Nigerian food delivery platform, Chowdeck, has achieved a major milestone, crossing one million orders in October. This marks a significant growth phase for the startup, reflecting how digital food delivery is rapidly becoming an integral part of everyday life for Nigerians.
The company announced the record in a post shared on X by its CEO/Co-founder, Femi Aluko, who said that despite some operational challenges in recent weeks, the team is working hard to improve support and efficiency while scaling its services across cities.
Chowdeck’s daily order volume has increased from approximately 30,000 to over 40,000 in recent weeks and continues to climb, according to Aluko. This signifies that thousands of Nigerians are increasingly relying on the app for food, groceries, and other essentials, demonstrating its growing role in urban Nigerian life.
Chowdeck’s growth in a competitive market, pressured by costs, infrastructure, and logistics demands, demonstrates how consistency and customer trust enable local companies to scale.
Chowdeck’s growth strategy
Launched in 2021, Chowdeck started off as a small food delivery platform connecting Nigerian customers, restaurants, and riders. Today, it has evolved into a robust logistics network that facilitates faster delivery and enhances the customer experience, ultimately driving the platform towards one million monthly orders.
The company also tapped into rising smartphone use and the growing culture of convenience among working-class Nigerians. With more people working long hours and seeking quick meal options, demand for food delivery has increased.
Chowdeck’s rapid expansion is driven by its focus on faster delivery times, restaurant partner support, and a simplified user app. Serving cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, Chowdeck offers users a wide variety of ordering options through its network of riders and restaurant partners.
Recently, however, the company has faced some customer complaints over delivery delays and support response time. In his statement, Aluko acknowledged these concerns and assured customers that the team is learning from feedback and taking steps to fix issues.
He explained that while handling large order volumes can create pressure on systems, Chowdeck is working to upgrade its processes and technology to meet growing demand.
Why this milestone is important for Chowdeck
Chowdeck’s one-million-order record is not just a number; it signals a shift in Nigeria’s digital economy. It shows that local startups can build and scale services that meet the daily needs of Nigerians, even in a market where many global food delivery players have struggled.
For restaurants, Chowdeck’s growth increases visibility and provides a consistent order flow. Delivery apps, therefore, enable small and medium-sized food businesses to expand their reach, leading to higher revenue and greater stability.
Chowdeck Co-founder/CEO, Femi Aluko
For riders, it means better opportunities for earnings as order requests increase. As demand grows, more delivery jobs are created, helping to reduce unemployment in the informal sector.
For consumers, it represents growing trust in technology and local brands. Many Nigerians are now more comfortable ordering online, tracking their meals in real-time, and paying digitally. This trust is essential for the wider adoption of on-demand digital services in the country.
Read also: Chowdeck secures $9 million Series A funding to fuel quick commerce across Nigeria and Ghana
In the same vein, Chowdeck’s ability to scale while addressing customer challenges could shape the future of how delivery startups operate in Nigeria. Its progress could encourage more innovation and investment in logistics, last-mile delivery, and digital commerce.
The bigger picture and what’s next
Nigeria’s food delivery sector, previously led by international players like Jumia Food, experienced a shift when these companies ceased operations in 2023 due to cost and profitability challenges. This allowed local startups such as Chowdeck to capitalise on their understanding of the market.
The company’s growth indicates significant potential remains, driven by Nigeria’s increasing urban population and improved internet access, which should fuel greater adoption of delivery services for food, groceries, and essentials.
Sustaining Chowdeck’s growth hinges on effective logistics management, consistent quality control, and maintained affordability as its user base expands. The company’s commitment to addressing its challenges will be crucial for its long-term success.
A Chowdeck dispatch rider
As the startup continues to grow, its story highlights a broader message: Nigerian-built tech solutions can thrive when they focus on solving local problems with consistency and customer empathy
Chowdeck’s next focus will likely be on strengthening operations to handle even higher demand. Its management has promised to keep improving delivery times, expand service coverage, and ensure better communication with users.
The one-million-order milestone is, therefore, not just a celebration but a reminder of how far the platform has come, and how much potential remains untapped in Nigeria’s delivery economy.
In the words of Aluko, “It’s still Day 1.” That statement captures the company’s belief that this is only the beginning of a bigger journey, one that could redefine convenience for millions of Nigerians who now rely on digital platforms to meet everyday needs.
