A lady and an inDrive driver recently had a big fight. It has got people talking again about the problems many Nigerians face with delivery services.
The lady said the inDrive app first showed a price of ₦3,800 to deliver her cake. But after the driver picked up the cake, he called her. He said he thought the delivery address was near Surulere, so he wanted ₦5,000 instead.
She told him to bring the cake back if he did not like the first price. But he said no. She said the driver later brought the price down to ₦4,500. He also said he would leave with the cake if she did not agree to pay.
The lady then told him to just continue to the delivery address. When he got there, she paid him ₦4,000. This led to a serious argument between them.
This is not the only case like this. Many people have complained about dispatch riders doing bad things. Some riders open customers’ packages. Some ask for more money after they have already agreed to a job. Some delay deliveries. Some refuse to hand over items unless they get extra cash.
For example, Ebuka Okafor is an architecture graduate who lives on Baruwa Street, Ojo Road, Lagos. He said his fruit order arrived with only two baskets, instead of the three he paid for.
In the same way, Olamide Michael, a medical doctor, said her food delivery bag had been torn open. She said some of her fries were missing, and her small chops looked less than what she ordered.
Other common complaints from customers include:
- Riders cancelling deliveries halfway, after already taking the package
- Long delays with no explanation
- Fragile items getting damaged because riders handle them badly
- Riders refusing to give out items unless they are paid more
- Difficulty finding lost or stolen items because some riders cannot be traced
At the same time, dispatch riders also have real problems that make their work hard.
Problems Dispatch Riders Face
- High Fuel Costs and Low Pay — Fuel prices keep going up, but many riders still earn very little after paying for fuel and fixing their bikes.
Solution: Use apps like Google Maps and Waze to find faster routes. Combine deliveries that are going the same way. Ride in a way that saves fuel.
- Bikes Breaking Down Often — Bad roads and daily heavy use often damage tyres, batteries, and engines.
Solution: Service the bike regularly. Check engine oil, tyres, and brakes often. Carry basic tools and spare tubes.
- Harassment from Police and Task Forces — Some riders are stopped again and again by police and other officials. This sometimes leads to fines or bribes.
Solution: Always carry valid papers. Register with known logistics companies. Wear proper reflective jackets and obey traffic rules.
- Safety Risks — Riders spend long hours on the road. They face accidents, heavy rain, bad roads, and dirty air.
Solution: Wear good helmets, gloves, boots, and reflective raincoats. Follow speed limits. Avoid risky riding.
- Carrying Dangerous Packages — Some customers, knowingly or not, give riders illegal items to carry.
Solution: Check package contents when possible. Write down the sender’s details. Companies should check customers properly and keep delivery records.
Problems Customers Face with Dispatch Riders
- Late Deliveries — Traffic, poor directions, or too many deliveries at once can cause delays.
Solution: Customers should give correct addresses and landmarks. Riders should keep customers updated.
- Missing or Damaged Items — Some customers say their food, groceries, or other items arrive incomplete or look like they were opened.
Solution: Restaurants and vendors should seal packages properly. Customers should check their package as soon as it arrives. Delivery companies should look into complaints quickly.
- Price Increase After Pickup — Some riders ask for more money after they have already agreed to do the delivery.
Solution: Companies should make sure the first agreed price stays, unless both sides agree to change it. Customers should report riders who ask for extra money without good reason.
- Dangerous Riding — Some riders ride against traffic, ignore traffic lights, or speed. This puts lives at risk.
Solution: Regular training for riders. Strong enforcement of traffic laws. Punishment for riders who keep breaking rules.
- Poor Communication — Some riders turn off their phones or don’t tell customers about delays.
Solution: Companies should check how riders communicate. Riders should keep their phones on and update customers when there is a delay.
- Trouble Getting Back Lost Items — When something goes wrong, some customers find it hard to trace the rider or get their item back.
Solution: Use registered dispatch companies or trusted apps. Always keep receipts, rider details, and tracking information.
General Tips for Customers
- Only use registered dispatch companies or trusted delivery apps
- Ask for the rider’s name, phone number, and bike registration number
- Pack fragile items well
- Keep proof of payments and messages
- Report bad behaviour right away through the company’s support channels
My Analysis
Trust is becoming a big problem in Nigeria’s dispatch industry. Some riders do bad things, like asking for extra money or damaging packages. But many honest riders are also struggling with high fuel costs, bad roads, and harassment from officials. No one side is fully to blame.
Customers should use trusted logistics companies and give correct delivery details. Riders should stay professional, respect the agreed price, and handle people’s property with care. Logistics companies also need to do their part — checking riders properly, giving good customer support, punishing bad behaviour, and improving tracking systems.
A delivery service only works well when there is trust between everyone involved. Without that trust, cases like this inDrive dispute will keep happening, and people will keep losing confidence in the industry.
Watch Video Below:
https://x.com/ChuksEricE/status/2074031191242481968?t=CnDvi-bp7Es_NIPxw1wguQ&s=19
Published by Ejoh Caleb
