NaijaDirectories

The Challenge

Nigeria has over 40 million MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), yet most lack any digital presence. Consumers struggle to find reliable local businesses—from restaurants and mechanics to hospitals and legal services. Existing solutions are either outdated, poorly maintained, or designed for Western markets without understanding Nigerian business dynamics like multiple phone numbers, WhatsApp-first communication, and cash-based transactions.

The Solution

NaijaDirectories bridges the gap between Nigerian businesses and consumers through a modern, locally-relevant directory platform that combines the location-based discovery of Foursquare with the comprehensive business information of YellowPages:

• Smart Business Discovery — AI-powered search that understands Nigerian context, including local slang, area names, and business types

• Verified Listings — Business verification system to build consumer trust and reduce fraudulent listings

• Rich Business Profiles — Complete information including multiple contact options (phone, WhatsApp, Instagram), operating hours, photos, and services offered

• User Reviews & Ratings — Community-driven feedback helping consumers make informed decisions

• Location-Based Search — Find businesses by state, LGA, or neighborhood across all 36 states and FCT

Technical Implementation

Built for scale and performance across Nigeria's diverse internet infrastructure:

• Frontend: Next.js 15 with App Router and TypeScript for optimal SEO and fast page loads

• Database: PostgreSQL with Prisma ORM for complex relational queries and geolocation data

• AI Integration: Google Gemini for intelligent search, auto-categorization, and business description enhancement

• Maps: Integration with mapping services for location visualization

• Authentication: Secure business owner verification and user account management

• SEO Optimized: Server-side rendering ensuring every business page ranks on Google Nigeria

Key Features

1. Category Browsing — 50+ business categories from restaurants and hotels to artisans and professional services

2. Claim Your Business — Business owners can claim and manage their listings with verified badges

3. WhatsApp Integration — One-tap WhatsApp messaging to businesses (the preferred contact method in Nigeria)

4. Photo Galleries — Visual business profiles showcasing products, premises, and services

5. Operating Hours — Accurate business hours including prayer time closures and public holiday schedules

6. Multi-City Coverage — Comprehensive listings across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Ibadan, and beyond

Competitor Differentiation

Our Competitive Edge

1. Hyper-Local Understanding — Unlike global platforms, we understand that "Obalende" means a location, "Mama Put" is a restaurant type, and businesses close for Jummah prayers

2. WhatsApp-First Communication — 93% of Nigerian internet users are on WhatsApp; we make it the primary contact method, not an afterthought

3. Trust Through Verification — Our multi-step business verification reduces the fake listings problem that plagues competitors

4. Speed on Nigerian Networks — Optimized for 3G/4G with aggressive caching and lazy loading—loads in under 2 seconds where competitors take 5-8 seconds

5. SEO Dominance Strategy — Every business gets a dedicated, SEO-optimized page designed to rank on Google Nigeria searches