Night food vending is one of the thriving nighttime businesses in Nigeria, with few tapping into it. Every night, different kinds of commercial activities take place on almost every major street in the country.
One of such business is the night food industry. Unlike others that have morning to evening schedule, this business is a dusk-to-dawn food sale.
Alade Avenue, Awolowo Way, Allen, Ikeja area of Lagos is a typical example of where such a business thrives. Some of the night food vendors explain that several factors have had a direct impact on the night food businesses, which include; a large number of hotels, nightclubs, proximity to the airport, and where the Lagos State seat of power is situated.
Patronage
One of the attendants, who wants to be identified as ‘Ibadan,’ says the food business operates at night because they have to cater for customers who need food at night.
These customers, according to him, include; bachelors returning home late from work after a busy day, friends on hang-out and also travelers who fly in late into Lagos and want something to eat.
A drink seller in the street believes that, despite the price of the food, the business is viable. Some have been selling night food for more than 20 years, she says.
“Food businesses in this area are open 24 hours a day. Those who sell day food have closed. Right now is the night people are selling. Even if you come here at 2 a.m. or 4 a.m., we are still selling. If only you can stay and see for the next two hours, you will not see anything again,” she says.
Profitability
In a chat with Lady Angela Nwosu, a widow who describes the business as highly profitable as she has been able to fend for herself and her household as a night food vendor, says: “I started operating as a night food vendor due to my inability to secure a shop, but I was fortunate to get an open space where I started small, till I gained recognition from people around the community, and even those who have left the area still patronise me as I am here from 7 PM to 11 PM.”
She, however, reveals that she could not disclose how much she makes, but it’s in the region of hundreds of thousands. Although, she says the high cost of food commodities is expensive in the market, and this has been affecting her profit.
One of tips of success in this business is to locate it in a prime location to increase the chances of attracting more customers and generating higher profits.
Therefore, it is advised to locate in an area with high foot traffic, particularly at night, such as near popular nightlife spots, entertainment venues, or residential areas where there is a demand for late-night food options for huge profit.
