experience challenges in understanding what needs to be done.

This can lead to outright loss of their money when they fail to comply within the 15 minutes required to make a transfer and send proof of payment.

Transactions with online vendors, the informal sector, are ridden with even more challenges.

“Some people who are not yet proficient with using P2P now turn to vendors but the risk of such online, informal transactions is high,” Nwafor said.

He continued: “Recently, one of my friends sent $5,000 worth of crypto to a vendor to get the naira equivalent. The vendor simply blocked him everywhere, yet he’s still online, posting Bible verses like nothing happened. That’s the kind of environment we’re operating in.”

But despite the cynicism, understandable due to the crime that has been associated with crypto, Nigerians, according to Chigemezu Ofoegbu, are increasingly adopting the use of the digital asset, not only as a money-making venture, but as a means of payment, a tool for receiving and sending money across borders.

Ofoegbu, who is the founder of Coinveto, a platform that allows users to convert their money directly from crypto to naira into their bank account without P2P or online vendors who might abscond with their money, says that “majority of Nigerians are dealing in crypto not because they want to trade. Rather, the majority are using crypto to receive money from foreign companies.”

The issue of cross-border payment has remained a major challenge for many Nigerians, from freelancers to entrepreneurs looking to expand their business beyond Nigeria.

Due to several issues, including scarcity of dollars and infrastructural weaknesses within Nigeria’s payment system (gateways), many Nigerians are pivoting to crypto and the exchanges that enable them to facilitate their international online transactions.

“For example, I recently wanted to pay for hosting. I tried all my cards from Visa to Mastercard, and none of them worked. This is despite the Nigerian government saying cards are working and one can make international payment. But the reality is that they’ll work today, tomorrow they won’t,” Ofoegbu said.

The gig economy, freelance writers, designers, developers, virtual assistants, and creators, has risen sharply in Nigeria, contributing significantly to the country’s economy.

With youth unemployment persistently high, the sector has become a vital alternative source of livelihood for many.

According to estimates from the World Bank, Africa’s gig economy could create millions of jobs by 2030, and Nigeria, with its young population, is already positioned as a hub.

But for this potential to truly flourish, access to reliable cross-border payment remains critical. Many freelancers and gig workers in Nigeria now rely on crypto as the primary way to receive payments from clients abroad.

A Nigerian freelance photographer for some of foreign media houses, who pleaded anonymity, said that he believes crypto as a payment system is the future.

“I honestly believe that accepting crypto is where the world and the future is going,” he said.

Yet, after accepting payment in crypto, the challenge often becomes how to safely convert it into naira for local use.

This is where Ofoegbu believes Coinveto provides a safer and more efficient alternative to P2P and informal vendors.

“With Coinveto, you log into our Telegram bot. You see the rate immediately. If you click ‘open wallet,’ the bot generates a personalized wallet address. Any crypto you send there (BTC or USDT) is automatically converted to naira and sent directly to your bank account.”

According to Ofoegbu, it takes less than 30 seconds to 1 minute, making Coinveto a 24/7 crypto vendor that never delays you, never disappears, and never cheats due to its compliance with the recent Investment and Securities Act 2025.

“Since April 1st when we launched, we’ve processed close to ₦100 million in volume. That shows the demand is real,” he said.

Nigeria today ranks among the highest adopters of cryptocurrency globally, with reports from Chainalysis repeatedly placing the country in the top tier of crypto usage.

This widespread adoption highlights both the demand and the necessity: millions of Nigerians are already using digital assets, not just as speculative tools, but as practical payment systems.

If harnessed properly, with safer platforms and clearer regulatory structures, crypto could ease Nigeria’s cross-border payment struggles, empower the gig economy, and ultimately channel billions into the formal economy, providing a much-needed boost to growth and youth employment.

[Featured Image source]

This transformative trend is reshaping the way we ​think about employment, offering individuals unprecedented opportunities for flexibility, autonomy, and collaboration in the global marketplace.

As businesses and governments across the world navigate the evolving landscape of work in the 21st century, the embrace of remote work and the gig economy stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability, heralding a future where individuals can pursue their passions and potential on their terms.

As we witness a paradigm shift in the way we work, the exponential rise of remote work and the gig economy is reshaping the traditional workplace landscape.

Technology has enabled individuals to connect and collaborate seamlessly from different corners of the world, fostering a truly global workforce.

This trend not only enhances flexibility and work-life balance for employees but also opens up opportunities for organizations to tap into a diverse pool of talent and reduce operational costs.

Moreover, the gig economy offers a platform for professionals to leverage their skills and expertise on a freelance basis, catering to a growing demand for specialized services.

This flexible model allows individuals to pursue multiple projects simultaneously, diversifying their income streams and gaining a sense of empowerment over their career paths.

By embracing remote work and the gig economy, both companies and workers are unlocking new possibilities for innovation, creativity, and personal growth in the dynamic digital age.

In embracing the transformative power of remote work and the gig economy, we are witnessing a shift towards a more agile and responsive way of working.

This shift not only challenges traditional notions of work but also presents opportunities for individuals to craft their unique career journeys.

As we continue to explore the synergies between technology, talent, and innovation, the future of work holds immense potential for collaboration, creativity, and empowerment in the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workforce.

In the digital age, notably, the traditional concept of paying a salary as a foundational element of a healthy organizational culture is being re-examined and redefined. While compensation remains a crucial factor in attracting and retaining talent, how it is structured and perceived has evolved in response to changing work dynamics and employee expectations.

Some argue that a fixed salary may no longer be the sole motivator for employees in a rapidly changing and increasingly competitive job market.

In this context, alternative forms of compensation and benefits, such as performance-based incentives, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for skill development, are gaining importance as organizations strive to create a more engaging and motivating work environment.

By embracing a more holistic approach to rewarding employees beyond just monetary compensation, organizations can foster a culture of recognition, empowerment, and employee well-being that aligns with the values and priorities of the digital age workforce.

Apparently, in the digital age, the concept of paying a salary as a form of reward for work has evolved to accommodate new models of work.

With the rise of remote work and the gig economy, traditional full-time employment may no longer be the norm for many individuals. Instead, workers may opt for freelance or contract positions, where they are paid on a project basis rather than a regular salary.

One of the benefits of this new model is that it offers more flexibility and autonomy for workers. They can choose when and where they work, and have the opportunity to take on multiple projects at once.

This can lead to a more diverse and fulfilling work experience, as individuals can pursue their passions and interests in a way that may not have been possible in a traditional 9-5 job.

However, some challenges come with this new model. Without the security of a regular salary, individuals may face financial uncertainty and instability.

Additionally, the lack of benefits such as healthcare and retirement savings can be a concern for many workers in the gig economy.

Overall, the concept of paying a salary as a form of reward for work remains important in the digital age, but it has evolved to accommodate new ways of working.

Organizations must adapt to these changes by offering competitive salaries and benefits, as well as creating a supportive and inclusive work culture that values the contributions of all workers, regardless of their employment status.

Consequently, as remote work and the gig economy continue to gain momentum, the role of government in fostering economic development and sustainability is transforming. How can governments capitalize on the benefits of remote work and the gig economy to enhance efficiency and drive growth?

By reimagining traditional regulatory frameworks, implementing supportive policies, and investing in digital infrastructure, governments have the opportunity to create an enabling environment for remote workers and independent contractors.

How can governments leverage the flexibility and scalability of the gig economy to meet the evolving needs of their workforce and adapt to changing market demands?

As remote work becomes the new norm, how can governments harness the potential of a geographically dispersed talent pool to drive innovation and competitiveness on a global scale?

By exploring these questions and embracing the opportunities presented by the digital revolution, governments can position themselves as proactive agents of change in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

Indeed, Governments can become more efficient with the rise of remote work and the gig economy by implementing policies and programs that support and regulate these new models of work. Here are some ways in which governments can leverage the digital age for economic development and sustainability:

1. Embrace remote work: Governments can encourage public sector organizations to adopt remote work policies, which can lead to cost savings, increased productivity, and a better work-life balance for employees.

By investing in digital infrastructure and collaboration tools, governments can ensure that remote workers have the resources they need to be successful.

2. Support the gig economy: Governments can create regulations and programs that protect the rights of gig workers, such as ensuring fair wages, access to benefits, and protection from exploitation.

By creating a level playing field for gig workers, governments can help to foster a more sustainable and equitable economy.

3. Invest in digital skills training: Governments can support economic development by investing in programs that help workers develop the digital skills needed to thrive in the digital economy.

This can include training in coding, digital marketing, data analysis, and other in-demand skills that can lead to higher-paying jobs and career advancement.

4. Promote entrepreneurship: Governments can support economic sustainability by promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in the digital age.

This can include providing funding and resources for startups, creating incubators and accelerators, and offering tax incentives for small businesses.

By fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, governments can help to drive economic growth and create new opportunities for workers in the digital economy.

5. Collaborate with industry stakeholders: Governments can work with industry stakeholders, such as tech companies, labour unions, and academic institutions, to develop policies and programs that support the growth of the digital economy.

By fostering collaboration and partnerships, governments can ensure that their efforts are aligned with the needs and priorities of key stakeholders, leading to more effective and sustainable economic development initiatives.

As businesses and governments in the digital age explore new models of work, particularly in Africa and other Global South nations, the traditional concept of salary as the incentive for work is being re-examined.

With some viewing salary as a deterrent to pursuing one’s dreams, what counterarguments can be made to justify its role in motivation and stability in the workforce?

Conversely, how can alternative methods of compensation, such as those seen in the gig economy, offer a more flexible and fulfilling approach to work while ensuring sustainability for both individuals and the economy at large?

In a rapidly evolving landscape where remote work and independent contracting are on the rise, what considerations need to be taken into account to ensure that the future of work in these regions is not only economically viable but also socially and ethically responsible?

Counterarguments against the idea that salary is a drug given to forget dreams:

1. Financial stability: Salary provides financial stability and security, which allows individuals to pursue their dreams without worrying about meeting their basic needs.

2. Motivation: A salary can serve as a motivating factor for individuals to work towards achieving their dreams and goals, as it provides them with the resources and means to do so.

3. Recognition and reward: Salary is often seen as a form of recognition and reward for the effort and contributions that individuals make in their work, which can boost morale and job satisfaction.

Supporting arguments for the idea that salary can be a drug to forget dreams:

1. Complacency: Some individuals may become complacent in their jobs and settle for a steady salary, instead of taking risks and pursuing their true passions and dreams.
2. Lack of fulfilment: A high salary may not always lead to fulfilment and happiness if individuals are not pursuing work that aligns with their values and passions.
3. Fear of failure: The security of a salary may lead individuals to not take risks or pursue their dreams, out of fear of failure or financial instability.

In the digital age, as businesses and governments in Africa and other Global South nations embark on new models of work, it is important to consider the future of work and sustainability. Here are some justifications to support these efforts:

1. Economic development: Embracing new models of work in the digital age can spur economic growth and create new opportunities for businesses and workers in Africa and other Global South nations.
2. Access to global markets: Remote work and digital technologies offer businesses in these regions the opportunity to access global markets and compete on a level playing field with companies in more developed economies.
3. Job creation: The gig economy and remote work can create new job opportunities for individuals in Africa and other Global South nations, helping to reduce unemployment and poverty levels.
4. Sustainable development: Embracing digital technologies and new models of work can help to promote sustainable development by reducing carbon emissions, improving resource efficiency, and fostering innovation in green technologies.

Coherently, while salary can serve as a motivator and a form of recognition for individuals in their work, it is important to strike a balance between financial security and pursuing one’s dreams and passions.

Embracing new models of work in the digital age can lead to economic development, job creation, and sustainable growth in Africa and other Global South nations.

As the world embraces the digital age, the exponential rise of remote work and the gig economy presents a transformative shift in how we view employment and entrepreneurship.

With technology enabling individuals to work from anywhere and connect with opportunities globally, what unique benefits and challenges does this trend bring to the forefront?

It is fascinating to explore how this shift can empower individuals to design their careers on their terms while also redefining traditional notions of work and productivity.

By delving into the dynamics of remote work and the gig economy, we uncover a wealth of opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and personal growth in a rapidly evolving landscape.

The exponential rise of remote work and the gig economy represents a transformative shift in the way we approach work in the digital age.

This trend has opened up new opportunities for individuals to pursue flexible and location-independent careers, breaking down barriers to entry and providing unprecedented access to a global marketplace.

By embracing remote work and the gig economy, businesses can tap into a diverse pool of talent from across the world, fostering innovation, creativity, and collaboration on a scale never before seen.

This shift towards a more decentralized and flexible workforce is not just a trend but a powerful movement that is reshaping the future of work and challenging traditional notions of employment.

Moreover, the rise of remote work and the gig economy is empowering individuals to take control of their careers and pursue passion projects, side hustles, and entrepreneurial endeavours on their terms.

This new paradigm not only offers individuals the freedom to design their work-life balance but also enables them to explore and leverage their unique skills and talents in a way that aligns with their personal goals and aspirations.

As we witness the democratization of work through digital platforms and technologies, the gig economy is paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable labour market where meritocracy, diversity, and creativity thrive.

Essentially, the transition to remote work and the gig economy is not just a response to technological advancements but a reflection of changing societal values and preferences. This shift towards a more flexible and autonomous work arrangement is driven by a growing desire for autonomy, purpose, and fulfilment in our professional lives.

As individuals seek meaning and impact in their work, the gig economy offers a platform for them to pursue projects that align with their values and contribute to the greater good.

In embracing this new way of working, we are not just adapting to a digital world but redefining the very essence of work as a catalyst for personal growth, fulfilment, and societal progress.

In conclusion, the rise of remote work and the gig economy presents a paradigm shift in our approach to work, offering boundless opportunities for creativity, collaboration, and personal fulfilment.

As we witness the democratization of work through digital platforms and technologies, businesses and governments must embrace this new way of working as a driver of economic development and sustainability.

By harnessing the power of remote work and the gig economy, we can unlock the full potential of individuals, foster a culture of innovation and inclusion, and pave the way for a future where work is not just a means to an end but a catalyst for individual growth, societal progress, and global prosperity.

It is often associated with the rise of technology and platforms that enable people to connect and exchange services. In this type of economy, individuals work as independent contractors, offering their services to businesses and customers through online platforms or apps. The gig economy has been growing rapidly over the past decade, with millions of people participating in various forms of freelance work.

One of the most significant benefits of the gig economy is the ability to work from anywhere. With the rise of remote work and digital nomadism, people can now work from the comfort of their own home or from a location of their choice. This has led to a significant shift in the way that people view work and has enabled more people to achieve a better work-life balance.

Successful Gig Economy Startups:

There are many successful gig economy startups, and they have disrupted traditional industries by offering new and innovative ways of connecting people with services. Here are a few examples:

Uber

Uber is one of the most well-known gig economy startups. It offers ride-sharing services through a smartphone app, connecting drivers with passengers. The company has disrupted the traditional taxi industry and has expanded into other areas, such as food delivery.

Airbnb

Airbnb is another popular gig economy startup that has disrupted the hotel industry. It offers a platform for people to rent out their homes or apartments to travelers, often at a lower cost than traditional hotels.

Upwork

Upwork is a freelancing platform that connects businesses with freelancers for various types of projects, such as writing, web design, and marketing. It has disrupted the traditional employment model by allowing businesses to hire freelancers on a project-by-project basis, rather than full-time.

TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit is a platform that connects people with local freelancers who can help with various tasks, such as cleaning, handyman work, and moving. It has disrupted the traditional home services industry by offering a more flexible and affordable option for people who need help with tasks.

Industries Disrupted by the Gig Economy:

Transportation

The transportation industry has been disrupted by ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft, which offer a more affordable and convenient alternative to traditional taxis. These companies have also created new job opportunities for drivers who can work on their own schedule.

Hospitality

The hotel industry has been disrupted by platforms such as Airbnb, which allow people to rent out their homes or apartments to travelers. Airbnb offers a more affordable and unique experience for travelers, while also creating new revenue streams for hosts.

Home Services

The home services industry has been disrupted by platforms such as TaskRabbit, which connect people with local freelancers who can help with various tasks. These platforms offer a more affordable and flexible option for people who need help with tasks such as cleaning, handyman work, and moving.

Freelance Work

The freelance work industry has been disrupted by platforms such as Upwork, which connect businesses with freelancers for various types of projects. These platforms offer businesses a more flexible and affordable option for hiring freelancers, and they also create new job opportunities for freelancers who can work on a project-by-project basis.

However, the gig economy is not without its challenges. Freelancers and independent contractors often do not have access to traditional benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. This can make it difficult for them to save for the future and can put them at a disadvantage compared to traditional employees.

Another challenge of the gig economy is the lack of job security. Freelancers and independent contractors are not guaranteed steady work, and their income can be unpredictable. This can create financial stress and make it difficult to plan for the future.

Despite these challenges, the gig economy is here to stay. It has disrupted traditional industries and created new opportunities for both businesses and individuals. With the rise of technology and the increasing demand for flexible work arrangements, the gig economy will likely continue to grow and evolve in the years to come.

As part of activities to celebrate International Women’s Day and given the dire need to position young women for global participation in the gig economy, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with NATVIEW and World Bank has successfully rounded off a pilot digital skills development programme called “Gina Mata, Gina Al-Umma”.

The programme was designed to identity, prepare, and connect disadvantaged girls and young women with emerging skills in the knowledge-economy, geared towards integrating gender intentional learning outcomes focused on technical training, soft skills, and right based learnings for young women interested in the tech ecosystem.

At the closing ceremony of the four-day event, Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of NITDA, noted that the training programme which is hinged on creating potential economic opportunities, increasing livelihoods, and access to better lives through the Gig economy is in line with the Agency’s mission to place Nigeria on the path to attaining 95% digital literacy by 2030, in alignment with the National Digital Economic Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020–2030.

The DG who recognised the fact that women are underrepresented in the technology sector, avowed that with programmes like the Gina Mata, Gina Al-Umma programme, NITDA aims to bridge the gap by providing young women with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the digital economy.

“At NITDA, we are very excited about this partnership with the World Bank, which is in line with our initiative of one million software developers and skills by the end of 2023; Our core mandate is to develop and regulate the information technology sector in Nigeria because believe that the future of our nation lies in the development of its human resources, and as such, we are committed to providing access to training and development opportunities for all Nigerians”, Inuwa stressed.

Inuwa who seized the opportunity to thank the World Bank for driving the initiative and the implementation partner, Natview Technology, acknowledged the importance of partnerships in achieving the organisation’s goals, noting that Natview Technology has a proven track record of delivering quality digital skills development programmes, adding that he is thankful for the execution of the pilot training programme.

He said “Ladies and gentlemen, as we round off this pilot today, let us remember that the digital economy holds vast opportunities for economic growth and development. However, to fully realize these opportunities, we must ensure that all Nigerians, regardless of gender, have access to the necessary skills and knowledge”.

The NITDA Boss urged all the young women who participated in the training to take full advantage of the opportunity to make significant contribution to the digital economy and Nigeria’s development.

Inuwa reiterated NITDA’s commitment to ensuring that the entire citizenry is empowered with information technologies through the development of a critical mass of proficient and globally competitive IT manpower. According to him, NITDA remains poised to actualise its mandate through strategic and inclusive stakeholder management, local and international partnership, and efficient utilisation of resources in the interest of Nigeria.

The Director-General who later presented certificates to the participants, congratulated them and expressed the hope of seeing the positive impact of the programme on the lives of young women in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director, NATVIEW Technology, Nuradeen Maidoki who earlier welcomed everyone to the closing ceremony described the Fasaha: Gina Mata, Gina Al-umma (“Building Women, Empowering Communities”) being implemented by Natview Technology as part of the firm’s contribution towards driving digital literacy and skills across Nigeria.

While appreciating NITDA and the World Bank for delivering digital competency beyond Nigeria, Maidoki said through the initiative, NATVIEW hopes to create a pipeline of highly skilled female technologists who can contribute to innovation and growth in Nigeria’s technology industry as the firm believes that by empowering young women with digital skills, it can create a more inclusive and diverse technology industry that reflects the richness and diversity of the society.

“During the 4-day launch, 200 young women were selected to participate in the digital content creation training. Beyond the digital content creation training, these young women also received skills training that will enable them to participate in the gig economy, which creates a platform for them to earn income from home”, Maidoki noted.

Maidoki said, “the goal of the programme is to train and equip at least 800 girls and young women with digital skills and competencies to be globally competitive in the remote workplace. The pilot launch focuses on training 200 women around digital content creation and marketing while in the future, an additional 600 young women will be integrated from four Northern Nigeria states (Borno, Gombe, Kano, Zamfara) with high FCV cases”.