Nigerian small business owners now fulfil an average of 86 per cent of their monthly orders through delivery apps, according to a study by inDrive. The company is using the finding to promote inDrive.Couriers, its delivery service for small and medium-sized businesses.
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What merchants get
Through inDrive.Couriers, merchants can arrange same-day deliveries by motorcycle or car, propose their own price and choose verified couriers based on ratings. There are no lengthy contracts with logistics companies, which suits businesses with uneven order volumes.
Timothy Oladimeji, country manager of inDrive Nigeria, said the service helps businesses arrange deliveries on their terms, manage costs and keep track of orders. He added that it can reduce the time owners spend chasing deliveries, leaving more time for sales and customer relationships.
The parcel protection offer
inDrive also offers free parcel coverage, reimbursing up to ₦50,000 per order if a parcel is lost or damaged in transit. The cover was introduced in early September and applies to eligible business users at no extra cost.
There are conditions. Customers must contact support through the app within 48 hours of pickup. Claims are typically reviewed in three to seven days, and refunds can take up to 14 days for users who provide their bank details. Couriers go through identity checks, including validation against a government database.
What the numbers do and do not show
The 86 per cent figure comes from the company’s own study, and the sample size and methodology have not been published. It is best read as an indication of direction rather than a national measure. Still, it matches what many small sellers already say, that social commerce and app-based delivery have become the default way to reach customers.
The ₦50,000 cap is the more practical limit. For sellers of phones, fashion or electronics, a single parcel can be worth far more than the cover. Merchants shipping high-value goods will still need their own insurance or other safeguards.
Even so, the offer addresses a real fear. Lost or damaged deliveries hurt small businesses disproportionately because one failed order can wipe out a week’s margin. As competition in last-mile delivery grows, protection and reliability may count for more than price.
