Effective Date: 15 May 2026
NearBuy is a community of local businesses and customers. These guidelines ensure the platform remains safe, trustworthy, and valuable for everyone. Violations may result in content removal, account suspension, or permanent bans.
For Vendors — What You Can List
NearBuy supports all legitimate Nigerian businesses including:
- Food & beverages (restaurants, food vendors, caterers)
- Fashion, clothing & accessories
- Electronics, gadgets & repairs
- Beauty & personal care (salons, spas, cosmetics)
- Home goods, furniture & hardware
- Professional services (tailors, plumbers, lawyers, etc.)
- Health & wellness (pharmacies, gyms, clinics)
- Education (tutors, training centres)
- Agriculture & farm produce
Prohibited Listings
The following listings are strictly prohibited and will be removed immediately:
Counterfeit goods — Items falsely branded as Nike, Gucci, Apple, etc.
Illegal items — Drugs, weapons, unlicensed firearms, stolen goods.
Financial fraud — Ponzi schemes, fake investment opportunities, illegal lottery.
Adult content — Any sexually explicit products or services.
Live animals (protected) — Endangered species or illegally sourced animals.
Medical prescription only — Controlled substances listed without a licensed pharmacy.
Listing Quality Standards
- Business names must reflect your actual trading name.
- Addresses must be real, accurate, and serviced. No P.O. boxes.
- Product images must be your own or licensed for commercial use. No watermarked stock photos.
- Prices (if listed) must be current. Misleading price drops are prohibited.
- Business descriptions must not make unverifiable medical or financial claims.
Chat & Communication Standards
- All platform communication must be respectful and professional.
- Spam, automated messages, and unsolicited promotions are prohibited.
- Do not share links to external payment pages unless specifically asked by the customer.
- Do not request sensitive personal data (BVN, NIN, card details) via chat.
- Threatening, abusive, or discriminatory language will result in immediate suspension.
Trust & Verification
NearBuy's trust system is built on verified purchases and honest reviews. The following behaviours undermine platform integrity and are prohibited:
- Submitting fake purchase proofs or receipt images.
- Coordinating fake positive reviews with friends or employees.
- Paying or incentivising customers to leave positive reviews.
- Falsely flagging competitor listings for abuse.
For Customers — Community Standards
- Leave only honest, first-hand reviews based on actual transactions.
- Do not use NearBuy to scout businesses for criminal activities.
- Report suspicious listings using the in-app flag button.
- Respect vendor operating hours — don't harass vendors outside business hours.
Enforcement
NearBuy moderates the platform via a combination of:
- Automated keyword and image scanning
- User reports reviewed by our moderation team
- Periodic manual audits of high-visibility listings
Enforcement actions range from content warnings to permanent account termination depending on severity and frequency. You may appeal decisions by emailing appeals@nearbuy.ng.
Reporting Violations
Use the flag icon on any listing or chat to report a violation. Our team reviews all reports within 48 hours. For urgent safety concerns, email safety@nearbuy.ng.