The verdict in three sentences
A ready-to-sell online store in Lagos launches in 2 to 6 weeks for 300,000 to 1,500,000 NGN depending on whether you start from a template or a custom build. The make-or-break factors are payments (Paystack, Flutterwave, bank transfer) and reliable dispatch-rider delivery within 48 hours across the city. Everything else — catalogue, CAC registration, marketing — runs in parallel if you follow a tight checklist.
What launching really costs
Budget depends mostly on the technical choice. Here are 2026 ballpark figures for a Lagos launch.
| Item | Turnkey template | Custom build |
|---|---|---|
| Store development | 300,000 – 600,000 NGN | 800,000 – 1,500,000 NGN |
| Domain .com.ng / .com | 8,000 – 20,000 NGN/yr | 8,000 – 20,000 NGN/yr |
| Hosting 1 year | 40,000 – 120,000 NGN | 90,000 – 250,000 NGN |
| Paystack + Flutterwave setup | included | 100,000 – 250,000 NGN |
| Product photos (30) | 60,000 – 120,000 NGN | 60,000 – 120,000 NGN |
| Launch marketing | 80,000 – 200,000 NGN | 80,000 – 200,000 NGN |
| Total year 1 | ~500,000 – 1,050,000 NGN | ~1,150,000 – 2,350,000 NGN |
A turnkey template is enough for 80% of merchants starting out. Custom is justified once you target a broad catalogue, subscriptions or complex logistics.
Payments and delivery: the engine room
In Lagos, most online payments run through gateways and bank transfers, with cash on delivery still reassuring new buyers. Offer the main rails plus a COD option.
| Payment method | Indicative 2026 fees | Settlement time | Local cart share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paystack (card/transfer) | 1.5% (capped) | T+1 | 35 – 45% |
| Flutterwave | 1.4 – 3.8% | T+1 | 20 – 30% |
| Bank transfer / USSD | ~0 – 0.5% | Instant | 15 – 25% |
| Card Visa/Mastercard | 1.5 – 3.8% | T+1 | 10 – 15% |
| Cash on delivery | 1,000 – 3,000 NGN/trip | on handover | 20 – 30% |
On logistics, an intra-Lagos dispatch trip (Ikeja, Lekki, Yaba, Surulere) runs 1,500 – 4,000 NGN via bike courier, delivered in 24 to 48 hours. Charge it to the buyer or bundle it into the price for orders above a threshold (e.g. free delivery over 40,000 NGN).
Legal and tax checklist
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To sell compliantly in Nigeria: CAC registration (business name or Ltd), a TIN for tax, a corporate bank/merchant account, plus legal notices and terms on the site. Expect 30,000 to 120,000 NGN in administrative fees depending on the legal form.
Mini case study
Chidi, a sneaker reseller in Lekki, launches his store on a 550,000 NGN budget (turnkey template). Average order: 35,000 NGN, net margin 35%, i.e. 12,250 NGN per sale. His fixed monthly costs (hosting, marketing, dispatch) run to 180,000 NGN. Break-even: 180,000 / 12,250 ≈ 15 sales/month. At 35 sales/month, he clears ~429,000 NGN in margin and pays back his initial investment in under 3 months.
FAQ
How long until my first sale? With a ready catalogue and 150,000 NGN of targeted Instagram/Facebook ads, first orders often land 1 to 3 weeks after going live.
Paystack or Flutterwave — which one? Both. Paystack captures 35–45% of Lagos carts with capped fees, while Flutterwave adds broader coverage. Run them side by side.
Do I need CAC registration to sell online? Yes, to collect into a corporate account, issue invoices and earn buyer trust. A business name is enough to start; incorporate as an Ltd later.
Shopify or a local solution? A local solution integrating Paystack and bank transfers natively avoids conversion fees and third-party modules. It's often 20–30% cheaper over a year.
Minimum marketing budget? Budget at least 150,000 NGN in month one to test audiences, then reinvest 10–15% of revenue into acquisition.
Let's talk about your project. We'll wire up your Lagos store with Paystack, Flutterwave and reliable dispatch, ready to sell in weeks. 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.
