According to chartered accountant/investment banker Jennifer Awirigwe, founder of Financial Jennifer, the economic landscape of 2026 demands a change in perspective, which means moving away from “lifestyle inflation” and towards high-yield, “dirty” businesses that the elite often ignore.
Although in Nigeria, corporate titles are often used to measure success, it is challenging Nigerians to look beyond the grime and filth to find true wealth.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, he revealed jobs that can generate millions of naira despite being socially undervalued.
“The richest people are not always the people with luxurious titles,” Awirigwe said. “Sometimes we are asked to look down on the people who have jobs who are actually cashing in.”
From Mgbuka's bustling spare parts hub to the high-demand world of international charcoal export, here is a list of 17 businesses she identifies as secret goldmines for the Nigerian entrepreneur:
SPARE PARTS KINGPIN (MGBUKA)
According to him, you shouldn't be fooled by the grease-stained shirts of spare parts dealers, as the industry is truly a gold mine.
Awirigwe, who grew up near Mgbuka market in Onitsha, describes the wealth there as staggering.
He said, “They look dirty, but if you look at the way these boys spend their money, you will know the truth.” “The big players bring in containers of parts and sell them in bulk. It's a huge industry where cash is king.”
'japa' hair braider
For Nigerians abroad, braiding hair is not just a skill, it is a premium currency. Because salon prices are skyrocketing in Europe and America, home-based braiders are out of business.
“One woman told me that she does braids from her home abroad and that income supports her entire family. If you are planning to do 'Japa', please, go and learn to braid hair first!”, she advises.
Red Gold: Palm Oil Production
This is the expert's personal favorite as it is a family business. From the kernel to the husk, every part of the palm tree is marketable.
“Last year, we bought at N42,000 and sold at N50,000. While 2025 was a bit slow, the storage system, i.e. buying in abundance and selling during scarcity, is a proven million-maker.”
Truck Rental and Logistics
Moving house or carrying heavy luggage in a city like Lagos is a nightmare; And nightmares are profitable.
“I once bought a wardrobe worth N80,000, and the drivers were demanding N70,000 to move it! The math is simple: people always need to move things, and if you own the truck, you set the price.”
high earning plumber
As society pursues AI and tech careers, Awirigwe points out that infrastructure maintenance is becoming a high-paying rarity.
“I saw a comment that blew my mind: A woman claimed she discovered that plumbers can earn twice as much as doctors. Whether in Nigeria or abroad, maintenance is a constant demand.”
Innovation on Wheels: Mobile Car Wash
Convenience is the end product in 2026.
“Mobile car washes are the future. You go to their office or church and wash the car while they work. Adding that layer of convenience allows you to charge a premium.”
Digital Products: Earn While You Sleep
As an investment banker, Awirigwe advocates scalable assets like e-books and online courses.
“It has personally made me more money than my corporate job. I have videos and e-books recorded years ago that are still in my bank account today.”
frozen food goldmine
In areas with inconsistent electricity, providing cold storage for proteins is a vital service.
“I see people flocking to the stores to stock up on frozen foods in containers for restaurants and homes. If you have a stable power solution, you'll never be disappointed.”
Thrift (Okrica) Elite
The “pre-loved” market has evolved into a sophisticated retail sector.
“I used to sell thrift blazers. I used to pick them for N500 and sell them for N3,000. You don't even have to start with the whole bundle; you can start by hand-picking the best quality pieces”, Awirigwe advised.
mortuary industry
This was the biggest shock on the list, but Avirigwe says it's a permanent, indispensable service.
“People in the community were testifying about millions being made in mortuary services and aftercare. It is a 'black' business, but the demand is enduring.”
Luxury Wellness: Massage Therapy
The welfare has moved from the elite to the stressed middle class.
According to Awirigwe, “When we did our real estate allocation, we spent millions on massage vouchers for our clients. Whether you run a high-end spa or a mobile service, people are willing to pay for relaxation.”
'Pomo' (cow hide) trade
Investment expert says this Nigerian remains prime recession-proof. “She believes that most Africans do not play with their pomo, describing it as a high-demand, high-turnover business that performs consistently well in all markets, regardless of the form of the product (fresh or dried).”
Black Gold: Charcoal Export
specialty of investment bankerS Despite material losses to trade, charcoal exports continue to be a “silent million-maker”.
He argues that because international markets depend on it for heating and industrial purposes, profit margins remain high, proving that “dirty” work often pays the cleanest dividends.
Movement of 'keke nepep' (tricycle)
Evirigwe cites the transport sector's strong daily cash flow as a key wealth driver. “She recalls a case where a driver claimed to have earned N300,000 in just ten days, a figure that dwarfs many corporate monthly salaries.
The strategist suggests that if an investor can navigate the logistics of driver management or handle the vehicle personally, the profitability is undeniable.
professional dance group
As the entertainment industry matures, financial experts recognize that event “hype” and atmospheric energy have evolved into high-value billable services.
she revealsS Hiring professional dancers for their finance fair was far from a cheap venture, given that from music videos to corporate launches, these artists are quietly raking in 'cash' behind the scenes.'
benefit to female barber
Evirigwe believes that gender-specific positioning has become one of the most powerful marketing tools in the modern beauty industry.
She attributes the success of female barbers to the unique 'pull' of the market, and explains that many clients enjoy their exceptional attention to detail, which allows these professionals to command premium rates for their services.'
'Happiness' Industry
The investment banker identifies adult toys and enhancers as a fast-growing, yet largely untapped market.
He argues that while many people may publicly ignore the area out of shame, vendors are “laughing all the way to the bank.”
She classifies it as a huge, high-margin industry that offers significant returns for those courageous enough to enter it.
