The verdict in three sentences
Delivery structured by zones with a readable fee and a promised window is the number-one driver of repeat purchases on a Nigerian storefront. In Lagos in 2026, expect NGN 1,500 to 5,000 per drop depending on the zone, with a failed-delivery rate that climbs fast if you don't notify the customer. The choice between in-house riders and on-demand partners (GIG, Kwik, Gokada) depends mostly on your daily volume.
Zones, fees and timing: the reference grid
Split the city into consistent zones rather than pricing case by case. It reassures the customer at checkout and simplifies rider pay. Here is a 2026 order of magnitude for Lagos and its outskirts.
| Zone | Customer fee (NGN) | Promised window | Real cost per drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Island (VI / Ikoyi / Lekki Phase 1) | 1,500 | Same-day | 1,000 - 1,300 |
| Mainland core (Yaba / Surulere) | 1,800 | Same-day to next-day | 1,200 - 1,500 |
| Ikeja / Maryland | 2,000 | Next-day | 1,400 - 1,700 |
| Ajah / Sangotedo | 3,000 | Next-day | 2,000 - 2,500 |
| Ikorodu / Alimosho | 3,500 | Next-day to D+2 | 2,400 - 3,000 |
| Far outskirts (Epe, Badagry) | 5,000 | D+2 | 3,500 - 4,500 |
| Upcountry (Ibadan, Abeokuta) | 5,000 - 8,000 | D+2 to D+3 | third-party carrier |
Always show the window in working days rather than hours: a broken "delivered in 2h" promise destroys more trust than a respected "next-day".
In-house riders or on-demand partners?
The model changes everything for your margin. Below 15 drops/day, on-demand partners (Kwik, Gokada) avoid fixed costs. Above that, a salaried rider becomes profitable.
| Criterion | In-house rider | On-demand partner |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per drop | NGN 1,000 - 1,700 | NGN 1,500 - 3,000 |
| Monthly fixed cost | NGN 150,000 - 250,000 | 0 |
| Break-even | ~15 drops/day | flexible |
| Control over experience | high | medium |
| Cash-on-delivery handling | direct | reconciliation needed |
| Order peaks | limited | absorbed easily |
The critical point remains cash-on-delivery reconciliation: each rider must remit collected cash with a slip, or till discrepancies will eat into your margin.
Mini case study
Chidi runs a cosmetics store in Lagos and ships 12 orders a day, average basket NGN 18,000. Using on-demand partners, he pays about NGN 2,000/drop, i.e. NGN 720,000/month (12 x 2,000 x 30). Switching to a salaried rider at NGN 200,000 + NGN 1,100/drop fuel, his cost drops to 200,000 + (12 x 1,100 x 30) = NGN 596,000/month, saving NGN 124,000. He moves to a salaried rider but keeps an on-demand backup for weekend peaks.
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FAQ
How much should I charge for delivery without scaring customers off?
Align with your zone grid: NGN 1,500 to 5,000 by distance. Free delivery above a NGN 25,000-30,000 basket lifts the average basket by 10 to 15 % without hurting margin.
How do I cut failed deliveries?
Notify the customer by SMS or WhatsApp at dispatch and 30 minutes before arrival. This reduces failed drops by 30 to 40 % and avoids paying twice for the same route.
Should I offer same-day everywhere?
No. Reserve same-day for the core where cost stays low. On far outskirts, a reliable D+2 beats a failed same-day.
How do I handle cash on delivery safely?
Require a signed slip per drop and a daily cash remittance. Push prepaid mobile money with a small discount to reduce the volume of cash handled.
Can a storefront calculate the fee automatically?
Yes. A delivery module linked to your zones shows the right fee and window at checkout, cutting cart abandonment caused by surprise costs.
Let's talk about your project. We embed a zone-based delivery grid straight into your store, with automatic fee calculation and customer notifications. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
