Facebook Marketplace records more than 835,000 product listings in Nigeria every month, with electronics emerging as the leading category, as the platform marks its 10th anniversary of connecting buyers and sellers.
Electronics account for more than 180,000 monthly listings, while home items and fashion each attract over 110,000 listings. Home improvement products contribute more than 40,000 listings monthly, reflecting the range of goods Nigerians offer and seek through the platform.
The figures highlight Facebook Marketplace’s growing role as a digital channel for product discovery, giving individuals and businesses opportunities to showcase items and connect with potential customers within their communities.
The platform, launched in 2016, was developed in response to buying and selling activities that were already taking place in Facebook Groups. It provides a dedicated space where users can discover products, browse available options and connect directly with prospective buyers and sellers.
“As we celebrate 10 years, we’re recognising the people and communities who make Marketplace useful every day,” said Oluwasola Obagbemi, Head of Communications, Sub-Saharan Africa at Meta.
“People come to Facebook to connect over the things that matter to them, and buying and selling is part of that everyday activity. We built Marketplace because people were already trading in Facebook Groups, and we wanted to give that a dedicated home where it’s simpler to discover products and connect with buyers and sellers,” Obagbemi said.
He added that Meta aims to make buying and selling both convenient and safe, with safety tools and guidance designed to help users protect themselves during transactions.
For buyers, Facebook Marketplace offers the opportunity to search for specific products, compare available options and communicate with sellers to obtain further information before making a purchase. Sellers, in turn, can list their products and reach people who may be interested in buying them.
From electronics and clothing to furniture and home improvement supplies, the platform accommodates a variety of products, including new and used items. This enables users to find everyday essentials, furnish their homes or sell goods they no longer need.
However, the growth of online transactions also underscores the importance of protecting users against scams and fraudulent listings.
Meta advises buyers to review sellers’ profiles, examine other listings and check available ratings before proceeding with a transaction. For physical exchanges, users are encouraged to meet in public, well-lit locations during daylight hours and inform someone they trust about their plans.
Buyers should also inspect items before making payments where possible, avoid suspicious payment links shared through chats and access payment services through official websites or applications. Users who encounter suspicious activity are advised to discontinue the transaction and report the listing or account to Facebook.
As Facebook Marketplace marks its 10th anniversary, the volume of monthly listings in Nigeria underscores the breadth of buying and selling activity taking place on the platform. Its continued relevance will depend on its ability to help users discover products, reach potential customers and conduct transactions with greater confidence.