Dispatch riding, also known as bike courier service, is growing rapidly in Nigeria especially the major cities like Lagos and Abuja. Online shopping and delivery services are in high demand. With the rise of e-commerce, food delivery apps, and businesses that require same-day deliveries, dispatch riders have become a very important part of the logistics chain in Nigeria. If you have been in some cities in Nigeria you will agreed with me that dispatch riding business is really booming. With this , i will take us into Dispatch Rider Nigeria: Earnings, Opportunities, and How to Get Started. What it takes to become one, and tips on succeeding in this line of business. So make sure you read to the end.
How Much Do Dispatch Riders Make in Nigeria?
The earning of a dispatch rider depends on this four things, Your experience, determination, location and volume of work you have.
Dispatch rider earning can also be classified into two category.
(1) Self employed rider
(2) Employed rider.
The sel employed riders work for themselves and earn bigger…the likes of GOKADA/KWIK/JUMIA, CHEWBECK, GLOVO and many more, earns good amount of money per day. Some of them earn N30,000- N50,000 per day depending on how the day play out.
While the employed riders are on a determined salary which vary from 60k to 150k per month.
The most important factor that will determine your earning is your experience. A dispatch rider with 2 years experience in Lagos makes more than N30,000 per day, if your working for yourself. While those with experience and still work for companies earn not less than N120k per month depending on the company.
For Per Delivery Earnings in Lagos: Many dispatch riders are paid per delivery. The fee can range from N2,500 to N10,000 or more, depending on the distance, size, and urgency of the delivery.
Daily and Monthly Income: A hustling dispatch rider can complete many deliveries in a day. On average, a rider can earn between N20k to N100k daily. This translates to a monthly income of N300k to N500k on average with consistent work.
Employed vs. Self employed: Some dispatch riders work as employees for companies, receiving a fixed salary along with pension and bonuses. While self employed riders are paid per delivery and may earn more during high-demand periods. However, self employed also bear the cost of bike maintenance, fuel, and other expenses which make them look more rough than the employed ones.
How to go into dispatch ridding job or business
If you’re considering becoming a dispatch rider, here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:
(1) Get a good motorcycle with 200+cg: A good motorcycle is your main tool for delivery in almost all the major cities in Nigeria and this because of traffic congestion. The motorcycle can easily maneuver and find a way to their destination without waiting for other vehicles.
(2) Get the Necessary Licenses: In place like Lagos or Abuja you will pay heavily if the vehicle license officers found out that your papers are not complete, so you have to get your paper complete. This are the required paper for dispatch rider in Lagos and Ogun state.
Required paper for dispatch rider in Lagos and Ogun state.
- Vehicle/Bike Registration
- CAC Processing (Incorporated Only)
- NIPOST Application Letter
- OK Papers
- Road Worthiness
- Hackney Permit & Vehicle License
- Local Government Papers
- Lagos State Stickers
- Ogun State Stickers
- Interstate/Consolidated Papers
- Stage Carriage
- LASAA
- Insurance
- New Bike Purchase
- Fairly Used Bike Purchase
- Dispatch Box
- Helmet
- Rider’s Kit
- Hire Purchase Bikes
- Dispatch Riders Training
(3) Buy safety kits: Safety is very important in this job. Invest in a quality helmet, reflective jacket, gloves, and other protective gear. Some companies may provide these, but if you’re self employed, you’ll need to purchase them yourself.
(4) Familiarize yourself with the city or area you’ll be working in: Knowing the fastest routes, traffic patterns, and shortcuts will save time and fuel, allowing you to complete more deliveries faster.
(5) Sign Up with a Delivery Platform: Many riders start by joining delivery platforms like Gokada, Glovo, Jumia etc or local courier services. These platforms will give you a steady stream of orders and an easy way to manage your work.
(6) Market Your Services: If you’re starting as a self employed, consider marketing your services to local businesses. Restaurants, pharmacies, and retail stores often need reliable delivery services.
(7) Manage Your Finances: Track your earnings and expenses diligently. This will help you understand your profit margins and identify areas where you can cut costs or increase efficiency.
(8) Stay Updated on Industry Trends: The delivery industry is constantly changing, with new technologies and customer preferences shaping the market. Stay informed about trends like electric motorcycles, new delivery company etc.
Challenges you will face in dispatch ridding job
You can earn a lot of money in dispatch riding business or job with it also come with a lot of risk and challenges which i listed bellow:
(1) Weather Conditions: Rain, extreme heat, or cold can make riding difficult and dangerous. Always check the weather forecast before heading out.
(2) Traffic and Road Safety: Passing through heavy traffic on a daily basis is not a beans for dispatch riders and you have to maintain extreme carefulness to be save.
(3) Task force and touts on the road: Most time you have to settle task force or other law enforcement agencies even when you have not commuted any offense to avoid delay.
(4) Customer Expectations: Fast delivery times and excellent customer service are key to success. However, unrealistic expectations can lead to stress. Especially when your phone start ringing non stop.
(5) Bike Maintenance Costs: Regular use of your motorcycle will lead to wear and tear. Set aside a portion of your earnings for maintenance and unexpected repairs to avoid downtime.
Scaling Up: Turning Dispatch Riding into a Business
For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, dispatch riding can be scaled into a full-fledged delivery business. Here’s how:
- Expand Your Fleet: As demand grows, consider hiring other riders and expanding your fleet. Start by leasing additional bikes or partnering with other riders. Make sure to set clear terms and conditions for collaboration.
- Invest in Technology: Utilize delivery management software to handle orders, track deliveries, and manage rider schedules. A good system can streamline operations and improve customer satisfaction.
- Diversify Your Services: Expand beyond traditional deliveries. Consider offering specialized services like same-day courier, temperature-controlled deliveries, or large-item transport. The more versatile your services, the more clients you can attract.
- Build Partnerships: Form partnerships with local businesses that require regular delivery services. This could include restaurants, pharmacies, e-commerce stores, or even corporate offices that need document delivery.
- Create a Brand: Developing a recognizable brand can help you stand out in the market. Invest in a professional logo, uniforms, and branded delivery bags. Build an online presence through a website and social media to attract more clients.
- Focus on Customer Satisfaction: Happy customers lead to repeat business and referrals. Encourage feedback, and always strive to improve your service. Consider implementing a customer loyalty program to reward frequent users.
Please add anything i missed here at the comment section.
Final Thoughts
Dispatch riding gives you a flexible and potentially lucrative career, especially for those who enjoy the freedom of the road and working independently. By understanding the earning potential, preparing adequately, and continuously improving your service, you can turn it to a successful business in the logistics industry. Whether you choose to work for a company or self employed, the key to success lies in reliability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Share your thought and experience at the comment section.
