I saw how much people food on demand make money

I was genuinely fascinated when I started looking into how much people are making through food-on-demand apps here in Nigeria. In a country where convenience and connectivity are rapidly reshaping everyday life, these platforms have become more than just digital menus—they’ve evolved into powerful economic engines for countless Nigerians.

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The story begins with the sheer demand for quick, accessible meals. Urban centers like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are buzzing with busy professionals, students, and families who often don’t have the time or energy to cook every day. The rise of smartphones and internet access means more people are turning to apps that can bring food right to their doorsteps—sometimes within just 30 minutes.

What truly amazed me was the scale of the opportunity this creates. Take the average meal on these apps: a popular dish like jollof rice with chicken typically sells for around 2,000 to 3,000 naira, depending on the location and the vendor’s quality. Add to that snacks, drinks, or sides, and a single order can easily reach 4,000 to 5,000 naira. For many Nigerians, that price point strikes a balance between affordability and convenience.

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But what about the people behind the app? The delivery riders, the small restaurant owners, the cooks who prepare the meals—how much do they really earn? That’s where the story gets even more interesting. Delivery riders, often using motorcycles or tricycles, can make between 1,500 and 3,000 naira per delivery, depending on distance and demand. When they complete multiple deliveries in a day, it can quickly add up to a respectable income, especially considering the informal nature of their work.

Meanwhile, the restaurants or food vendors selling through these platforms benefit from reaching a wider customer base without the need for expensive storefronts or advertising. For a small business owner selling meals priced at about 2,500 naira each, fulfilling 20 to 30 orders a day can generate between 50,000 and 75,000 naira daily. Even after factoring in the app’s commission, the cost of ingredients, and staff wages, many find the model lucrative and scalable.

What struck me most was the trust built between these players. Customers rely on quick, consistent service; delivery riders navigate traffic and weather to meet expectations; vendors carefully prepare meals that keep people coming back. It’s a chain of small, everyday trust acts that fuel a thriving ecosystem.

However, it’s important to note the challenges involved. Competition is fierce, and margins can be tight. Delivery riders face safety risks on busy roads, and vendors must maintain high standards to avoid negative reviews that could hurt their business. But despite these hurdles, the sector continues to grow, driven by a combination of necessity and entrepreneurial spirit.

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Looking beyond individual success stories, food-on-demand apps are also transforming Nigeria’s broader economy. They are creating jobs, encouraging digital literacy, and fostering innovation in logistics and payments. For a country with over 230 million people—many of whom are young and tech-savvy—this shift signals exciting possibilities.

At the same time, it’s a reminder of the importance of support—whether from governments, tech companies, or communities—to ensure this growth is sustainable and inclusive. Investments in infrastructure, training, and fair labor practices can help protect the many who depend on this industry for their livelihoods.

Reflecting on all this, I see food-on-demand apps not just as a convenience but as a vibrant part of Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape. They represent a blend of tradition—serving beloved local dishes—and modernity—using technology to meet today’s fast-paced demands.

For the millions who engage with these platforms daily, the experience is personal and practical. For the entrepreneurs behind the scenes, it’s a chance to build dreams from the ground up, one order at a time. And for all of us, it’s an invitation to rethink how opportunity, trust, and innovation intersect in a world that’s rapidly changing.