Chowdeck, a Nigerian delivery platform, has introduced a three-tier vendor verification badge system, following an investigation that exposed gaps within its verification process.
The Techpoint investigation exposed how a fake restaurant with fabricated details was listed on its platform and processed live orders, raising questions about customer safety.
Chowdeck says the new vendor badges aim to strengthen trust and safety on the platform. "In recent months, we've tightened verification escalation pathways, improved our onboarding risk assessments, and expanded manual review protocols to detect impersonation, policy abuse, and fraudulent activity earlier," the company said in a blog post.
The new verification system allows vendors to carry one of three badges: Verified, Awaiting Verification, or Shopper. Verified is for fully vetted and documented partners integrated directly into the platform, and Awaiting Verification is for starter businesses still undergoing checks and operating under strict restrictions.
Meanwhile, Shopper is for local vendors that are not direct partners with Chowdeck. This involves a shopper that purchases the items and delivers them to a rider.
While Chowdeck acknowledges that compliance extends beyond onboarding, the company stressed that vendors are continuously expected to meet operational and safety standards and that its internal teams review reports of impersonation, unauthorised representation, or suspicious activity.
The company says it's investing in stronger systems and clearer standards to improve security amid growth. "That work spans vendor quality, food safety, and operational accountability — and it includes working openly with regulators and welcoming appropriate oversight as digital commerce continues to mature in Nigeria."
This development comes amid Nigeria's food delivery market's rapid growth. Valued at $1.14 billion in 2025, the market is projected to reach $2.73 billion by 2034, according to IMARC Group. As the market expands, vendor verification becomes a major issue for platforms looking to maintain customer trust.
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