Chowdeck has rolled out a new Vendor Badges system and strengthened its vendor verification process following an investigation that exposed gaps in how restaurants are onboarded on the platform.
The update was announced by CEO Femi Aluko, who said the changes are part of efforts to rebuild trust and improve transparency as the food delivery company scales its operations across Nigeria. The development also reflects growing pressure on digital platforms to ensure stronger safety checks as online commerce expands.
The Techpoint investigation had revealed that it was possible to create a fake restaurant listing on Chowdeck using false details. In the test, a reporter reportedly registered a vendor account with a fabricated address, fake tax information, and images taken from an existing Lagos restaurant. The listing was approved and was even able to process an order, raising concerns about the strength of initial verification checks.
Following the report, Chowdeck says it has reviewed its onboarding system and introduced additional safeguards designed to close the identified gaps.
New vendor badges and stricter verification checks on Chowdeck
Under the new system, vendors will now carry one of three badges: Verified, Awaiting Verification, or Shopper. Chowdeck says the badges are designed to give customers clearer visibility into how each business operates on the platform before placing an order.
Verified vendors are fully approved businesses that have completed all checks. Awaiting Verification applies to vendors still undergoing review, while Shopper refers to local restaurant orders fulfilled through Chowdeck agents who purchase and deliver items on behalf of customers.
The company says its updated verification process now requires more detailed documentation, including Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration details, Tax Identification Numbers (TIN), ownership information, operational addresses, and banking records. These are cross-checked using verification partners such as Mono and SmileID.
Chowdeck also says it is strengthening ongoing monitoring of vendors already on the platform. Reports of impersonation, fraud, or suspicious activity will now be escalated for review, with penalties ranging from account restrictions to removal from the platform and, in serious cases, referral to law enforcement.
CEO Femi Aluko said the changes reflect the company’s focus on trust, noting that the system was designed to support small businesses but also revealed areas that needed tighter controls.
The company added that the introduction of Vendor Badges is part of a broader push to improve accountability and make the platform more transparent for users as Nigeria’s food delivery market continues to grow.
Read also: Chowdeck unveils accident insurance for 20,000 riders in partnership with MyCoverGenius
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