In Nigeria today, with the rising cost of living and limited local job opportunities, many young people are turning to online freelancing as a way to earn in dollars. Two of the biggest platforms in this space are Fiverr and Upwork.
These platforms have helped countless Nigerians make money legally, right from their homes, doing things like writing, graphic design, voiceovers, digital marketing, tech support, and more.
But there’s a challenge many people face: Getting a verified account that actually works and gets approved. Whether it’s Fiverr suspending new accounts or Upwork rejecting profiles, many Nigerians get stuck before they even begin.
If you’ve been wondering how to open and verify a working Fiverr or Upwork account from Nigeria and start earning without breaking any rules, this detailed guide is for you.
What Is Freelancing and Why It Matters in Nigeria
Freelancing simply means offering your skills or services to clients online, usually on a project-by-project basis. You don’t need to have a company. You don’t even need a degree. As long as you have a skill people are willing to pay for, you can earn — and the good news is that clients from the US, UK, and Canada pay in dollars.
With platforms like Fiverr and Upwork, you don’t need to look for clients yourself — the clients come to the platform to find you. That’s why it’s one of the easiest ways for Nigerians to start earning foreign currency legally.
Fiverr vs Upwork: Which One Is Better for Nigerians?
Both Fiverr and Upwork allow Nigerians to register, but their structures are different:
Fiverr
- Works like an online shop where you create a service called a gig
- Clients search and come to you
- Easier to start as a beginner
- No approval process for your profile
- Payout available through Payoneer, bank transfer, or dollar card
Upwork
- Works more like a job board — you apply for jobs posted by clients
- Has a profile approval process (not all accounts get accepted)
- Takes time to build a reputation but pays more in the long run
- Payout also through Payoneer or direct bank
Tip: Start with Fiverr if you’re a complete beginner, then move to Upwork when you’re more confident.
Now, let’s walk through the steps to open and verify these accounts from Nigeria in 2025.
How to Open and Verify a Fiverr Account in Nigeria (2025 Guide)
Step 1: Use a Strong Internet Connection and Browser
Open www.fiverr.com on Chrome or Firefox browser. Make sure your internet connection is stable to avoid errors.
Step 2: Register with a Valid Email and Real Name
Use a professional Gmail address. Avoid names like “wi*******@***il.com”. Your Fiverr username should reflect your brand or name.
Example: johnwrites, designsbyZainab
Avoid using VPNs. Fiverr allows Nigerians and there’s no need to hide your location.
Step 3: Complete Your Profile Immediately
After email verification, you’ll be asked to:
- Upload a real profile picture (your face — not a cartoon)
- Write a short, clear bio describing your service
- Link your social media (optional but helpful)
- Select skills that match your gig
Take time to make your profile real and trustworthy.
Step 4: Create Your First Gig
Choose a category you want to start with. For example:
- Writing
- Logo Design
- Voiceovers
- Video Editing
- Social Media Marketing
Use keywords clients are searching for. Example gig title:
“I will write engaging blog posts and website content that ranks”
Add a video or sample to stand out. Fiverr promotes sellers who take time to add detailed gig info.
Step 5: Connect Your Payoneer Account for Payment
To get paid, you must connect a Payoneer account. Go to Fiverr earnings settings and link it.
Payoneer allows you to:
- Withdraw to your local bank in naira
- Get a virtual dollar card
- Receive foreign currency safely
How to Get Approved on Upwork from Nigeria (And Start Earning)
Step 1: Go to www.upwork.com and Sign Up
Use your real name and email. Create a strong, professional password. After signing up, you’ll be asked to create a profile.
Step 2: Set Up a Detailed Profile Before Submitting
This is where most Nigerians fail. Upwork reviews each profile manually before approving it. To improve your chances:
- Write a clear, short professional summary
- List real work experience or related skills
- Add a professional-looking photo (your face only, plain background)
- Add at least two services you can offer
- Take free Upwork skill tests (optional but helpful)
Example Summary:
“I’m a creative content writer with 3+ years of experience writing SEO blogs, website copy, and product descriptions. I’ve helped clients increase engagement and visibility through original, high-quality content.”
Step 3: Wait for Profile Approval
This may take 24 to 72 hours. If you get rejected, edit your profile and try again. Don’t give up. Keep improving your summary and skill sets.
Once approved, you can start bidding for jobs.
Step 4: Connect Payoneer to Receive Payments
Upwork pays through Payoneer too. Sign up at www.payoneer.com, and use your Naira bank account to get paid.
Top Skills Nigerians Are Using to Make Money on Fiverr and Upwork
Even if you think you have “no skills,” here are services Nigerians are offering and earning real money from:
- Blog and article writing
- CV and cover letter writing
- Logo design
- Social media page management
- WhatsApp marketing
- Data entry
- Canva graphic design
- YouTube script writing
- Book formatting and eBook design
- Typing and transcription
- Shopify store setup
- Virtual assistance
The key is to start with what you know, learn more as you go, and gradually increase your price.
How to Grow and Succeed as a Nigerian Freelancer
Once your account is verified, here’s how to build it and start making money:
- Always deliver early and with quality
- Ask satisfied clients for reviews
- Avoid plagiarism and shortcuts
- Learn basic communication skills (especially English writing)
- Take courses on platforms like Coursera or YouTube to sharpen your skills
- Be patient — it takes time to land your first client, but it gets easier
Final Thoughts
As a Nigerian, you don’t need to wait for government jobs or foreign visa promises to start earning in dollars. With just your phone or laptop and some data, Fiverr and Upwork can become your office.
You just need to create your account the right way, avoid shortcuts, and stay consistent. Thousands of Nigerians are already doing it — some earning ₦200k to ₦1m monthly — and many started just like you.
At Krain Naija News, we’re dedicated to bringing you practical earning methods that work for real Nigerians. From freelancing to remote work, we guide you every step of the way to financial freedom — no hype, just real results.
