Direct selling: Journalists stress verification as Nigerians seek new income opportunities

As more Nigerians explore alternative income sources and independent business opportunities, Nigerian journalists have stressed the importance of verifying business arrangements, product claims and earning opportunities before committing money to direct selling.

The journalists said their experiences at the international convention broadened their understanding of the company’s operations, products and business model, while underscoring the need for accurate information to help prospective distributors make informed decisions.

Their observations emerged at the QNET V-Con Media Sharing Experience Webinar 2026, themed “Beyond the Headlines: Insights From V-Con 2026”, where four Nigerian journalists shared their experiences following their participation in the convention held in Penang, Malaysia.

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The discussion comes as Nigerians continue to seek additional income streams amid economic pressures, making business opportunities that promise entrepreneurship and financial independence increasingly attractive. However, the viability of direct selling depends on several factors, including product demand, operating costs, compensation structures and the ability of distributors to establish sustainable customer relationships.

Direct selling involves the distribution of products or services directly to consumers, often through independent distributors rather than conventional retail outlets. Participants may earn commissions from qualifying product sales and other business activities, depending on the company’s compensation structure.

For prospective distributors, understanding how earnings are generated, what participation costs and whether products have a sustainable market is essential before making financial commitments.

Francis Sule, one of the journalists who attended V-Con 2026, said he approached the visit with scepticism because his previous understanding of QNET had been shaped by concerns and accounts he had heard about the company.

However, he said observing the convention, examining product presentations and visiting the company’s facilities gave him a broader perspective on its operations.

Sule said the presentations on products, including the Interra Chronograph, PhysioRadiance Aura Skincare and Edge Plus, provided opportunities to learn about their components, technology and certifications.

His major takeaway was the importance of verifying information before engaging with a business opportunity.

He also highlighted the media’s responsibility to provide accurate information that enables the public to distinguish legitimate commercial activities from fraudulent operators who may misuse established companies’ names or misrepresent their business opportunities.

Friday Olokor, another participating journalist, said the convention broadened his understanding of QNET’s operations, leadership, products and international presence.

He identified the scale of the gathering, the company’s account of its 28-year history and its presentation of future plans as some of the notable aspects of the event.

Olokor also highlighted the company’s stated efforts to protect customers and address activities by individuals allegedly misusing its name, pointing to the importance of public awareness in a business environment where prospective participants need reliable information.

Royal Ibeh, a business journalist who attended an earlier edition of V-Con in 2024, focused on the technology behind some of QNET’s products, including its HomePure water-purification range and wellness offerings.

Ibeh said the experience drew attention to the relationship between product development, technology and everyday consumer needs, particularly water-quality challenges in African communities.

She also recounted conversations with participants who described improvements in their financial circumstances through their involvement in the business, expressing hope that direct selling could provide opportunities for Nigerians seeking to develop business skills and earn income.

However, individual accounts of financial improvement do not establish the typical earnings or profitability of distributors. Prospective participants would need information about actual sales, expenses and commission arrangements to assess the commercial potential of the model.

Prince Osuagwu, hi-tech editor of Vanguard Newspapers, said his experience attending an earlier V-Con in 2022 challenged some of his initial assumptions about QNET.

He recalled approaching the company with reservations about its business model and products but said interacting with entrepreneurs, examining products and observing the convention helped him develop a more informed perspective.

Osuagwu also pointed to the persistence required to build a business, describing determination as an important lesson for Nigerian workers and entrepreneurs.

The journalists’ accounts highlighted the value of firsthand observation in understanding a business, but their experiences also raise a broader question about how prospective distributors can independently evaluate the opportunities available to them.

For Nigerians considering direct selling, the assessment goes beyond attending product demonstrations or hearing success stories. They need to establish whether there is sufficient consumer demand for the products, how commissions are calculated, whether there are joining or recurring costs, and what happens when sales fall short of expectations.

Understanding the distinction between revenue and profit is particularly important. A distributor who generates sales may still incur expenses associated with purchasing products, transportation, marketing and customer acquisition. The amount retained after such expenses provides a more meaningful indication of the business’s financial viability.

The compensation structure also matters. Prospective participants should understand the extent to which earnings depend on actual product sales and whether other qualifying activities influence commissions. Clear explanations of these arrangements can help individuals assess the risks before committing their savings.

At the webinar, Marlene Kaur, head of communications for QNET International Group and global head of public relations, said the engagement was designed to provide a closer look at the company, its products, people and strategic direction beyond media headlines.

She said V-Con 2026, held at the SPICE Arena in Penang, brought together more than 8,000 entrepreneurs and officials from over 30 countries, marking a milestone in the company’s 28-year history.

According to Kaur, the convention’s theme, “Reform, Transform, Perform”, reflected priorities that included strengthening responsible business practices, using technology to improve product discovery and business operations, and translating innovation into products and economic opportunities.

She said direct selling could be misunderstood when fraudulent actors or unauthorised entities misused established brands or misrepresented legitimate business models.

Kaur added that QNET was committed to responsible business practices, consumer protection, compliance and distributor education, emphasising that business growth should go hand in hand with accountability.

She also highlighted the company’s investment in e-commerce platforms, supply-chain visibility and technology to support independent distributors operating across different markets.

On product innovation, Kaur said V-Con 2026 showcased the Amezcua GX1 Wellness Mat, PhysioRadiance Aura Skincare and the Interra Chronograph, reflecting the company’s offerings across wellness, skincare and personal care, and luxury timepieces.

She stressed that consumer confidence depended on accurate product information and transparency about the quality and performance of products sold through direct-selling channels.

Cherif Nassirou Abdoulaye, QNET’s regional general manager for Central and West Africa, also highlighted ethical entrepreneurship, product quality and consumer protection as important elements of a sustainable direct-selling business.

Abdoulaye said the company was strengthening customer-verification processes and distributor education to address challenges arising from individuals who misuse its name or misrepresent its products and business opportunities.

Abdoulaye also highlighted Q-Learn, the company’s digital learning platform, which offers training in digital marketing, professional ethics and business management.

QNET said its wider efforts to promote responsible business practices in Nigeria included its Say No campaign and FinGreen financial-literacy programme, alongside distributor education and consumer-awareness initiatives.

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The company’s stated measures provide insight into its approach to compliance and education. However, prospective distributors still need to examine the specific terms of any business arrangement and independently assess whether the opportunity meets their financial objectives.

Kaur said constructive engagement with the media was important for addressing concerns, correcting misinformation and improving public understanding of the company’s activities.

As interest in alternative income sources continues, the discussion at the webinar highlighted the importance of informed decision-making in direct selling. For prospective distributors, verifying claims, understanding the compensation structure and assessing realistic costs and earnings remain essential steps before entering the business.

Ultimately, the sustainability of a direct-selling venture depends not only on the products offered or the enthusiasm of its participants but also on its commercial fundamentals, transparency and ability to generate consistent demand from customers.