Nigeria has opened a formal investigation into fast-rising e-commerce platform Temu over suspected violations of national data-protection regulations, in a move signalling intensifying scrutiny of foreign digital platforms operating in the country.
The probe is being conducted by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, which said concerns have emerged over alleged opaque data processing, online surveillance practices and possible unlawful cross-border transfer of users’ personal information. Regulators disclosed that preliminary findings indicate the platform already processes data belonging to about 12.7 million Nigerians, part of an estimated global daily active user base of roughly 70 million.
Head of the commission, Vincent Olatunji, who authorised the investigation, cautioned that entities handling data on behalf of others must verify compliance with the law or risk liability. He stressed that processors who fail to ensure adherence to statutory provisions could be held accountable under the Nigeria Data Protection Act.
The inquiry places Nigeria among a growing number of jurisdictions tightening oversight of the company’s data practices as it accelerates global expansion. The platform, backed by PDD Holdings, launched in the United States in 2022 and has expanded to more than 90 markets by 2025, leveraging aggressive discount campaigns and sustained advertising to drive rapid adoption.
Its entry into Nigeria in late 2024 saw it quickly climb app-store rankings, buoyed by a youthful demographic, rising smartphone penetration and strong demand for low-cost online retail options.
Regulatory authorities said the latest action reflects broader efforts to enforce stricter compliance standards across the digital economy. In a similar enforcement move last year, the watchdog imposed a ₦766 million penalty on MultiChoice Nigeria for breaches of data-protection rules, underscoring a more assertive regulatory stance toward both domestic and international firms.
Although Temu did not initially respond to official inquiries, it later issued a statement affirming its willingness to cooperate fully with authorities. The company maintained that safeguarding user privacy remains a top priority and pledged continued engagement with regulators to address any concerns.
Despite the assurance, analysts note that the Nigerian probe adds to mounting global compliance pressures confronting the platform as governments increasingly examine how international tech companies collect, process and transfer user data across borders.
