By Ayan Valentin | Special Report | interface Africa
Surulere, Lagos — On a bustling corner of Animashaun Street, just before Bode Thomas junction in Surulere, Lagos, sits a pair of modest food outlets that have quietly grown into a national success story. Known as “Amoke Oge,” this local food business has become an unlikely symbol of entrepreneurial resilience and consumer power in Nigeria’s often-criticized economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In just two years, Amoke Oge has reportedly fulfilled over 500,000 online orders through Chowdeck, a Nigerian food delivery service, amounting to more than ₦2.3 billion in revenue. With an average order value of ₦4,600, the numbers are staggering — and that’s only a portion of the story. Offline, the business reportedly sees even greater patronage, attracting hundreds of walk-in customers daily.
Two Shops, One Phenomenon
Amoke Oge operates two adjoining outlets, each specializing in different menu offerings. One focuses on traditional Nigerian “swallow” dishes such as pounded yam, amala, eba, and fufu served with a variety of rich soups. The other serves rice-based meals and other staples — each location teeming with customers from Tuesday to Sunday.
The vendor’s dual-shop model not only improves service flow and specialization but also showcases how small-scale food entrepreneurs are adapting and scaling to meet both demand and digital trends in Nigeria’s urban centers.
More Than a Meal: A Sign of Economic Resilience
In an era where headlines are often dominated by concerns about inflation, currency instability, and high unemployment, stories like Amoke Oge’s remind us that the Nigerian economy is far from dead. Rather, it is evolving — powered by informal businesses, digital platforms, and a population determined to create value regardless of systemic challenges.
The food vendor’s success mirrors a broader shift in Nigerian consumer behavior. Services like Chowdeck have revolutionized access to local cuisine, helping small businesses expand their reach beyond neighborhood foot traffic. For context, Chowdeck itself is part of a growing food-tech sector that’s capitalizing on Nigeria’s young, tech-savvy population and rapid urbanization.
A Blueprint for Homegrown Growth
Experts believe that businesses like Amoke Oge exemplify the grassroots economic activity that policymakers often overlook. According to a 2023 report by the National Bureau of Statistics, the informal sector — including street food vendors — contributes over 50% to Nigeria’s GDP and employs more than 80% of the labor force.
By leveraging technology while staying rooted in tradition, Amoke Oge has not only scaled financially but has also become a cultural staple in Lagos — a reflection of the vibrant, decentralized strength of the Nigerian economy.
Is the Economy “Dead”?
Critics of the current administration often point to macroeconomic indicators — currency devaluation, rising inflation, and subsidy removals — as signs of economic deterioration. But businesses like Amoke Oge challenge this narrative. They demonstrate that growth is still possible, particularly in the informal and digital hybrid sectors, where innovation, grit, and community connections drive success.
Conclusion:
Amoke Oge is more than just a popular food vendor in Surulere — it is a testament to the untapped potential of Nigeria’s local enterprise scene. In a country that often seems weighed down by its challenges, stories like these offer a flavorful reminder: Nigeria’s economy may be down in some sectors, but it is far from dead.
Sources:
- National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)
- Chowdeck Corporate Data
- Interviews with Local Customers
- On-ground Observations in Surulere
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