Online food delivery service Chowdeck has reportedly laid off 86 out of its 120 employees, allegedly replacing them with artificial intelligence, AI.
The claim surfaced on X, formerly Twitter, where an aggrieved customer expressed frustration over the decision, questioning the company’s priorities amid a struggling job market.
The user, a woman, criticized the company’s move, writing:
“You guys, this actually happened. Amidst everything, Chowdeck replaced 86 of 120 staff with AI. FUCK BRO.”
Her post quickly gained traction, drawing attention to the ongoing conversation about automation and its impact on employment.
This comes after Chowdeck officially announced a 68% reduction in its contract workforce, citing operational efficiency and the company’s plans for international expansion as the primary reasons for the decision.
A statement released by the company reads in part:
“In a move aimed at optimizing operations and preparing for international expansion, Nigerian food delivery startup Chowdeck has announced the layoff of 86 contract staff, representing 68% of its contract workforce. The decision comes after significant improvements in the company’s operational processes, which have reduced the need for manual intervention.”
The company further emphasized its commitment to innovation, stating that integrating AI has enhanced efficiency in key areas such as customer service, order processing, and delivery management.
Following the news, social media users flooded the comment section, sharing mixed reactions to the development, with some expressing sympathy for the laid-off workers, while others defended the company’s move as a necessary step toward progress.
See some reactions below:
@tobbey_cc: “I know how sad this is. But at the end of the day, it’s called business.”
@ashawo_dev: “Maybe that’s why their support became horrible, probably talking to a robot.”
@cephas_ine: “Lmaooo AI is the future. Get with the program.”
@danazuml: “Damn, that means even a lot of devs were replaced.”
As the debate continues, questions arise about the ethical implications of widespread AI adoption in industries traditionally reliant on human labor. Some argue that while AI can boost productivity, companies should find a balance that protects jobs and ensures a sustainable future for employees.
SEE POST:
