Nigeria’s post and courier sector has emerged as a powerhouse of the 2025 digital economy, recording a staggering ₦248.14 billion turnover in just nine months. This represents a 56.28% increase from the ₦158.73 billion earned during the same period in 2024, signaling that logistics is no longer just a support service—it is the very pulse of Nigerian trade.
While the numbers are high, they reveal a fascinating story of seasonal shifts, the “e-commerce effect,” and a new era of “informal exports.”
The Quarterly Rollercoaster: Festive Booms vs. Rainy Realities
The sector’s performance in 2025 followed a distinct seasonal pattern, highlighting how weather and holidays dictate the flow of goods in Nigeria.
| Period | 2025 Turnover | 2024 Turnover | Growth Analysis |
| Q1 (Jan–Mar) | ₦140.35bn | ₦80.89bn | Driven by dry-season mobility and post-festive spending. |
| Q2 (Apr–Jun) | ₦54.79bn | ₦39.75bn | Dip caused by heavy rains and reduced social events (weddings). |
| Q3 (Jul–Sep) | ₦53.00bn | ₦38.09bn | Lowest activity due to peak rainy season and supply chain friction. |
The E-commerce Revolution
According to Dr. Muda Yusuf of the CPPE, the structural shift in how Nigerians shop is the primary engine behind this growth. Intra-city dispatch services—the ubiquitous motorcycles weaving through Lagos and Abuja traffic—have become the backbone of the retail sector.
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Home Delivery Preference: Consumers have swapped physical markets for digital storefronts, relying on couriers for everything from groceries to gadgets.
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The “Naira Advantage” in Exports: The weak currency has inadvertently boosted a new niche: Small-scale informal exports. Nigerians are increasingly sending food, fashion, and local goods to the diaspora via courier, finding it more lucrative than traditional domestic sales.
Realities from the Road
Despite the high-level growth, grassroots operators face a different battle. Drivers and logistics experts point to two major “clogs” in the progress:
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The Fuel Burden: While “waybill” (parcel delivery) demand is high, the high cost of petrol has squeezed the profit margins for individual drivers.
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Infrastructure Friction: “Everything has limits,” says Mr. Stephen, a driver with TRACAS. The rainy season doesn’t just slow down sales; it physically halts the movement of goods as weather-damaged roads become impassable.
“Logistics is a barometer of the economy. When goods move, the economy is vibrant. When they stop, the heartbeat slows.” — Marcel Mba, Supply Chain Expert.
The 2026 Outlook
As we head into 2026, the sector is projected to hit nearly ₦500 billion in annual revenue. The key to sustaining this growth lies in resilience—specifically, moving toward CNG-powered delivery fleets to lower fuel costs and improving last-mile infrastructure to withstand the inevitable rainy seasons.
