Nigeria’s data watchdog has launched a probe into Temu.
Specifically, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) is examining how the platform handles Nigerians’ personal data.
Temu Under Regulatory Spotlight
Accordingly, National Commissioner Vincent Olatunji ordered the investigation after early findings emerged.
Preliminary evidence shows that Temu processes data belonging to about 12.7 million Nigerians.
Meanwhile, the company records roughly 70 million daily active users worldwide.
Given this scale, regulators demand strict legal and ethical responsibility.
Furthermore, the Commission flagged concerns about surveillance, transparency and accountability practices.
It also identified risks involving data minimisation, duty of care and cross-border transfers.
Therefore, officials insist that Temu must align its practices with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023.
Wider Enforcement Drive
In addition, Dr Olatunji urged data processors to verify controllers’ full legal compliance.
He warned that processors who ignore due diligence checks risk liability under Nigerian law.
More broadly, the Temu probe signals rising scrutiny of data-driven businesses nationwide.
For example, last August the NDPC investigated 1,369 organisations for suspected violations.
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The Commission targeted firms in banking, insurance, pensions and gaming sectors.
It then gave affected firms 21 days to prove compliance.
If companies failed to respond adequately, the Commission imposed sanctions.
Remediation Over Punishment
Notably, in 2024 the NDPC fined Multichoice Nigeria ₦766.2 million for breaching the Act.
That penalty marked the largest sanction since the law took effect.
However, the Commission does not rely solely on punishment.
Instead, Dr Olatunji promotes a remediation-driven regulatory strategy.
Companies that correct breaches promptly can avoid heavy financial penalties.
Conversely, regulators sanction organisations that refuse to follow lawful directives.
Ultimately, he says the Commission protects citizens’ rights while sustaining investor confidence.
