Trust, Sustainability Fuel Nigeria’s E-commerce Growth, DHL Report Finds

Nigeria's e-commerce market is experiencing a significant transformation, driven by consumer trust in delivery services and a growing appetite for sustainable online shopping, according to a DHL eCommerce Trends Report 2026. The report identifies Nigeria as a global leader in circular e-commerce, where the resale of second-hand goods is flourishing and consumers are increasingly adopting environmentally conscious shopping habits.

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7 out of 10 consumers worldwide would refuse to buy from an online retailer if they lacked confidence in its delivery and returns provider.

Trust has emerged as a critical factor in online purchasing decisions worldwide, with seven out of ten consumers reportedly refusing to buy from online retailers lacking confidence in their delivery and returns providers. Similarly, an equal proportion would abandon purchases if their preferred delivery or return options were unavailable at checkout. This underscores the vital role of efficient logistics and reliable networks in Nigeria's competitive e-commerce landscape, where customer experience is a key differentiator.

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An equal proportion would abandon their purchases altogether if their preferred delivery or return options were unavailable at checkout.

The report also highlights the rise of the circular economy, with a growing number of consumers generating additional income by selling pre-owned items through online marketplaces. Globally, 52 percent of consumers have sold at least one item online, blurring the lines between buyer and seller. This trend is particularly strong among younger demographics, with Millennials and Generation Z showing higher participation rates in online resale compared to Baby Boomers. DHL suggests this indicates a future where homes become hubs for small-scale digital commerce, enabling families to boost their income.

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52 per cent of consumers said they had sold at least one item online, highlighting how the distinction between buyer and seller is rapidly disappearing.