Nigeria’s food delivery scene is booming, but beyond dominant players like Chowdeck, Glovo, and Food Court, a new wave of startups is emerging. These companies are focused on hyperlocal needs, from campus-specific cravings to regional delicacies unavailable on mainstream platforms.
While the big players dominate major cities, these challengers thrive by going where others won’t. Some specialize in serving university students with affordable late-night meals, while others focus on delivering beloved local dishes to customers outside their native regions. They’re proving that in Nigeria’s massive food market, success isn’t about reaching everyone—it’s about reaching the right people.
Campus-focused food delivery Startups
- CHAO
Chao targets students with food, groceries, and medicine delivery across campuses. Currently operating at the University of Port Harcourt and Pan-Atlantic University, with plans to expand to 12 more locations, Chao’s web app features local vendors and major chains like Kilimanjaro and Chicken Republic.
Founded in 2021 by Gift Akobundu (CEO) and Melvin Senne-Aya (COO), Chao has grown rapidly since its launch at Babcock University in 2022. It has remained bootstrapped so far and has processed ₦70 million in gross merchandise value across 25,000 orders. Its self-reported revenue for 2024 was ₦17.5 million (USD equivalent here) and it disbursed ₦10 million to riders. The startup’s advantage? Proximity to students, which enables faster delivery and stronger brand loyalty.
- BelaChow
BelaChow, formerly known as Belarush, is a campus-based food delivery app serving Lead City University in Ibadan and Redeemer’s University in Ede. It caters to student favorites, from street food like mai shayi and akara to meals from major chains like KFC, Burger King, and Item7Go.
Beyond food, BelaChow also offers laundry services to students, with basic plans starting at ₦7,000 for ironing and ₦10,000 for full-service washing, folding, and ironing. Meal deliveries start as low as ₦1,000, with delivery fees from ₦250. Information on its founders and funding remains undisclosed.
- Yabatech Food
Yabatech Food Delivery serves students in and around Yaba College of Technology and the University of Lagos. The platform focuses on hyperlocal delivery, allowing students to order meals from nearby restaurants for as little as ₦1,000. Unlike its competitors, it operates without a mobile app, relying on a web-based ordering system.
Regional & hyperlocal startups
- Ogwugo
Based in Enugu, Ogwugo has built a strong following in Eastern Nigeria, particularly in Nsukka. The platform mixes mainstream chains like Chicken Republic with local favorites specializing in Eastern delicacies like ntachi osa, nkwobi, and oha soup.
Founded in 2017 by software developer Ugochukwu Aronu, Ogwugo has raised $51,000 in funding, with backing from the Ford Foundation. Food prices range from ₦1,400 to ₦5,000, with free delivery in some areas, though service fees vary.
- Olili
Founded in 2019 by Nweze Ikechukwu Emeka, Olili operates in Asaba and Warri, featuring an extensive selection of local restaurants. By 2021, the startup had processed over 14,000 orders and attracted 3,400 users. The startup raised $125,000 in seed funding in 2020, fueling its early expansion.
A key differentiator for Olili is its wide selection of local foods. A typical delivery from Asaba Mall to Asaba Terminal costs ₦1,950.
- Dado Food
Dado operates in Enugu and Abuja, offering delivery from restaurants, local markets, grocery stores, and pharmacies. The platform adjusts its offerings based on the city: Enugu customers get access to Chicken Republic, while Abuja customers see a heavier focus on local eateries.
Founded in 2017 by Ugome Chukwuebuka, Isaac David Mayowa, and Chukwu Chinasa, Dado charges a delivery fee of ₦6,510 for orders from a restaurant in 6th Avenue, Gwarinpa, to Abuja Continental.
- Foodelo
Founded in November 2021 by Eunice Anthony, an alumna of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Foodelo offers on-demand food delivery in both Lagos and Abeokuta, Nigeria.
The platform is accessible via web and mobile app and currently features a wider variety of local restaurants in Lagos, while Abeokuta’s selection is still expanding.
Lagos based startups
- ChowCentral
Originally launched as 500Chow, ChowCentral is a cloud kitchen that gained traction during the COVID-19 lockdown. The YC-backed startup generates over $80,000 in monthly revenue and primarily serves Lagos, focusing on Lekki, Oniru, Victoria Island, Surulere, Ajah, and Yaba.
Founded by Tosin Onafuye, Christopher Obasi, and Adeyemo Onafuye, ChowCentral sells meals starting at ₦2,000 and is available on platforms like Chowdeck, Glovo, and Pocket by Piggyvest.
- UrbanEats
After spending nine years in the UK, Halima Kasumu returned to Nigeria with a mission: bring high-end restaurant meals straight to customers’ doors. Founded in 2023, UrbanEats operates in Lekki, Ikoyi, and Victoria Island, featuring premium restaurants like Ikoko, Chow City, Cindy’s, and Adun Kitchen.
UrbanEats encourages customer retention through a meal points system—you’ll earn ₦10 for every ₦4,000 spent. For instance, if you spend N4000 on your order, you get ₦300 Mealbot points.
- OjaNow
Founded by three Nigerian friends—Demi Hastruup, Jamal Kasumu, and Alvin Ukpeh—OjaNow is an on-demand delivery startup offering groceries, alcohol, electronics, and gifts. The service operates 24/7 in Lagos, with prices starting at ₦250.
In 2024, OjaNow raised $150,000 in pre-seed funding at a $6 million valuation. The company stocks over 300 products in strategically located storage facilities to ensure rapid delivery.
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