In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a high surge in the demand for deliveries. The rapid growth in the buying and selling of products and services over the internet i.e e-commerce is largely responsible for this surge.
With the evolution of e-commerce and changing consumer needs, efficient delivery companies are crucial to meet these needs. This has brought about an increase in the use of logistics, delivery and shipping services. As a result, many delivery companies have emerged.
As urbanisation and technology adoption continues to develop, delivery companies play a pivotal role in facilitating the movement of goods and services across Nigeria and globally.
This article will reveal to you the top and emerging delivery companies in Nigeria, their services, performance, and a way to start a delivery company in this thriving market.
Table of Contents
Types of Delivery Services in Nigeria
-
E-commerce delivery
E-commerce delivery refers to the process by which items or products purchased from an online retailer or e-commerce platform are transported to the designated delivery location of the consumer. Delivery companies facilitate the process of transferring purchased products.
-
Next-day shipping
A customer orders an item that can be dispatched to their doorstep within twenty-four hours via this delivery service. In other words, the products are delivered to consumers the day following their purchase from the retailer.
-
Delivery by express
Fast deliveries characterise express delivery. However, it requires an additional shipping charge for the client. Typically, the time needed to deliver products to consumers via express delivery ranges from 24 to 72 hours.
-
Payment in cash upon delivery
This particular form of delivery service involves the consumer paying for the product solely upon receipt of the ordered products.
-
Services for returns and exchanges
The act of returning an ordered purchase is known as a return shipment. E-commerce websites provide the majority of these services. Regarding the discrepancy between what I ordered and what I received, return and exchange services facilitate the return or exchange of items that fail to meet your expectations or do not suit you properly.
-
Freight forwarding
Freight forwarding companies act as middlemen between businesses needing commodities and transportation companies that import and export them.
-
Last-mile solutions
This refers to the stage of a shipment at which delivery is made to the consumer’s doorstep. It is also known as final-mile solutions.
Top Delivery Companies in Nigeria
There are delivery companies in Nigeria who have been around for some years. Below are some of the top delivery companies in Nigeria.
-
Jumia delivery
Jumia, often known as the “Amazon of Africa”, is a primary business in Nigeria’s e-commerce movement. The corporation offers an integrated delivery service that spans numerous cities in Nigeria. Jumia’s techniques and websites ensure that customers can order various products, from electronics to fashion, and have them delivered quickly.
Features and Services
- Same-day shipping options
- Extensive product catalog
- Convenient app for easy ordering
- Packaging
-
Kwik delivery
Kwik Delivery is a final-mile delivery company that gives same-day transport services. It is one of the most famous shipping corporations in Nigeria, with a sturdy presence in major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Ibadan. Olivier Decrock and Yinka Olayanju founded Kwik Delivery in 2018.
Kwik Delivery is making waves in the Nigerian marketplace by offering on-demand, final-mile delivery solutions. They cater to various industries, including e-trade, retail, and healthcare. They provide delivery services in Lagos and other major cities to individuals and businesses.
Features and Services
- Instant shipping services
- Secure and efficient
- 24/7 customer support
-
GIG logistics
God is Good (GIG) Logistics is a leading logistics and delivery company in Nigeria. Gig offers many services, including closing-mile delivery, warehousing, and freight forwarding. GIG Logistics has a strong presence in Nigeria, with over 100 branches. GIG Logistics is a household name within Nigerian transport enterprises. With a well-established network, they offer dependable logistics and courier services to individuals and organisations alike.
Features and Services
- Nationwide coverage
- Customised enterprise answers
- Real-time monitoring of shipments
-
DHL
DHL has been a worldwide logistics and shipping business enterprise in Nigeria for many years. It gives a wide range of services, including final-mile transport, global delivery, and customs clearance. DHL is a reliable and relied-on shipping company, but its services can be more costly than some nearby companies.
DHL comes from its founders names; Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom, and Robert Lynn. Each founder’s first initial and surname name is from DHL. DHL—Dalsey Hillblom Lynn. Germany is its headquarters. DHL has over 600,000 professionals and is present in over 220 countries.
Features and Services
- Nationwide coverage
- Packaging
- International Delivery
-
Zenith Carex
Olamilekan Adelana founded Zenith Carex. It was licensed in 2002 by Nigerian postal services. Zenith Carex offers customs clearance and delivery of goods for businesses, companies, and individuals in Nigeria.
Features and Services
- Warehousing
- Transportation
-
FedEx
FedEx is a worldwide logistics and shipping company that operates in Nigeria. It provides a wide range of services, consisting of ultimate-mile shipping, worldwide delivery, and freight forwarding. FedEx is a reliable delivery company.
Features and Services
- Packaging
- International Deliveries
- Freight
Emerging Delivery Companies in Nigeria
Here are a number of the emerging shipping companies in Nigeria:
-
ACE Africa
ACE Africa is a final-mile shipping company centred on offering low-cost and reliable delivery services in Lagos to organisations and people in Nigeria. It has a robust presence in Lagos and is expanding to other fundamental cities.
-
Topship Africa
Topship Africa is a last-mile transport organisation that gives same-day and next-day delivery services in Lagos, Abuja, and Africa at large. It is a highly new business enterprise, but it has quickly gained popularity for supplying reliable and inexpensive delivery services.
-
Gokada
Gokada is a ride-hailing employer that has expanded into the delivery marketplace. It offers same-day and next-day shipping services in Lagos. Gokada is a popular desire for organisations that want to deliver gadgets quickly and correctly.
-
Autowaves logistics global LTD
Autowaves Logistics Global Ltd is a delivery company that dispatches correspondence within and outside Nigeria. It offers delivery services in Lagos and a wide range of haulage, air freight and courier services.
How to Start a Delivery Company in Nigeria
For entrepreneurs looking to tap into the delivery services offerings in Nigeria, here are a few essential steps to get started:
-
Register your business
Register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). This will give you an edge as a business owner, permit you to open a business account and enjoy necessary commercial enterprise licenses.
-
Get the important coverage
You must get the necessary insurance for your enterprise through an insurance company, including legal responsibility coverage and automobile insurance. This will guard you against economic losses on an unexpected occurrence.
-
Invest in a fleet of automobiles
You need to invest or spend money to purchase vehicles to supply packages. It would be best if you bought or hired automobiles, depending on your budget. You can get a car registration code for every vehicle.
-
Hire dependable transport drivers
You need to hire reliable transport drivers who are familiar with the locations of deliveries. It would help to teach your drivers how to deliver products adequately and correctly. It is advisable to assess all potential employees and provide them with training for your organisation’s regulations and processes.
-
Market your business
You need to market your commercial enterprise to target customers. You can do that through online and offline advertising channels. Market your enterprise. You can promote your commercial enterprise via online and offline channels, such as social media, search engine optimisation (SEO), and print advertising.
Identify your target market, understand the opposition, analyse customer alternatives, develop brand identity, use digital advertising, and collaborate with e-commerce systems.
-
Choose a niche
What form of deliveries will you specialise in? Food? Groceries? E-commerce products? Once you know your niche, you may tailor your advertising and operations consequently. For example, Jumia specialises in electronics, hair products, etc. They also have an arm called Jumia Food that specialises in delivering food to their customers.
-
Build a robust IT infrastructure for tracking
There are some software solutions available that allow you to manage your shipping enterprise more correctly. For instance, you could use transport management software to track your drivers and deliveries in actual time. Use tracking services to prevent theft and adequately monitor the movement of products for your business.
Getting multiple deliveries and being able to track the real-time activity of the drivers is very important. Several companies in Nigeria offer tracking services for bikes, vehicles, trucks and automobiles in general.
-
Provide top-notch customer service
This is crucial for any business; however, it is particularly vital for delivery companies. Make sure that your customers have a high-quality experience with your business enterprise from the moment they place an order to the moment they receive their package. Prioritise excellent customer service, provide communication, and address concerns as fast as possible.
Are you a young entrepreneur who needs tools, tips, opportunities and the right network to fast-track your entrepreneurial growth and move your business to the next level? If yes, Our community is where you should be. Join us here.
Difficulties Encountered by Delivery Firms in Nigeria
There are instances where individuals in Nigeria need more favourable experiences with delivery companies. Instances of delivery delays are highly prevalent. However, most of the time, they may not be entirely at fault.
Let’s consider a few of the obstacles that these businesses encounter in Nigeria.
-
Poor infrastructure
The road network in Nigeria isn’t always in suitable condition, and visitors may be heavy in primary cities like Lagos. This can make it challenging to deliver applications on time. The condition of our roads has unquestionably impeded the efficient transport of products and services throughout the nation.
Most parts of the nation is inaccessible to delivery companies through inadequate road networks. Furthermore, the expense incurred by delivery companies due to vehicle breakdowns caused by the condition of our roads has increased. Additionally, certain areas need to be adequately connected by robust road networks.
Unquestionably, Nigeria’s road infrastructure is a significant barrier to the operation of efficient courier and delivery services.
-
Insecurity
Nigeria has a high crime rate and insecurity, so you will want to defend your drivers and motors. The absence of a security guarantee, whether for the products transported or the lives of the drivers, significantly impedes the effectiveness of delivery services. Unfortunately, delivery companies face the perils of driver abduction and loss of products daily. This impedes their advancement and presents a formidable obstacle.
-
Competition
The transport market in Nigeria is becoming more and more aggressive, so you will need to differentiate yourself from the competition.
-
Expensive logistics expenses
Numerous factors, including the condition of our roads and the fuel cost, have contributed to an unwarranted escalation in logistics expenses in Nigeria. Low patronage causes delivery companies to incur losses as a consequence.
-
A limited degree of technological adoption
Given the limited participation of the Nigerian population in e-commerce, the demand for delivery services might be better than it is. Despite these challenges, there may be a growing demand for shipping services in Nigeria. By following the steps above and making plans for your business, you can boost your presence in the market.
Solutions to Obstacles Facing Logistics Firms in Nigeria
Identifying the challenges delivery companies encounter is a mere formality; providing viable solutions to those challenges is of utmost significance.
-
Road infrastructure investment
The government ought to improve its performance in fulfilling a fundamental responsibility to ensure the provision of adequate road infrastructure. This will not solely alleviate the workload of delivery companies, but it will also contribute to the prosperity of other enterprises. This will ensure that expeditious, high-quality delivery is more than possible.
-
Collaboration with regional logistics providers
Given the potential unfamiliarity of most delivery companies with remote areas, establishing a mutually beneficial partnership with regional logistics providers is essential. Through this collaboration, delivery companies can provide their services in virtually every region of the nation.
-
Implementation of adequate security measures
Ensuring the security of the public is an imperative responsibility of the government in our society. Security is essential for the expansion and operation of enterprises. Therefore, more significant effort should be made by the government to guarantee that adequate security measures are implemented.
Additionally, delivery companies are not exempt from this requirement; they should implement sufficient security protocols when conducting delivery operations.
-
Adoption of technology
Even though majority of the globe have begun to inculcate technology into their activities, this region continues to lag, particularly in terms of technology adoption. E-commerce use should be encouraged, and delivery services should advocate for integrating technology. Technology can aid in security, delivery tracking, and countless other areas.
Conclusion
The delivery enterprise in Nigeria is developing hastily, and there are numerous possibilities for entrepreneurs to start delivery companies. As Nigeria’s economic system continues to grow, the delivery industry will keep experiencing growth.
Top gamers like Jumia Delivery, GIG Logistics, and Kwik Delivery are placing high requirements for high quality and efficiency. For people with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting delivery in the booming marketplace is a promising challenge.
By understanding the marketplace, investing in logistics and infrastructure, enforcing effective advertising strategies, and prioritising customer support, you can position your delivery company for success in Nigeria.
Don’t miss out on our latest valuable articles on Business Insights, Entrepreneurship, Technology and many more. Hurry and subscribe to our newsletter to be notified as soon as they are published.
Edited by Oluwanifemi Akintomide.
About Author
-
Hi. I'm Temitope Victoria, a technical writer with a strong foundation in computer science.
I'm passionate about writing engaging articles that enlightens readers on latest technologies.
My interests span across women, technology and lifestyle and entrepreneurship.
Latest entries
TechnologyDecember 13, 2023A Beginner’s Guide to Object-Oriented Programming
TechnologyNovember 22, 2023Who is a Network Engineer, and How Do You Become One?
Business InsightsNovember 7, 202310 Top and Emerging Delivery Companies in Nigeria
