FG Investigates Temu Over Alleged Data Protection Violations
Nigeria’s Federal Government has ordered an immediate investigation into the data practices of Chinese‑owned e‑commerce platform Temu, amid allegations that the company may have violated the Country’s Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023, Global Mirror News gathered.
The probe was mandated by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), the statutory body responsible for enforcing data privacy and protection laws in the Country.
Global Mirror News gathered that the NDPC said its decision follows concerns that Temu’s collection, storage, use and possible transfer of personal information belonging to Nigerian users may contravene key provisions of the NDPA.
In a statement on Monday February 16, Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations at the Commission, said the investigation will scrutinise issues including online surveillance via personal data use, lack of transparency, inadequate accountability, failure to adhere to data minimisation principles, weak duty of care, and cross‑border data transfers that might be contrary to the Act’s requirements.
According to Global Mirror News gathered, preliminary findings referenced by the Commission indicate that Temu processes personal information of approximately 12.7 million Nigerian data subjects, while the global platform is estimated to serve about 70 million daily active users worldwide.
The scale of the data involved has heightened regulatory scrutiny, as authorities seek to ensure compliance with National privacy standards.
Global Mirror News gathered that the NDPC’s National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, emphasised that organisations handling personal data — whether as controllers or processors — must verify full compliance with the NDPA before processing such information.
He warned that “processors who engage in processing activities on behalf of data controllers without verifying compliance with the Act may be held liable under the law.”
The Commission also noted that data processors engaging in activities without ensuring compliance could face enforcement actions, including fines and sanctions as provided under the NDPA.
The probe underscores Nigeria’s push to tighten enforcement of digital privacy laws for both local and foreign entities operating in its market.
Global Mirror News discovered that in February 5 2026, the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and the NDPC signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation on data privacy and protection, suggesting a broader regulatory collaboration framework aimed at safeguarding citizens’ personal information.
Global Mirror News observed that digital rights activists and privacy advocates have welcomed the move, describing it as a critical step in holding global technology platforms accountable and protecting Nigerians’ digital rights in an era of rapid e‑commerce growth.
