15 In-demand Digital Skills to Learn in Nigeria for 2025

image of young people studying with a laptop

Whether you work in tech already or in a more traditional industry, you might have heard about the value of having a digital skill. This is also something that can be useful to young graduates who are unemployed in 2025.

What is significant about 2025 is the rising cost of living in the country. Inflation means that the income of many people has been reduced in real terms and they- including you-need to make more money. Making money online in Nigeria is something you should consider this year.

One way you can increase your income is by acquiring digital skills because they offer an opportunity to earn in foreign currencies while living in Nigeria.

If you are interested in learning new digital skills, and you want to know the best digital skills you can learn in 2025, this article is for you.

I would go over the best skills you can learn and provide enough insights to help you decide on what to learn. So just read through.

15 in-demand digital skills you should learn in 2025

When I state that a skill is ‘in demand’ what I mean is that there is a surge of people and businesses who require the services of people with these skills. So, getting these skills would position you for new and growing opportunities to earn more money.

How I selected these digital skills

I compiled data from personal research work, data tracking tools, and opinions from various experts to put this list together. I also gave special consideration to the earning potential of people who mastered these skills.

1. Cybersecurity

image of a hacker

According to ISC2, cybersecurity jobs grew by 8.7% in 2023 alone, adding over 440,000 new jobs to the global economy. Despite this high demand, there is still a global shortfall of over 3.9 million cybersecurity jobs in the global economy.

In fact in Africa, the figure for this shortfall stands at a staggering 112,000. This increases the job prospects of skilled cybersecurity professionals on the continent. Companies across the globe are seeking to protect their critical computer networks from cyber attacks.

According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, cybersecurity jobs are expected to grow by 32% between 2022 and 2032.

“While we celebrate the record number of new cybersecurity professionals entering the field, the pressing reality is that we must double this workforce to adequately protect organisations and their critical assets,”  Clar Rosso, ISC2 CEO

One interesting aspect of this job is that cybersecurity professionals can earn a good salary while working from home. So, if you are interested in working remotely, this skill might be just what you need.

How much do cybersecurity professionals earn in Nigeria

According to salary scale, entry-level cybersecurity officers can earn about N131,000 on average. Our research confirms that entry-level cybersecurity officers earn around this amount.

Remember that you can work remotely for companies in other countries like the US and earn in foreign currency. This can lead to higher earnings for you if you live in Nigeria.

2. Cloud computing

Statista predicts that the cloud computing market is expected to grow by 20.4% to over $ 679 billion. Cloud engineers create and manage applications in the cloud. The ‘cloud’ refers to a global network of servers that makes applications easily accessible over the internet.

The three biggest players in cloud technology are Google Cloud, Amazon AWS, and Microsoft Azure. These are the technologies you would need to learn but that is not all.

To become a cloud engineer, you would need to have the following skills;

  • Programming Languages such as PHP, SQL, Java, C++, etc
  • An understanding of virtual machines
  • An understanding of Network
  • An understanding of storage and security best practices

Cloud computing is becoming very popular because it allows consumers to access tech solutions in real time but it also allows companies to get data from these consumers. Another attraction is how scalable applications hosted by this technology are.

” If someone asks me what cloud computing is, I try not to get bogged down with definitions. I tell them that, simply put, cloud computing is a better way to run your business..”  Marc Berniof, CEO of Salesforce

How much do cloud engineers earn in Nigeria?

An entry-level cloud engineer earns an average of N150,000 per month in Nigeria. Cloud engineers also can work for foreign companies from Nigeria. If you get such a job you could potentially earn in dollars and live comfortably in Nigeria.

3. Search Engine Optimization

Nigeria is home to over 36 million MSMEs. These businesses have to drive sales to keep the lights on. 

Traditional sales are limited by location which is why digital channels have become more popular over time. But paid advertising is quite expensive for small business owners so SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is becoming more popular.

Search Engine Optimization is an aspect of digital marketing that involves using technical means to increase both the quantity and quality of traffic to a website from search engines.

Google dominates the search engine market with over 8.5 billion searches per day. There are regular search engine updates by Google that impact the amount of traffic generated by web-based businesses. The impact of AI (Artificial Intelligence) Technologies on website competitiveness is also challenging. 

These complex changes have made the demand for SEO experts surge in recent times.

Google Trends has consistently shown a high demand for SEO professionals. SEO jobs are projected to grow by 22% between 2020 and 2030.

“ Search Engine Optimization is paramount if you want to be found when people are doing online searches” Yolanda Owens, Career expert at themuse.com

To succeed as an SEO you need several skills which include;

  • Excellent writing and editing skills
  • You should have some programming skills.
  • Critical thinking skills.
  • An ability to analyze and use complex data.

How much do SEO specialists earn in Nigeria?

An entry-level seo specialist earns around N150,000 per month.

4. Email marketing

There are about 4.5 billion email users worldwide. About 91% of adults who have access to the internet use email. 

 Email is used by both B2B and B2C companies to drive sales. Just think about the many times you have received an email from a fintech, e-commerce, or another brand- that was email marketing in action.

Email marketing is considered one of the cheapest channels used by marketers to retain customers and make sales. 

Jobs for email marketing specialists are expected to see a 6% growth by 2029. 

“Email is too cheap to die. Great email content takes time and effort, but OK emails are almost trivial to create. Any marketer with a decent email list can get a message out to their audience essentially for free. As long as that is true, email will stick around”  Jesse Harris digital marketing coordinator, ACD/Labs

To build a successful career as an email marketing specialist you need to have

  • Excellent writing and editing skills
  • Graphics design skills
  • An understanding of HTML
  • A thorough understanding of email marketing best practices.

How much do email marketing specialists earn in Nigeria?

 An entry-level email marketer in Nigeria earns about N120, 000 per month on average. This amount can increase over time depending on experience and the industry where your services are being used.

5. Artificial Intelligence

image of someone having a handshake with a robot

Global interest in Artificial intelligence (AI) saw a sharp rise in 2023 with Chat-GPT taking centre stage.

AI is expected to not only create new jobs but replace many old ones. According to the World Economic Forum, AI and machine learning jobs could potentially grow by 39% in the next five years.

Going back to the basics, what does AI mean? It refers to technology that simulates human intelligence and can be used to perform tasks that human beings are normally employed to perform.

Some potential new job areas created by AI include;

  • AI content creators
  • Data curators and trainers
  • AI prompt engineers
  • Interface and interaction designers

“It is difficult to think of a major industry that AI will not transform. This includes healthcare, education, transportation, retail, communications, and agriculture. There are surprisingly clear paths for AI to make a big difference in all of these industries.”- Andrew Ng, Computer Scientist and Global Leader in AI

To work in AI you need the following skills;

  • An understanding of Machine Learning
  • Programming skills
  • Problem-solving skills.

AI is a dynamic technology that can be used to increase your productivity. So, no matter what skills you have, you can use AI to potentially produce great results from your work.

How much do AI specialists earn in Nigeria

Entry-level AI specialists in Nigeria earn around N190,000 per month

6. Blockchain Technology

Blockchain is used extensively in cryptocurrency to ensure records of transactions are secure and transparent. It has several other use cases besides cryptocurrency such as gaming, supply chain management, and real estate.

Generally, blockchain is seen as the world’s “public digital ledger”. The blockchain distributed ledger market is projected to grow by 62 % to $22 billion in 2024. This is a massive opportunity.

“The blockchain is the financial challenge of our time. It is going to change the way that our financial world operates.” Blythe Masters, Fintech Executive

If you want to be a successful blockchain developer, you would need the following skills; 

  • Programming skills- You should be familiar with languages like C, Python, Javascript, Golang etc
  • Strong analytical skills
  • You must understand data structures and blockchain architecture
  • You must also understand how smart contracts work

How much do blockchain developers make in Nigeria?

An entry-level blockchain developer earns around N150,000.

7. Data Analytics

Data analysis has helped organizations to understand customers, and trends and observe patterns which are then used to make decisions. The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics predicted that data analyst jobs would grow by 23% between 2022 and 2032.

Data analysts use different tools to collect, organize and analyze raw data so that organizations can make decisions in a way that helps them achieve their goals.

They use tools like Microsoft Excel, Tableau, Power BI, Google Analytics, and programming languages like Python and SQL to achieve this.

“Information is the oil of the 21st century, and analytics is the combustion engine” Peter Sondergaard, Executive vice president of research and advisory at Gartner Inc

So, what skills do you need to have to achieve success as a data analyst? Let me outline them below;

  • Strong mathematical skills including an understanding of probability and statistics.
  • An understanding of machine learning.
  • Ability to manage data properly.
  • Ability to use tools like Excel and in some cases programming languages like Matlab, Python, and SQL.

How much do data analysts earn in Nigeria?

An entry-level data analyst earns about N 144,000 in Nigeria. As you advance in your career, you could potentially earn so much more.

8. User experience design

Have you ever used a website or mobile app and felt like it was designed with you in mind? Some apps are so convenient and easy to use that people become addicted to them. Well, you have user experience designers to thank for that.

User experience design (UX design) is the process of using creativity to plan and design products that are convenient and fun to use.

CNN Money predicted that UX design jobs are going to grow by 17% between 2017 and 2027. Mobile e-commerce sales reached $2.2 trillion in 2023 and much of this was influenced by design.

“UI is the saddle, the stirrups, & the reins. UX is the feeling you get being able to ride the horse.” Dain Miller, Web Developer

To succeed as a UX designer you would need the following skills;

  • UX designers need to possess a good level of creativity.
  • Visual design skills.
  • Wireframing and prototyping are two other skills they should possess.
  • User research.

How much do UX designers make in Nigeria?

An entry-level UX designer in Lagos makes about N100,000.

9. Content Writing

Whether you have read a blog post like this one or an interesting piece on social media, you are interacting with written content.

Content writers create such enticing pieces either to engage, entertain, inform, or even persuade an audience on behalf of a brand. They do this to help brands sell their products or services to their audience.

According to Ahrefs 82% of marketers invest in content marketing which includes content writing. The content marketing industry is expected to reach $107 billion by 2026 rising from $63 billion in 2022 in three years.

Nearly 80% of small business owners write content themselves, 17% hire in-house content writers and 14% work with freelancers. This reveals the opportunity content writers still have with small business owners.

“Content isn’t king, it’s the kingdom” Lee Odden, CEO TopRank Marketing

So what skills do you need to succeed as a content writer?

  • Strong writing skills
  • Ability to carry out in-depth research both online and offline.
  • An understanding of SEO
  • Ability to connect with readers through unique style.
  • The Ability to edit written content effectively.

How much do content writers earn in Nigeria?

An entry-level content writer earns about N64,000 per month on average. However, it is possible to do several projects and earn significantly higher income as a result.

10. Web development

image of a web developer writing computer programs

Web developers create websites for businesses and organizations.

There were over 27.7 million web developers globally in 2023. The global web development market is expected to reach $89 billion by 2027 from $63 billion in 2022. In 2023, there were over 5.6 billion internet users and over 199 million actively running websites.

Web developers use programming languages and other tools to design and launch websites that meet the needs of both their web design clients and the end users. They also update existing websites with new features and fix any issues that arise.

Even though there seem to be many web developers, the industry will continue to see expansion as the E-commerce, digital transformation, and digital media industries continue to grow.

“Whether we’re fighting climate change or going to space, everything is moved forward by computers, and we don’t have enough people who can code. Teaching young people to code early on can help build skills and confidence and energise the classroom with learning-by-doing opportunities.” – Richard Branson, Founder, Virgin Group

If you are interested in becoming a web developer you would need the following skills to succeed;

  • An understanding of programming languages such as Javascript, Python, PHP, SQL, etc.
  • Debugging and testing skills
  • Version control- tracking and managing changes to software code.
  • Teamwork, communication, and openness to learning.

How much do web developers make in Nigeria?

An entry-level web developer earns around N 103,000 per month on average. This amount increases with experience as you advance in your career.

11. Mobile app development

Most people use at least one mobile app every day. We use them for diverse reasons ranging from communicating with friends to doing business with clients. 

Mobile app developers create these applications for mobile devices, test them to ensure they function properly, and deploy them for broader use. The app market is projected to reach $ 673.8 billion in 2027 with a compound annual growth rate of 8.83% between 2022 and 2027.

Jobs in this industry are expected to move in the same direction, experiencing growth as the industry expands. According to Statista, JavaScript was the most popular programming language in 2023.

“The future of mobile is the future of online. It is how people access online content now.” David Murphy, Founder and Editor of Mobile Marketing Daily

Some key skills mobile app developers need include;

  • Proficiency in mobile app development programming languages like Kotlin, Java, JavaScript, etc
  • iOS development using Swift and Objective C.
  • Familiarity with version control systems like Git.
  • An understanding of UI/Ux designs.
  • Skills in testing and quality assurance
  • Ability to collaborate with teams.

How much do mobile app developers make in Nigeria?

Mobile app development is a high-paying job with entry-level developers earning as much as N177,000. This amount can increase to over N 2,000,000 per month for experienced and highly skilled developers.

12. Paid Advertising (PPC)

If you have used social media or Google search then you must have come across advertisement messages from various brands. Companies use paid advertising to reach potential customers and convince them to buy their goods or pay for their services. This is where paid advertising professionals.

PPC (pay-per-click) specialists plan, design, and execute such advertising campaigns across digital channels to drive sales for businesses.

Digital advertising spending was $603 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $870.85 billion by 2027. This growth comes as businesses across the world undergo digital transformation. 

“People shop and learn in a whole new way compared to just a few years ago, so marketers need to adapt or risk extinction” Brian Halligan, Co-Founder of Hubspot

Paid advertising professionals can run successful campaigns on social media platforms, search engines, or even both.

Some important skills needed to succeed as a paid advertising professional include;

  • You must understand the various platforms where you run ads E.g. Facebook, Google, Twitter, etc
  • An ability to target potential customers effectively using data.
  • Creativity
  • Data analytics skills used to optimize ad campaigns

How much do paid advertising professionals earn in Nigeria?

An entry-level PPC specialist earns an average of N100,000 per month. This amount increases with experience and more skills.

13. Project management

As organizations across the world continue to embark on complex projects, the need for skilled project managers is on the rise. About 70% of projects fail and 71% of global organizations use agile methodologies.

Organizations would continue to carry out projects to further their objectives. This is especially true for technology projects.

By 2027, employers would need about 80 million employees in project management-related roles.

A lot of organizations already use some kind of agile method of project management. Agile is an approach to managing projects that deliver results in bits at a time incrementally and iteratively. It is used for most software development projects.

“The P in PM is as much about ‘people management’ as it is about ‘project management.'” – Cornelius Fichtner, Author 

Succeeding as a project manager requires various skills such as;

  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to lead teams
  • Skilled in project management methodologies such as Scrum and Agile.
  • Problem-solving and risk management
  • Time management and reporting skills

How much do project managers make in Nigeria?

An entry-level project manager earns about N135,000 per month on average but this amount increases with experience and higher skill levels.

14. Product Marketing

Product marketing is just what it sounds like- launching, determining messaging for the target audience, and promoting a product to customers using insights from the same customers.

According to Zippia, product marketing jobs are expected to grow by 10% between 2018 and 2028. Based on Linkedin recruiter data there were over 850,000 active product managers in 2023.

The product marketing industry continues to expand as customers continue to demand better product features over time.

“Clients don’t care about labor pains; they want to see the baby.” – Tim Williams, Founder of Ignition Consulting Group

The top skills product marketers need to succeed include;

  • Excellent communication skills including strong writing skills
  • Marketing skills especially an understanding of key marketing channels like search, social media, and email
  • Creativity
  • Presentation skills and confidence.

How much do product marketers earn in Nigeria?

An entry-level product marketing manager earns about N200,000 on average. This amount can increase over time with experience.

15. Video editing

Over the years, videos have become a very popular form of digital media. This popularity is because it is a more engaging type of media.

YouTube has over 2.49 billion monthly active users. According to Wyzowl, 88% of marketers say video is an important part of their marketing strategy. Also, 91% of people have watched an explainer video to gain more information about a product.

This presents a massive opportunity for video editors. Video editors use software and creative skills to improve the quality of raw video recordings taken by videographers. They play a vital role in digital advertising and entertainment industries.

“Film editing is now something almost everyone can do at a simple level and enjoy it, but to take it to a higher level requires the same dedication and persistence that any art form does.” – Walter Murch, American Film editor and director

To succeed as a video editor, you would need the following skills;

  • Familiarity with video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Da Vinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro X, etc
  • A spark of creativity that would help you create engaging and interesting videos
  • Attention to detail.
  • Storytelling skills.

How much do video editors earn in Nigeria?

An entry-level video editor earns around N120,000 per month in Nigeria with the potential for salary growth over time.

How do I choose a digital skill?

The skill you choose to select would not only affect your ability to earn a high income but also your health and other aspects of your life.

The most important factor to consider is whether you have a genuine passion for building a career with that skill. Do you see yourself as a good fit working in that role for a long time? If you do then it may be the right skill to make.

Most people only think about making money but they forget that to make more money you have to deliver quality work every time whether you work at a corporate job or run your own business. You can’t do this without having a genuine interest in that field.

What skills can you learn without a laptop?

There are several skills you can learn without having a laptop. I would list some of them below;

  • Graphics design
  • Video editing
  • Content writing
  • Email marketing
  • Some programming languages like Python or C++

If you do not have a laptop yet, you can learn a digital skill with your phone in the meantime while you work towards getting one.

Conclusion

These 15 skills can lead to higher earning potential through remote work. Since all these jobs can be done from any location around the world, it is possible to work for companies in these countries while living in Nigeria. 

Doing this would allow you to earn in foreign currencies and enjoy an improved standard of living. If you want to earn a higher income, this is a strategy you should consider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let us go over some questions you might have about digital skills in 2024.

What is the highest-paid digital skill?

The highest-paid digital skills in Nigeria are generally related to mastery of programming languages. Being a highly skilled mobile app developer can open doors to very high salaries.

Which skill will be most required by 2030?

Artificial intelligence (AI) will be a very important skill by 2030 along with the ability to communicate effectively and come up with original creative ideas.

What tech skills can I learn in 3 months?

How quickly you learn a skill depends on your unique learning habits, intellectual capacity, and level of education. 

It is possible to learn any of these 15 skills within 3 months but what is more important is testing your skill level with projects to build confidence. You need to build a portfolio of successful projects and this can take time. 

So, take the time to develop your skills to the extent where you can be able to sell yourself.

What computer skills are needed for jobs?

Some basic computer skills that can boost your employability include;

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Powerpoint 
  • Microsoft word
  • Google suite- Google docs, Sheets etc
  • Graphics design with Canva.
  • Zoom and Google Meet

What is the most lucrative online skill in Nigeria?

If you want to make money on your own without looking for a job in Nigeria, the best skill to learn is digital marketing. Digital marketers can earn money by freelancing, affiliate marketing, blogging, E-commerce, and so many other ways.

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