Quick Facts for Tourists
Best Tourist App
Bolt Food or Chowdeck
Both English, growing coverage in Lagos
Foreign Cards
Limited Acceptance
Cash on delivery recommended as backup
Phone Number
Nigerian SIM Very Helpful
Needed for local payments and driver calls
Language
English (Official)
All apps operate in English
Top Food Delivery Apps in Nigeria
Nigeria's food delivery scene is growing rapidly, driven by one of Africa's most vibrant tech ecosystems. Lagos and Abuja have the best coverage. English is the official language, so there are no language barriers. Foreign card acceptance can be tricky due to Nigerian banking regulations, so having cash on delivery as a backup is important. Nigerian food (jollof rice, suya, pounded yam, egusi soup) is phenomenal and delivers well.
Bolt Food
Food Delivery — Growing PlatformBolt Food operates within the Bolt super app, which many tourists already use for ride-hailing in Lagos and Abuja. The food delivery section has been growing steadily with a good selection of restaurants. Bolt is one of the most used ride-hailing apps in Nigeria, so having it installed is useful for multiple purposes. Foreign card support through the Bolt app is available but can be inconsistent. Cash on delivery is the reliable backup option.
Chowdeck
Food Delivery — Nigerian-Built PlatformChowdeck is a proudly Nigerian food delivery platform that has been one of the success stories of Nigeria's tech scene. Founded in Lagos, it has strong partnerships with local restaurants and a wide selection of Nigerian and international cuisine. The app is well-designed, operates in English, and has competitive pricing. Chowdeck represents the best of Nigerian tech innovation applied to food delivery. Coverage is strongest in Lagos with expansion to other Nigerian cities.
Glovo
Food & Everything DeliveryGlovo operates in Lagos and offers food delivery alongside grocery, pharmacy, and package delivery. For tourists, Glovo has the advantage of being an international platform that is more likely to accept foreign credit cards compared to local-only apps. The restaurant selection is decent and growing. If you have used Glovo in other countries (Spain, Morocco, Kenya), your account and payment methods may work in Nigeria too.
Grocery & Convenience Delivery
Grocery delivery in Nigeria is available in major cities, though options are more limited than in some other countries.
Bolt Grocery & Pricepally
Grocery Delivery — Lagos & AbujaBolt offers grocery delivery within its app in Lagos. Pricepally is a Nigerian grocery delivery platform offering fresh produce, meats, and pantry staples at competitive prices. Jumia Food also has a grocery section. For tourists in self-catering accommodation, these services can deliver water, snacks, fresh food, and household essentials. Cash on delivery is typically available.
Tourist Reality Check
Nigeria is a growing but developing delivery market. Here is what tourists need to know.
Foreign Card Issues
Nigerian banking regulations can make foreign card acceptance tricky. Some apps may decline foreign cards or have intermittent issues with international payments. Glovo is the most reliable for foreign cards. Always have Nigerian naira in cash as a backup for cash on delivery. Exchange money at the airport, your hotel, or a bureau de change. Having both payment options available ensures you can always order.
Lagos Traffic Is Legendary
Lagos is famous for its traffic congestion, locally known as "go-slow." Delivery times can be highly unpredictable, especially during rush hours. A delivery that might take 20 minutes off-peak could take over an hour during peak traffic. Motorcycle delivery helps navigate congestion but times still vary. Order early for meals and avoid peak hours (7-10 AM, 4-8 PM) when possible.
Nigerian Food Is Incredible
Nigerian cuisine is one of West Africa's greatest food traditions. Jollof rice (the legendary dish), suya (spiced grilled meat), pounded yam with egusi or ogbono soup, pepper soup, moi moi (bean pudding), and akara (bean fritters) all deliver well. The food is flavorful, generous in portion, and affordable. Do not miss the opportunity to try authentic Nigerian dishes through delivery. Many restaurants specialize in specific regional cuisines.
Tech Scene Driving Improvement
Nigeria has one of Africa's most vibrant tech startup ecosystems (nicknamed "Silicon Lagoon" in Lagos). This means food delivery technology is improving rapidly. New apps launch regularly, existing apps get better, and the overall delivery experience is on an upward trajectory. What you read about Nigerian delivery today may be significantly better by the time you visit.
Tipping & Delivery Etiquette
Tipping in Nigeria is appreciated and valued by delivery workers.
Tips Appreciated (200-500 NGN)
Tipping delivery drivers 200-500 NGN (approximately $0.25-0.65 USD) is appreciated. Tips are not always expected but are valued, especially for deliveries in difficult traffic conditions or bad weather. When paying cash on delivery, rounding up is a common way to tip. Nigerians are warm and appreciative of generosity.
Hotel & Accommodation Delivery
Hotel delivery works in Lagos and Abuja's main areas.
Lagos Island and Victoria Island Well-Served
Hotels in Lagos Island, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki areas have good delivery coverage. These are the main tourist and business areas with numerous hotel options. International hotel chains and local boutique hotels all accommodate food delivery. Drivers typically come to the hotel entrance or lobby. In Abuja, the Wuse and Maitama areas are well-served.
Gated Estates Have Security Protocols
Many residential areas and some hotels in Lagos and Abuja are in gated estates with security at the entrance. Delivery drivers are familiar with checking in at security gates. Provide the estate name, any access codes, and your specific building or unit number in delivery instructions. Security guards will verify and allow the driver through.
Download Before You Land
Get these apps set up before your flight to Nigeria.
Nigeria Download Pack
- Bolt — Download for rides and food delivery. The most versatile app for Nigeria.
- Chowdeck — Download for the best local Nigerian restaurant selection.
- Glovo — Download for the best foreign card acceptance and multi-purpose delivery.
- Google Maps — Download offline maps for Lagos and Abuja.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but with some limitations. Bolt Food and Chowdeck are the main options in Lagos and Abuja. English is the official language, so no language barriers. Foreign card acceptance can be tricky due to banking restrictions — cash on delivery is the most reliable payment method for tourists. Have Nigerian naira ready.
Foreign card acceptance is limited in Nigeria due to banking regulations. Glovo is the most reliable for foreign cards. Bolt Food and Chowdeck may have inconsistent foreign card support. Cash on delivery is widely available and reliable. Always have Nigerian naira as backup.
Bolt Food and Chowdeck are the best options in Lagos. Bolt Food benefits from the Bolt ecosystem (also used for rides). Chowdeck has strong local restaurant partnerships. Both operate in English. Lagos Island and Victoria Island have the best coverage. Glovo is also available for wider delivery needs.
Chowdeck is a Nigerian-built food delivery platform founded in Lagos. It has grown rapidly with strong local restaurant partnerships and a wide selection of Nigerian and international cuisine. The app is well-designed, operates in English, and has competitive pricing. It is one of the success stories of Nigeria's tech startup scene.
Yes, cash on delivery is common and often the most practical payment method in Nigeria for tourists. Keep Nigerian naira in small denominations (500, 1000, 2000 naira notes). Drivers may not carry much change. Exchange money at the airport or your hotel.
Lagos traffic ("go-slow") significantly affects delivery times. During rush hours (7-10 AM, 4-8 PM), deliveries can take much longer than estimated. Motorcycles help navigate congestion but times still vary. Order early for meals and avoid peak hours when possible. Off-peak ordering is recommended for the best experience.