How to Handle Delivery for an Online Business in Nigeria
A practical guide to delivery for Nigerian online sellers: zones and fees by state, choosing riders and logistics companies, packaging, pickup and handling failed deliveries.
The short answer: to handle delivery for an online business in Nigeria, decide where you will deliver, group those places into zones with realistic fees and delivery times, choose how parcels will move (your own rider, a dispatch rider service, an interstate logistics company or the park), package items to survive the trip, offer pickup where possible and keep customers informed until the order arrives. Price delivery from real costs, and only promise timelines you can meet.
Last updated 28 October 2026.
Want delivery fees calculated automatically at checkout? On Webift you set delivery zones by state with fees and estimates. Create a free Webift store.
The main delivery options in Nigeria
| Option | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Your own rider | Same-city, regular volume | Fixed cost, management |
| Dispatch rider services | Same-city, flexible volume | Varies by provider |
| Interstate logistics companies | Other states | Longer times, higher cost |
| Motor park (waybill) | Interstate on a budget | Customer collects, less tracking |
| Pickup | Customers near you | Customer travels |
Most sellers use a mix: a rider for their city, a logistics company for other states and pickup for nearby customers.
Step 1: Decide where you will deliver
Start with the areas you can serve reliably. It is better to deliver well to one city than badly to the whole country. Ask:
- Where are most of my customers?
- Which areas can I reach the same day or next day?
- Which states can I reach through a reliable logistics partner?
You can always expand later.
Step 2: Create delivery zones
Customers expect to see the delivery fee before they pay. Grouping locations into zones makes this simple. For example, a Lagos-based seller might use:
| Zone | Example areas | Example estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Lagos | 1 to 2 days |
| Zone 2 | Ogun, Oyo | 2 to 4 days |
| Zone 3 | Other states | 3 to 7 days |
On Webift, you group states into delivery zones and set a fee and a delivery estimate for each. Customers see the fee for their state at checkout. You can also set a free-delivery threshold, such as free delivery over a certain order value, and offer local pickup.
Webift does not book couriers for you. You choose and work with your own riders or logistics partners, and Webift handles the fees, estimates and order tracking on your side.
Step 3: Price delivery from real costs
Undercharging for delivery is one of the fastest ways to lose profit. To set fees:
- Get quotes from your rider or logistics partners for each zone.
- Add packaging costs and a small buffer for failed deliveries.
- Decide whether you will absorb part of the cost to stay competitive.
- Review fees regularly, because fuel and transport costs change.
Free delivery is a powerful offer, but it is never free for you. If you offer it, build it into your prices or set a minimum order value. See how to price your products.
Step 4: Choose reliable delivery partners
When choosing a rider service or logistics company:
- Ask for clear prices by area and parcel size.
- Ask how they handle failed deliveries, returns and damage.
- Ask whether they offer tracking or updates.
- If you use pay on delivery, ask how and when they remit collections.
- Start with a few orders before giving them all your volume.
Keep a backup partner for busy seasons.
Step 5: Package items to survive the trip
- Fragile items: bubble wrap, sturdy boxes and "fragile" labels.
- Liquids: sealed lids, tape around caps and a plastic bag inside the box.
- Clothing: waterproof mailers so rain does not ruin parcels.
- Food: sealed containers and insulated bags.
- High-value items: tamper-evident packaging.
Label every package with the order number, customer name and phone number.
Step 6: Keep customers informed
Uncertainty causes most delivery complaints. Tell customers:
- When their order is packed and dispatched.
- Who is delivering and how to reach them, if appropriate.
- When to expect it.
On Webift, orders move through clear stages (new, confirmed, processing, shipped and delivered) and customers receive email updates as their order progresses.
Step 7: Offer pickup where you can
Pickup is the cheapest and often fastest option for customers near you. If you have a shop, office or safe pickup point, offer it at checkout. See how to take your physical shop online.
Step 8: Plan for failed deliveries and returns
Decide in advance:
- How many attempts will you make?
- Who pays for a second delivery?
- What happens to items that are returned?
Write it into your delivery policy and share it before customers order. If you offer pay on delivery, read pay on delivery in Nigeria for ways to reduce failed orders.
Delivery checklist
- Delivery areas chosen
- Zones, fees and estimates set
- Riders and logistics partners tested
- Packaging ready for each product type
- Pickup option set up if available
- Delivery and returns policy published
- Customer updates in place
Frequently asked questions
How do online sellers deliver to other states in Nigeria?
Most use interstate logistics companies or send parcels through motor parks, with the customer collecting at the destination. Logistics companies usually offer more tracking and doorstep delivery at a higher price.
How much should I charge for delivery?
Charge based on what delivery actually costs you for each zone, plus packaging and a small buffer. Get quotes from partners and review them regularly.
Should I offer free delivery?
Only if you can afford it. Many sellers offer free delivery above a minimum order value so the extra sales cover the cost.
Can Webift arrange delivery for me?
Webift does not provide couriers. You set delivery zones, fees, estimates and pickup in your store, and work with your own riders or logistics partners to move parcels.
Make delivery predictable
Customers buy with more confidence when they know what delivery costs and when it will arrive. Create your Webift store, set up your delivery zones and share your store link. If you are still setting up, read how to create an online store in Nigeria.
