How to Upload an App on Google Play Store in Nigeria (Step-by-Step Guide)

Are you a Nigerian app developer or tech entrepreneur looking to launch your mobile app to a global audience? The Google Play Store is your gateway to reaching millions of Android users worldwide. Whether you’re launching a startup product, building a utility app, or testing a tech idea, publishing your app on Google Play is a critical step.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to upload an Android app on the Google Play Store in Nigeria.


Step 1: Create a Google Developer Account

To upload an app on the Play Store, you need a Google Play Developer Account.

  1. Visit https://play.google.com/console
  2. Sign in with your Google account
  3. Pay a one-time registration fee of $25 (approximately ₦30,000 depending on exchange rate)
    Tip: You can use a Mastercard, Visa, or a dollar card to make this payment from Nigeria.
  4. Fill in your developer profile details – name, country, and contact email

Once your payment is successful, your account will be activated within a few hours.


Step 2: Prepare Your App for Release

Before uploading, ensure your app is ready:

  • Finalize your app code
  • Remove all test data or debug code
  • Generate a signed APK or AAB file (Android App Bundle is now recommended)
  • Test it thoroughly on different Android devices

Pro Tip: Use Android Studio to generate your signed APK/AAB. Don’t forget to keep your keystore file safe – you’ll need it for future updates.


Step 3: Create a New App in Google Play Console

  1. Log into your Google Play Console
  2. Click “Create App”
  3. Choose your app name, default language, and app type (App/Game, Free/Paid)
  4. Tick the developer policies and U.S. export laws acknowledgment
  5. Click “Create”

Step 4: Add Store Listing Details

This is where you present your app professionally:

  • App Name: The name that appears on Play Store
  • Short Description (80 characters): Quick summary
  • Full Description (up to 4000 characters): Describe features, benefits, and how to use it
  • Screenshots: Minimum 2 screenshots of your app
  • App Icon: 512×512 pixels (PNG)
  • Feature Graphic: 1024 x 500 pixels
  • Category: Choose app category and type (e.g., Productivity, Education)
  • Contact Info: Provide your support email and optionally your website

Step 5: Upload the APK or AAB File

  1. Go to the “Release” > “Production” section
  2. Click “Create new release”
  3. Upload your signed APK or AAB
  4. Add release notes (what’s new in this version)
  5. Save the release

Step 6: Fill in App Content and Policies

To comply with Google Play policies:

  • Privacy Policy: Upload the link to your privacy policy page
  • Content Rating: Fill the questionnaire to rate your app
  • Target Audience: Specify the age group of your users
  • Ads Declaration: State whether your app contains ads
  • Data Safety Form: Declare what data your app collects and how it is used

Step 7: Set Pricing & Distribution

  • Choose whether your app will be Free or Paid
  • Select the countries where your app will be available (Nigeria and others)
  • Enable devices and programs (such as Android TV or Wear OS) if applicable

Step 8: Review and Publish

After completing all required steps:

  1. Go back to Production > Release > Review Release
  2. Make sure all checklists are green
  3. Click “Start Rollout to Production”, then “Publish”

Your app will now go through Google’s review process which can take anywhere from a few hours to 7 days.


Bonus Tips for Nigerian Developers

  • Use Payoneer or a dollar account if you plan to earn money from your app
  • Promote your app on social media, WhatsApp, and Nigerian tech communities like Nairaland or DevCareer
  • Optimize your Play Store listing for better visibility
  • Collect feedback and regularly update your app

Ready to Launch Your App?

At Appfur Nigeria, we help developers and business owners design, build, and publish world-class Android apps. Whether you need help with development or Play Store publishing, our team is here to guide you from idea to launch.

Need help uploading your app? Contact Appfur Nigeria today and let’s bring your app to life!

We design and build high-quality, scalable mobile apps tailored to your needs.

Let’s talk! Message us on WhatsApp now: Click Here

Your next big app starts here!

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