Nigeria’s e-commerce growth driven by delivery trust, rise in online second-hand sales — DHL report

Nigeria is emerging as a key player in sustainable and circular e-commerce, with consumer trust in delivery and returns shaping online shopping habits, according to the DHL eCommerce Trends Report 2026. The report, released on Wednesday, identifies reliability in logistics as a critical factor, with 7 out of 10 global consumers refusing to buy from online retailers they do not trust to deliver or accept returns. An identical share would abandon their carts if preferred delivery or return options were not available at checkout. This trend is especially influential in Nigeria, where e-commerce platforms are increasingly competing on customer experience and service dependability. The report positions Nigeria among the world's leading markets for circular digital commerce, where individuals regularly sell used goods online, blurring the line between buyer and seller. Globally, 52 per cent of consumers reported selling at least one item online, with younger demographics leading the shift — 62 per cent of Millennials and 58 per cent of Generation Z engaged in online resale, compared to 35 per cent of Baby Boomers. DHL attributes the trend to a growing culture of environmentally conscious shopping and digital entrepreneurship, noting that homes are increasingly becoming micro-hubs of e-commerce activity. The findings highlight how flexible online trading models are enabling Nigerian households to generate income through digital resale platforms. The report does not name specific Nigerian platforms or provide localised consumer statistics beyond general global trends applied to the Nigerian context.

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