Did you know? More than 70% of Nigerians now prefer shopping on their phones โ and mobile commerce is growing faster than ever. If you run a Shopify store in Nigeria, having a mobile app is no longer a luxury โ itโs a strategic necessity.
With a mobile app, your customers can browse, shop, and make payments faster โ all from their phones. But the big question is: How much does it cost to build a Shopify mobile app in Nigeria?
Letโs break it down.
What Is a Shopify Mobile App?
A Shopify mobile app is a mobile version of your online store โ built for Android, iOS, or both. It connects directly to your Shopify dashboard, allowing your customers to:
- Browse your products
- Add items to cart
- Checkout easily
- Track their orders
- Get real-time updates through push notifications
Whether youโre selling fashion, food, electronics, or skincare, a mobile app makes your brand feel more professional and trustworthy.
Key Factors That Affect the Cost in Nigeria
1. Type of App You Want to Build
There are two major options in Nigeria:
- Using an App Builder (like Shopney, Tapcart, or Vajro):
These platforms allow you to turn your Shopify store into an app using templates. You can launch fast, but the app wonโt be fully unique to your brand.
Monthly cost: โฆ100,000 โ โฆ400,000, depending on features and subscription plan. - Custom App Development (with a Nigerian tech agency like Appfur):
Here, your app is built from scratch. You can design it how you like, add local payment systems, and include special features.
One-time cost: โฆ2.5 million โ โฆ12 million, depending on complexity.
2. Features and Functionality
The more features you want, the more it costs. For example:
- Basic app with product listings and checkout: from โฆ2.5 million
- Advanced features like:
- Paystack/Flutterwave integration
- In-app chat
- Loyalty points
- Push notifications
- Multi-language or multi-vendor setup
These could raise your cost to โฆ6 million โ โฆ12 million
3. App Design
A simple app using Shopifyโs standard style will be cheaper. But if you want a beautifully branded design that reflects your logo, colours, and unique customer experience, expect to budget more.
Custom design in Nigeria usually costs โฆ300,000 โ โฆ1.5 million
4. Platform โ Android, iOS, or Both?
Most Nigerian customers use Android phones. So, if youโre on a tight budget, you can start with Android only.
If you want both Android and iOS apps, your total cost will go up by around 40% to 50%, depending on the developer.
5. Developer or Agency You Hire
Working with Nigerian developers is often more affordable than hiring from the US or UK โ but the quality varies.
- Freelance developers may charge โฆ1.5 million โ โฆ4 million for a simple app
- Established agencies like Appfur charge โฆ5 million โ โฆ15 million, but provide a complete service: UI/UX design, development, testing, launch, and support
How Long Does It Take to Build?
- Basic Shopify app: 2 โ 4 weeks
- Mid-level custom app: 1 โ 2 months
- Advanced app with custom logic and integrations: 2 โ 4 months
Should You Use an App Builder or Build from Scratch?
If you’re just starting out, or want to test how your customers respond to an app, you can use a Shopify app builder and launch within a few days.
If your brand is growing, and you want full control over the experience (plus no monthly subscription), then custom app development is the smarter, long-term move. Youโll own your app completely.
Whatโs the Bottom Line?
Hereโs a simple summary for Nigerian Shopify store owners:
- Starter option (with templates):
Monthly payments of โฆ100k โ โฆ400k, quick to launch. - Custom-built app (built from scratch):
One-time investment of โฆ2.5 million โ โฆ15 million, depending on design, features, and platform.
Want to Build Your Own Shopify Mobile App in Nigeria?
At Appfur, we build powerful, well-designed Shopify mobile apps for businesses across Nigeria. Whether you’re in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, or anywhere else, we help you create a mobile experience that drives sales, keeps customers coming back, and grows your brand.
Ready to get started?
Reach out today and letโs give your online store a mobile experience your customers will love.
We design and build high-quality, scalable mobile apps tailored to your needs.
Letโs talk! Message us on WhatsApp now: Click Here
Your next big app starts here!
