App development quotes in Nigeria range from ₦150,000 to ₦50,000,000 for what sounds like “the same app”. The difference is scope, platforms, back-end and who is building it. Here is a realistic 2026 breakdown so you can budget properly.
App development cost in Nigeria by type (2026)
| App type | Freelancer | Studio (e.g. Topweb) | Agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| MVP / simple app (Android, 5–8 screens) | ₦150,000 – ₦400,000 | from ₦350,000 | ₦1,500,000+ |
| Business app (accounts, payments, admin) | ₦400,000 – ₦1,000,000 | from ₦500,000 | ₦3,000,000 – ₦8,000,000 |
| Android + iOS (cross-platform) | ₦700,000 – ₦1,500,000 | from ₦800,000 | ₦5,000,000 – ₦15,000,000 |
| E-commerce / delivery app | ₦800,000+ | ₦1,200,000 – ₦3,000,000 | ₦8,000,000+ |
| Fintech / wallet app | ₦1,500,000+ | ₦2,500,000 – ₦6,000,000 | ₦15,000,000+ |
| Marketplace (multi-role, real-time) | ₦2,000,000+ | ₦3,000,000 – ₦8,000,000 | ₦20,000,000+ |
What drives the price
- Platforms: Android only vs Android + iOS.
- User roles: customer only, or customer + vendor + rider + admin.
- Back-end: user accounts, database, admin dashboard, APIs.
- Integrations: Paystack/Flutterwave, maps, push, SMS, KYC (NIN/BVN).
- Real-time features: chat, live tracking, notifications.
- Design: template UI vs custom UI/UX with prototype.
- Publishing & marketing: store listings, ASO, landing website.
Ongoing costs after launch
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Google Play developer account | $25 one-time |
| Apple developer account | $99 / year |
| Server / cloud hosting | ₦15,000 – ₦100,000 / month |
| Push notifications, SMS, email | ₦5,000 – ₦50,000 / month |
| Maintenance & updates | ₦30,000 – ₦150,000 / month |
| Marketing / ASO / website | varies |
How to reduce the cost
- Launch an MVP with the 5 features users can’t live without.
- Go Android-first (85%+ of Nigerian phones), add iOS after traction.
- Use cross-platform (Flutter/React Native) so iOS is cheap to add later.
- Use proven services (Paystack, Firebase, Google Maps) instead of building from scratch.
- Pay per milestone and insist on owning the code.
Topweb app development prices (2026)
| Package | Price | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| MVP (Android) | from ₦350,000 | 6–8 weeks |
| Full Android app | from ₦500,000 | 3–4 months |
| Android + iOS | from ₦800,000 | 3–5 months |
| UI/UX prototype only | from ₦116,666 | 2–3 weeks |
We publish our own apps on Google Play — All Nigerian Newspapers and Camera Calculator — so you get a team that has shipped. See app development packages →
Frequently asked questions
How much does a simple app cost in Nigeria?
An MVP — Android only, 5–8 screens, accounts, one payment method — costs from ₦350,000 at Topweb. Freelancers may quote ₦150,000–₦300,000 but usually without a back-end, admin panel or store publishing.
Why is iOS more expensive?
Apple’s developer account ($99/year), a Mac build environment, stricter review, and a second set of testing. Cross-platform frameworks reduce the extra cost to roughly 30–60% on top of Android-only.
What are the ongoing costs of an app?
Server hosting (₦15,000–₦100,000/month depending on users), Play Console ($25 once) and Apple ($99/year), push/SMS services, and maintenance (from ₦30,000/month).
Can I start small?
Yes — that’s what an MVP is for. Launch the core feature, get real users, then fund version two from traction or investors.