How Much Does It Cost to Build an Ecommerce Website in Nigeria? (2025 Price Breakdown)
How much will it cost to build my online store?
This is the most common question Nigerian entrepreneurs ask, and the answer usually varies from "free" to "millions of Naira." If you are planning to launch an online business in 2025, budgeting can be a headache. You have to consider domain names, hosting, developer fees, and maintenance.
Many business owners make the mistake of overpaying for custom websites they don't need, or getting trapped in dollar-based monthly subscriptions that become too expensive as the exchange rate fluctuates.
In this guide, we will break down the true cost of building an ecommerce website in Nigeria, comparing the three main routes: Custom Agencies, International Builders, and Local Solutions like Ojahmi.
Option 1: The Agency Route (Custom Development)
Best for: Large corporations with specific, complex needs.
Hiring a web design agency or a freelance developer gives you a website built from scratch. While this sounds great, it is the most expensive path.
The Cost Breakdown:
Domain Name (.com.ng or .com): ₦5,000 – ₦25,000 per year.
Hosting: ₦30,000 – ₦100,000 per year (depending on speed and storage).
SSL Certificate (Security): ₦15,000+ per year.
Developer Fee: ₦150,000 – ₦600,000+ (One-time fee).
Maintenance: ₦20,000+ per month (for updates and fixes).
Total Year 1 Cost: ₦250,000 – ₦800,000+
The Risk: If your developer is busy or disappears, your business stops. You are paying for the code, not necessarily the tools to help you sell.
Option 2: The International Route (Shopify, Wix)
Best for: Businesses targeting the US/UK market.
Platforms like Shopify are famous for a reason—they are powerful. However, for a Nigerian business selling locally, the pricing structure can be a trap.
The Cost Breakdown:
Monthly Subscription: ~$29 to ~$79 USD.
Exchange Rate Reality: At current market rates, a $29 monthly fee can easily equal ₦45,000 - ₦50,000 every single month.
Paid Plugins: Most "cool features" (like advanced reviews or popups) cost extra money (e.g., $10/month per app).
Total Year 1 Cost: ₦550,000 – ₦700,000+
The Risk: You are earning in Naira but paying bills in Dollars. If the exchange rate spikes, your business overhead increases overnight.
Option 3: The Smart Route (Ojahmi)
Best for: Nigerian SMEs, Dropshippers, and Retailers.
This is where the market is shifting. Platforms like Ojahmi are built specifically for the Nigerian environment. The goal is to give you the power of a custom site without the developer fees or dollar stress.
The Cost Breakdown:
Setup & Software: Included.
Hosting & Security: Included.
PWA Technology: Included (Mobile-first speed).
Pricing: Plans start as low as ₦30,000.
Total Year 1 Cost: ~₦30,000 (Starting)
The Advantage: Unlike the agency route, you don't need to wait weeks for a developer. Unlike the international route, your price is stable in Naira. Plus, you get features tailored to us, like a Multi-Store Dashboard.
Hidden Costs You Must Watch Out For
Regardless of which platform you choose, keep these extra costs in mind for your 2025 budget:
Marketing: A website doesn't promote itself. Set aside a budget for Instagram or Google Ads.
Product Photography: High-quality images sell. You might need a ring light or a professional photographer.
Logistics: Factor in the cost of delivery bags and waybills.
Conclusion: You Don’t Need Millions to Start
Building an online brand in Nigeria used to be expensive, but technology has democratized the process.
If you have millions to spend on a custom infrastructure, an agency is a fine choice. But if your goal is to make sales, keep your overhead low, and use a platform that understands the Nigerian market, the choice is clear.
Stop paying in dollars. Stop waiting for developers. Start selling today.
Ready to build your store for just ₦30,000?
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