Exploring the Lives of Dispatch Riders

The logistics industry is responsible for managing the intricate flow of goods, which includes transportation, warehousing, inventory management, and distribution, from the point of origin to the final destination. This sector aims to optimize supply chains to ensure deliveries are both timely and cost- effective, with particular focus on niches such as courier services, freight forwarding, and last-mile delivery for e-commerce companies, restaurants, corporate offices, pharmacies, as well as for personal items.

Dispatch riders significantly contribute to the logistics industry, with many graduates opting for this line of work as a means of survival in a country where employment opportunities are dwindling.

In regions like Lagos and other areas in the South-West, the logistics sector heavily relies on dispatch riders, especially as the demand for their services has surged due to the growth of e-commerce and persistent traffic congestion.

Like many Nigerians striving to make ends meet, dispatch riders face numerous obstacles such as soaring fuel prices, traffic delays, harassment, and road accidents.

A tragic incident in May 2025 involved the death of two dispatch riders when a 20-foot container fell on them following a collision between two fully loaded Mack trucks on Eko Bridge heading towards Alaka, Lagos. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) linked this catastrophic event to unsafe speed and potential driver fatigue.

“Initial inquiries indicate that one of the truck drivers, allegedly speeding and possibly falling asleep, lost control of the vehicle. This led to the container detaching and crushing two unsuspecting dispatch riders who were following the route at that time,” LASTMA reported.

Kayode Adeola, a dispatch rider in Lagos, shared that every day of his job is fraught with danger due to the hazardous nature of Lagos roads and constant traffic issues. He noted that basic proficiency in motorcycle riding is essential for anyone looking to join the profession.

Adeola pointed out that salaries for couriers vary significantly between companies, stating, “Some pay around N70,000, while others may offer N80,000, depending on the employer.”

Highlighting the difficulties riders encounter, he emphasized, “Riders must have a good grasp of navigating Lagos roads due to the intensive traffic.”

Taiwo Atipede, another dispatch rider and a young graduate, mentioned that each day presents a hopeful outlook for better prospects. His pursuit of employment led him to apply for a dispatch rider position upon noticing an available job listing.

“I used to just be a regular graduate looking for better job opportunities until one day, on my way to a bank, I saw a job ad for a dispatch rider role. Since I can ride, I applied,” he recounted.

Atipede sees dispatch riding as a long-term career path, stating, “With the current circumstances, I consider it a permanent job. God has been good, and I continuously pray for more deliveries as I work hard because I crave success.”

He also outlined some of the challenges he faces while working, including potential arrests, accidents, and harassment. “The roads aren't safe for anyone; maintaining caution is vital. Always stay alert – you can’t rush as if trying to meet a deadline. Smart work and self-protection are key,” he advised.

Atipede shared a past ordeal when he was in an accident while attempting to make deliveries. “I got hurt on my left leg and had to stay home for about two to three weeks,” he recalled.

Driving factors for his perseverance are the numerous responsibilities he shoulders at home, sometimes involving his wife in deliveries. “Last Sunday, we went together with our daughter to deliver food to a client,” he described.

He noted that he can earn over N50,000 weekly, which he feels is hard to surpass in alternative jobs, and he also has to consider his family’s needs.

In Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, dispatch riders expressed that business is growing burdened by economic hardship, increased fuel prices, and dwindling delivery requests, which have greatly affected their earnings.

Many young Nigerians, as they shared with Weekend Trust, have turned to dispatch riding as the job market sinks further.

Peter James, who has been in dispatch riding for a year, explained that he took this path out of necessity. “This job wasn’t part of my career plan. I feel someone like me should be doing something else, but here I am due to job shortages,” he lamented, noting that he barely makes ends meet with his N60,000 monthly salary from the company he works for.

James mentioned a reduction in the number of deliveries he can make each day, which previously reached up to 10 but has now declined to about five or six, attributing it to the ongoing economic challenges affecting consumer behavior.

Another rider, Abocheila Global, who has also been in the profession for a year, commented on the uncertainties of dispatch riding, noting, “It’s risky work, but if you’re clever and strong, it can be managed. When it rains, I just wear my raincoat and keep going.”

He affirmed that earnings fluctuate with daily orders, sometimes raking in N20,000 to N40,000 in one day, but it typically picks up around festive periods.

Zahradeen Adamu, another rider, explained that he was compelled to switch to dispatch riding after failing to find work in his field as a house electrician. Riders often rely on mobile apps for orders and are expected to remit a weekly payment for the motorcycles they utilize.

He pointed out that a significant portion of his earnings goes to fuel costs and remittances after accounting for app fees. “If it rains, delays are inevitable and customers begin to complain about late deliveries,” he explained.

Ezra Shekoaye, who began working as a dispatch rider last November, explained the multiple risks involved in the job including accidents and potential robbery while on the road. “Riders sometimes carry packages they are unaware of, which heightens the risk if the goods are illegal,” he said, emphasizing the dangers of the job further exacerbated by the rising fuel costs.

Monday O. Akwayi, a Chemistry graduate, lamented that educated youths like him resort to dispatch riding due to lack of job opportunities. He detailed that many riders do not own their motorcycles and often pay hefty weekly charges to their owners.

“The payment is high; some people pay N30,000 to N36,000 weekly for their bikes. By the end of the week, your earnings might just about break even,” he remarked.

He recounted a personal incident of being assaulted by a customer during a delivery, thanking security personnel for later helping him sort the situation.

Akwayi called on the government to intervene by reducing fuel prices to alleviate the pressures faced by riders. “When fuel prices soar, it feels like you’re working just to pay for gas. We urge the government to make it more bearable for individuals like us,” he concluded.

Throughout the city, dispatch riders consistently indicated that this profession remains among the limited employment options for many youths navigating the harsh economic landscape in Nigeria.