inDrive, the global ride-hailing platform operating across nine African countries, has reported a doubling in the size of its courier workforce in Nigeria over the past year, showcasing the accelerating adoption of app-based delivery services in the country.
According to company data, the number of couriers registered on inDrive’s Nigerian platform nearly doubled between 2024 and 2025, reflecting both growing consumer demand for delivery services and a rising preference among urban workers for flexible, independent income streams.
The growth is concentrated in major urban centres such as Lagos and Abuja, but smaller cities are also contributing to the expansion. On average, motorcycle couriers complete about 50 deliveries per month, offering participants a steady source of daily cash flow. Company analytics further reveal that Fridays, Thursdays and Mondays are the busiest days for deliveries, providing couriers with actionable data to optimise earnings.
“More Nigerians are discovering that couriering through inDrive offers not just flexibility, but transparency and control over how and when they work. Whether to supplement existing income or as a primary earnings source, the platform allows workers to operate on individually comfortable schedules,” said Timothy Oladimeji, inDrive’s country representative for Nigeria.
The platform plans to further strengthen engagement with the launch of a dedicated loyalty programme this month. Designed to reward consistent performance, the initiative will provide Platinum-level couriers with priority access to delivery requests and higher visibility within the app. Additional incentives in Lagos include partner benefits such as discounts on health insurance, vehicle maintenance and wellness plans,measures aimed at increasing net earnings for participants.
Analysts say the rise in app-based couriering underscores the expanding role of digital platforms in Nigeria’s gig economy. As urban populations grow and consumer demand for last-mile delivery services rises, app-based work provides an important livelihood for many, particularly younger workers and those seeking flexible employment that accommodates family or educational commitments.
inDrive’s approach contrasts with traditional courier services, which often require formal employment contracts and fixed schedules. By leveraging data-driven insights and a performance-based loyalty programme, the company aims to improve both productivity and worker retention, signalling an emphasis on long-term income sustainability rather than purely transactional gig work.
Nigeria’s on-demand economy has expanded rapidly over the last five years, driven by smartphone penetration, urbanisation, and increased e-commerce activity. Delivery platforms like inDrive are now central to this ecosystem, linking small businesses and retailers with customers while simultaneously creating income opportunities for independent couriers.
