BTA2023 Nigeria Investigates Temu Over Data Protection Compliance
Nigeria has launched a formal investigation into Temu, the fast-fashion e-commerce platform, over potential violations of the country’s data-protection laws. The probe, initiated by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), examines the platform’s handling of user data, online surveillance practices, and cross-border transfers of Nigerian users’ personal information.
Temu, which serves an estimated 12.7 million Nigerian users, has pledged full cooperation with authorities. “Protecting user privacy and data security is a top priority. We are committed to complying with applicable laws and regulations in our data practices,” the company said in a statement.
The investigation highlights Nigeria’s growing focus on digital oversight. In 2025, NDPC fined MultiChoice Nigeria ₦766 million for breaches of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), signaling a tougher regulatory stance on both local and international tech operators. NDPC head Vincent Olatunji emphasized that data processors must verify compliance with the law or risk liability.
Temu’s rapid expansion in Nigeria is part of its global growth strategy, which began with its 2022 U.S. launch. The platform now operates in over 90 markets worldwide and reached Nigeria in late 2024, quickly topping app-store charts thanks to a youth-driven population, increasing smartphone penetration, and aggressive discount-driven marketing.
Globally, Temu faces mounting regulatory scrutiny. In 2025, South Korea fined the company $978,000 for cross-border data transfer violations, while the U.S. Federal Trade Commission imposed a $2 million penalty under the INFORM Consumers Act for inadequate transparency and monitoring of high-volume sellers. The European Commission is also examining Temu for potential breaches of the Digital Services Act, which could result in fines of up to 6% of global annual revenue.
For Nigeria, the outcome of this investigation may set a precedent for how international digital platforms handle data governance in African markets. For Temu, the NDPC probe adds to a growing list of compliance challenges that could impact its regional operations and long-term expansion strategy. Investors and tech observers will be closely watching how the platform navigates these regulatory hurdles while maintaining growth in one of Africa’s most dynamic e-commerce markets.
