Who Are the Artisans in Nigeria?

Artisans in Nigeria are skilled workers who use their hands and tools to provide essential services across various sectors. These individuals often work independently or in small teams, providing technical, creative, and practical solutions in construction, fashion, mechanical repair, and more.

They play a vital role in Nigeria’s informal economy, offering services that millions of people rely on daily. Below is a list of key artisan types in Nigeria and practical ways to earn money from each skill:

Types of Artisans in Nigeria and How to Make Money

• 1. Electricians: They install and repair electrical systems in homes, offices, and factories.
  How to Make Money: Offer residential wiring services, contract with real estate developers, or provide 24/7 emergency services for a premium.
• 2. Plumbers: They fix and maintain piping systems, toilets, sinks, and drainage systems.
  How to Make Money: Partner with construction firms, offer maintenance contracts to landlords, or promote on platforms like Jiji and Facebook Marketplace.
• 3. Carpenters: Skilled in woodwork, furniture-making, and interior fittings.
  How to Make Money: Make custom furniture, sell handcrafted items online, or offer interior installations for homeowners.
• 4. Bricklayers: Specialize in block laying, plastering, and building foundations.
  How to Make Money: Work with building contractors, accept private projects, or teach others through paid apprenticeships.
• 5. Painters: Provide painting and decorative finishes for buildings.
  How to Make Money: Offer services to real estate companies, introduce 3D wall panel designs, or start a YouTube channel teaching painting techniques.
• 6. Welders: They work with metal to build gates, windows, tanks, and structural components.
  How to Make Money: Build iron doors and gates for sale, offer metal art and décor, or take on industrial projects.
• 7. Mechanics: Focused on vehicle repair and maintenance.
  How to Make Money: Offer diagnostic services, specialize in a car brand, or build a loyal client base via mobile mechanic services.
• 8. Tailors and Fashion Designers: They sew, design, and alter clothes.
  How to Make Money: Sell custom outfits online, offer training classes, or run a bridal or ceremonial fashion line.
• 9. Barbers and Hairdressers: They offer grooming and beauty services.
  How to Make Money: Operate a salon, introduce home service, or sell hair care products.
• 10. Tilers: Experts in floor and wall tiling using ceramic or granite tiles.
  How to Make Money: Work on construction projects, open a training school, or sell imported tiles.
• 11. Aluminum Fabricators: Create windows, doors, and partitions using aluminum.
  How to Make Money: Serve new building projects or collaborate with architects.
• 12. POP Ceiling Installers: Specialize in installing plaster of Paris (POP) ceilings and wall decorations.
  How to Make Money: Partner with decorators, get building site gigs, or offer unique ceiling designs to attract premium clients.
• 13. Shoe Makers (Cobblers): Create or repair footwear.
  How to Make Money: Design branded shoes, offer mobile cobbler services, or sell shoes online via Instagram.
• 14. Dry Cleaners: Provide laundry and garment care services.
  How to Make Money: Offer express services, corporate subscriptions, or home pickup/delivery services.
• 15. Phone and Gadget Technicians: Repair and maintain mobile devices and electronics.
  How to Make Money: Run a gadget clinic, offer device unlocking services, or sell accessories alongside repairs.

Conclusion

Artisans in Nigeria are not just workers—they are entrepreneurs with valuable, in-demand skills. With a solid work ethic, visibility on digital platforms, and customer satisfaction, artisans can build sustainable and profitable careers while contributing meaningfully to the economy.