Chowdeck Tightens Vendor Verification, Introduces Badges After Onboarding Concerns
Digitnomics 
By Admin,
Food delivery platform Chowdeck has introduced a new vendor verification framework and badge system aimed at strengthening transparency and trust on its platform following concerns raised about its onboarding process.
The move comes after an independent investigation highlighted weaknesses in the company’s vendor registration system, revealing that a restaurant listing could be created and approved using fabricated business information.
In response, Chowdeck said it has upgraded its onboarding procedures and implemented additional safeguards to improve vendor authentication and platform integrity.
Under the new system, vendors on the platform will now display one of three badges — Verified, Awaiting Verification, or Shopper — to provide customers with greater visibility into the status of businesses before placing orders.
According to the company, Verified vendors are businesses that have successfully completed all required verification checks, while vendors classified as Awaiting Verification are still undergoing review. The Shopper badge applies to orders fulfilled by Chowdeck agents who purchase and deliver items on behalf of customers from local restaurants.
The company disclosed that its enhanced verification process now requires more comprehensive documentation, including Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration details, Tax Identification Numbers (TIN), proof of ownership, business addresses, and banking information.
Chowdeck said these details are validated through identity and financial verification partners, including Mono and Smile ID, as part of efforts to reduce fraud and strengthen accountability across its marketplace.
Beyond onboarding, the company has also introduced stricter monitoring mechanisms for vendors already operating on the platform. Reports of impersonation, fraudulent activities, or suspicious behaviour will now trigger additional reviews and investigations.
Depending on the severity of violations, sanctions may include account restrictions, suspension, permanent removal from the platform, or referral to law enforcement agencies.
Chief Executive Officer of Chowdeck, Femi Aluko, said the company remains focused on building a trusted platform for customers and merchants while supporting the growth of small businesses across Nigeria.
He noted that while the platform was designed to simplify market access for food vendors, recent findings highlighted areas where stronger controls were necessary.
Industry analysts say the development reflects a broader trend across Africa’s digital commerce ecosystem, where marketplaces are increasingly strengthening verification processes to address concerns around fraud, identity theft, and consumer protection.
The introduction of Vendor Badges forms part of Chowdeck’s wider effort to improve transparency, accountability, and customer confidence as Nigeria’s online food delivery market continues to expand.
With digital commerce platforms facing growing scrutiny around trust and security, stronger verification systems are becoming critical to sustaining user confidence and supporting long-term growth in the sector.
