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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 services company. Some links in this article may direct to our own products.
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