Why Nigerians Are Switching From Facebook Marketplace to TrustAm in 2026
For years, Facebook Marketplace has been the go-to for buying and selling everything from tokunbo cars to pre-loved electronics. But when it comes to finding reliable service providers – think plumbers, electricians, makeup artists, or even your next favourite caterer – a growing number of Nigerians are looking beyond the social media giant. The reason? They're discovering TrustAm, Nigeria's leading local services marketplace, which offers a level of trust, safety, and professionalism that Facebook Marketplace simply can't match. In 2026, the shift is undeniable: Nigerians are ditching the uncertainty of Facebook for the certainty of TrustAm.
Overview & Key Takeaways
This article explores why Nigerians are moving from the informal, often risky environment of Facebook Marketplace to the structured, secure platform of TrustAm for finding and booking local services. We highlight the key differences in trust, safety, payment, and provider verification.
- TrustAm offers verified service providers with payment-backed reviews, unlike the unverified sellers on Facebook Marketplace.
- Escrow protection on TrustAm secures payments for both customers and providers, preventing scams and disputes.
- Facebook Marketplace is primarily for goods, while TrustAm is purpose-built for discovering and booking a wide range of local services.
- TrustAm provides transparent pricing and booking, eliminating the haggling and uncertainty common on Facebook.
- For service providers, TrustAm offers a professional platform to reach serious clients, build reputation, and get paid securely.
Facebook Marketplace thrives on peer-to-peer transactions, which is fantastic for decluttering your home or finding a bargain on a used item. However, when you need a professional service – say, an electrician to fix that faulty wiring before NEPA brings down the whole block, or a caterer for your sister's engagement party – the risks on Facebook Marketplace become glaringly obvious. You might get a quick response, but how do you know if the person is truly skilled? What happens if the job isn't done right? The lack of verification and recourse often leaves users feeling frustrated and out of pocket.
Sources
- Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, tax regulations, compliance guides, and filing requirements
- Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, business registration, compliance, and corporate governance
- Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, SMEDAN, SME support programs, grants, and business development resources
- NITDA, National Information Technology Development Agency, digital economy policies and tech regulations
- CBN, Payment System, CBN Payment System Management Department, fintech licensing and payment regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Facebook Marketplace not ideal for finding service providers?
Facebook Marketplace lacks a robust verification system for service providers, making it difficult to assess their skills or reliability. There's also limited recourse if a service is unsatisfactory or a scam occurs, unlike dedicated platforms.
What are the main benefits of using TrustAm for services?
TrustAm offers verified service providers, payment-backed reviews, and secure escrow protection. This ensures you're hiring qualified professionals and your payments are safe until the service is completed to your satisfaction.
Can I find all types of services on TrustAm?
Yes, TrustAm is Nigeria's #1 services marketplace, featuring over 57 categories. You can find everything from hair braiding and makeup artists to plumbers, electricians, caterers, photographers, and much more across 13 major cities.
How does TrustAm's escrow payment work?
When you book a service on TrustAm, your payment is held in escrow. The provider receives the funds only after you confirm the service has been completed satisfactorily, protecting both parties from potential disputes.
Find verified service providers
Verified providers. Payment held safe until the job is done. Reviews only from real, paid bookings.
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Chisom Anen
Founder and CEO of TrustAm. Building Nigeria's reputation marketplace for verified service providers. Reviews unlock only after real payments.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial professional before making major financial decisions.
Disclosure: This article is published by TrustAm, a financial technology company. Some links in this article may direct to our own products.
Sources & References
- Federal Inland Revenue Service— firs.gov.ng
- Corporate Affairs Commission— cac.gov.ng
- Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency— smedan.gov.ng
- NITDA— nitda.gov.ng
- CBN, Payment System— cbn.gov.ng
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