Nigeria’s food delivery industry is thriving, with major players like Chowdeck, Glovo, and Food Court dominating the urban landscape. However, a new wave of startups is reshaping the sector by addressing hyperlocal needs—whether serving students on university campuses or delivering regional delicacies not available on mainstream platforms.
While larger companies focus on broad market reach, these emerging challengers succeed by targeting specific communities. Some specialize in providing affordable late-night meals for students, while others bring nostalgic hometown flavors to customers in different cities. Their strategy proves that in Nigeria’s expansive food market, success is not about reaching everyone—it’s about reaching the right people.
The campus-focused food delivery startups include;
Chao
Chao is a food, grocery, and medicine delivery service catering to university students. It currently operates at the University of Port Harcourt and Pan-Atlantic University, with plans to expand to 12 additional locations. Through its web-based platform, students can access both local vendors and major restaurant chains such as Kilimanjaro and Chicken Republic.
Founded in 2021 by Gift Akobundu (CEO) and Melvin Senne-Aya (COO), Chao started at Babcock University in 2022 and has since remained bootstrapped. The startup has processed ₦70 million in gross merchandise value (GMV) across 25,000 orders, reporting ₦17.5 million ($11,669) in revenue for 2024 and ₦10 million in rider payouts. Its proximity to students allows for faster deliveries and fosters strong brand loyalty.
BelaChow
Previously known as Belarush, BelaChow serves Lead City University in Ibadan and Redeemer’s University in Ede. The platform delivers both fast food from major chains like KFC and Burger King and local street favorites such as mai shayi and akara.
Beyond food, BelaChow offers student laundry services, with plans starting at ₦7,000 for ironing and ₦10,000 for full-service washing, folding, and ironing. Meal deliveries start at ₦1,000, with delivery fees from ₦250. While details about its founders and funding remain undisclosed, its hyperlocal approach has made it a favorite among students.
Yabatech Food Delivery
Serving students at Yaba College of Technology and the University of Lagos, Yabatech Food Delivery offers affordable meals from nearby restaurants. Unlike competitors with dedicated apps, the service operates through a web-based ordering system with meals starting at ₦1,000.
The regional and hyperlocal food delivery startups include;
Ogwugo
Ogwugo, based in Enugu, has built a loyal customer base in Eastern Nigeria, particularly in Nsukka. The platform blends popular chains like Chicken Republic with local restaurants offering Eastern delicacies such as ntachi osa, nkwobi, and oha soup.
Founded in 2017 by Ugochukwu Aronu, Ogwugo has received $51,000 in funding, including support from the Ford Foundation. Prices range from ₦1,400 to ₦5,000, with free delivery available in some areas.
Olili
Launched in 2019 by Nweze Ikechukwu Emeka, Olili operates in Asaba and Warri, featuring a wide selection of local restaurants. By 2021, the platform had completed over 14,000 orders and gained 3,400 users. With $125,000 in seed funding secured in 2020, the startup expanded its reach.
A key differentiator for Olili is its focus on local cuisine, with a typical delivery from Asaba Mall to Asaba Terminal costing ₦1,950.
Dado Food
With operations in Enugu and Abuja, Dado Food offers deliveries from restaurants, grocery stores, local markets, and pharmacies. The platform tailors its offerings to each city—while Enugu customers can order from Chicken Republic, Abuja users have more options for local eateries.
Founded in 2017 by Ugome Chukwuebuka, Isaac David Mayowa, and Chukwu Chinasa, Dado charges a delivery fee of ₦6,510 for an order 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 provides on-demand food delivery in Lagos and Abeokuta. While its Lagos offerings are extensive, its Abeokuta menu is still expanding. Customers can order via web or mobile app.
The lagos-based food delivery startups include;
ChowCentral
Formerly known as 500Chow, ChowCentral gained popularity during the COVID-19 lockdown as a cloud kitchen. The Y Combinator-backed startup generates over $80,000 in monthly revenue, primarily serving Lekki, Oniru, Victoria Island, Surulere, Ajah, and Yaba.
Founded by Tosin Onafuye, Christopher Obasi, and Adeyemo Onafuye, ChowCentral offers 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 vision: to bring premium restaurant meals directly to customers’ doors. Founded in 2023, UrbanEats operates in Lekki, Ikoyi, and Victoria Island, offering selections from high-end restaurants like Ikoko, Chow City, Cindy’s, and Adun Kitchen.
To encourage customer retention, UrbanEats runs a meal points system, offering ₦10 for every ₦4,000 spent. A ₦4,000 order earns ₦300 in Mealbot points.
OjaNow
Founded by Demi Hastruup, Jamal Kasumu, and Alvin Ukpeh, OjaNow provides on-demand delivery of groceries, alcohol, electronics, and gifts. The 24/7 service, operating in Lagos, offers deliveries starting at ₦250.
In 2024, OjaNow secured $150,000 in pre-seed funding, valuing the company at $6 million. With over 300 stocked products in strategically located storage facilities, the startup ensures rapid deliveries.
Nigeria’s food delivery sector is witnessing an increase in hyperlocal startups catering to specific communities such as university students and regional cuisine lovers. Up and coming players like Chao, BelaChow, Ogwugo, and UrbanEats are filling service gaps left by dominant platforms like Chowdeck and Glovo. These startups leverage localized offerings, faster deliveries, and community loyalty to carve out a space specially for them in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving food tech landscape.
