Media practitioners have been urged to strengthen scrutiny of direct-selling businesses and improve reporting on consumer protection, as concerns about public understanding of the industry continue to shape its reputation.
The call was made by Head of Communications for QI Group and Global Head of PR for QNET, Marlene Kaur, during a media engagement webinar titled Beyond the Headlines: Insights from VCON 2026, held on Thursday.
She said accurate and balanced reporting was essential to helping consumers understand the opportunities, responsibilities and potential challenges associated with direct selling, wellness products and consumer protection.
“The way direct selling, wellness products, and consumer protection issues are reported can significantly influence public understanding,” she told reporters.
“Balanced, factual reporting helps consumers make informed decisions and enables meaningful conversation about the opportunities, responsibilities, and challenges associated with our industry.”
The webinar brought together journalists who attended QNET’s V-Convention 2026 in Penang, Malaysia, to share their experiences and discuss the implications of their observations for reporting in Nigeria.
Kaur said the company recognised the importance of independent scrutiny and welcomed difficult questions and constructive criticism as part of efforts to strengthen accountability and public trust.
“Difficult questions and constructive criticism are essential to accountability, and we welcome opportunities to address concerns transparently and provide information that helps the public to reach informed conclusions,” Kaur stated.
She added that QNET would continue to engage with journalists, consumers and other stakeholders to provide information about its operations and business model.
“Whether you require factual clarification, operational context, or a better understanding of our business model, we welcome the opportunity to engage with you,” she explained.
The comments come as public understanding of direct selling remains an important consideration for consumers assessing business opportunities and products marketed through such networks. The model typically involves independent distributors selling products directly to consumers, sometimes through personal networks rather than conventional retail outlets.
While direct selling can provide a route to market for products and offer participants an opportunity to earn income, consumers need clear information about product claims, pricing, compensation arrangements, and the conditions attached to participation. The distinction between legitimate direct selling and schemes that rely on misleading income promises or recruitment-driven rewards is particularly important when assessing individual businesses.
During the webinar, a broadcaster, content creator and first-time V-Convention delegate, Francis Sule, described how his perceptions of QNET changed after attending the event in Malaysia.
He said his initial position had been one of scepticism, shaped partly by headlines he had encountered before travelling.
“I believe I speak for most journalists when I say that our baseline is scepticism until we are handed irrefutable proof,” Sule said.
Reflecting on his experience at the convention, he said the scale of the gathering and the participation of people from different countries stood out to him.
“As a newcomer stepping into V-Con, the first thing that hits you is the size of it. The size, the energy, and the diversity, you know, seeing over 8,000 people from 30 different countries from around the world,” he said.
The broadcaster stated that the atmosphere suggested a high level of personal commitment among participants. However, his account of the event represented his personal observation and did not, on its own, establish the effectiveness of QNET’s business model or resolve questions about its operations.
The webinar was organised to allow journalists to reflect on their first-hand experiences at the convention, exchange perspectives and discuss how their observations could inform coverage of QNET and the wider direct-selling industry.
Other participants included the Technology Editor at BusinessDay, Royal Ibeh; Senior Editor at Vanguard Newspaper, Prince Osuagwu; and Senior Correspondent at Arise News, Friday Olokor. Ifeoma Ngesina moderated the discussion, while QNET’s regional leadership also participated.
Kaur said the company’s priorities in Nigeria included transparency, innovation, consumer protection and responsible economic contribution. She added that QNET intended to continue pursuing initiatives relating to financial literacy, youth empowerment and social impact.
The communications executive said building trust required openness, consistency and responsible conduct, while encouraging journalists to share observations and raise questions relevant to their audiences.