Brands/Products
Nigeria Orders Probe of Temu Over Alleged Data Violation
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian government, through the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has ordered an immediate investigation into the data processing activities of Chinese-owned e-commerce platform, Temu, over alleged violations of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).
The decision raises fresh concerns about how foreign technology companies collect, store, and transfer Nigerians’ personal data.
In a press release dated February 16, the NDPC said its chief executive, Mr Vincent Olatunji, authorised the probe following mounting concerns around online surveillance, excessive personal data collection, lack of transparency, weak accountability mechanisms, and cross-border data transfers.
“The investigation of Temu was triggered by concerns around online surveillance through personal data processing, accountability, data minimisation requirement, transparency, duty of care and cross-border data transfer,” the statement read in part..
Preliminary findings by the commission indicate that Temu processes the personal data of an estimated 12.7 million Nigerian users, while serving about 70 million daily active users globally, raising serious questions about how Nigerians’ data are collected, stored, shared, and protected.
“The National Commissioner warned that processors who engage in processing activities on behalf of data controllers without verifying their compliance with the NDP Act may be liable under the NDP Act,” the Commission added.
Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and one of the continent’s fastest-growing digital markets with millions of its citizens relying on mobile apps, social media platforms, fintech services, and e-commerce sites for daily transactions often with little understanding of how their personal information is being used.
For Temu, this marks the latest government probe into its activities. The e-commerce company has faced investigations, lawsuits, and regulatory scrutiny across multiple continents, focusing primarily on data privacy, product safety, unethical labor practices, and unfair competition.
The European Commission opened formal proceedings against Temu in October 2024 and issued preliminary findings in July 2025, accusing the platform of failing to prevent the sale of illegal, unsafe, or counterfeit products while a 2023 US House Select Committee report highlighted an “extremely high risk” that products on Temu are made with forced labour.
Other countries including Germany, South Korea, South Africa, and Brazil have also probed into Temu’s activities.
In its official statement, Temu said, “Protecting user privacy and data security is a top priority. We are committed to complying with applicable laws and regulations in our data practices. We will continue to engage in open and constructive dialogue with the NDPC to address any questions or concerns.”
Editor’s Note
This article has been updated with Temu’s official response to the development.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the public to the distribution of unregistered and suspected counterfeit Colgate toothpaste brand in Nigeria.
In a public notice shared on X (formerly Twitter), the agency said its Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorate received a complaint regarding the sale of the products in Kaduna State by a shop owner.
Following an investigation, officials of the food and drugs surveillance organisation visited the outlet and discovered two suspected counterfeit products branded as Coglaet ActivGel 100g and Coglaet Herbal 100g. The spellings were not only the indicator, but the production standards.
According to the agency, the shop owner disclosed that the items were sourced from a door-to-door sales representative but could not provide proof of purchase.
NAFDAC stated that the products failed to meet regulatory standards for registration and quality assurance, warning that they pose potential risks to public health and safety. It also added that the stated manufacturer could be traced to Baiyun District, Guangzhou, China.
The agency confirmed that the items have been removed from circulation, while efforts are ongoing to trace those responsible for their distribution.
NAFDAC urged consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspected sale of substandard or counterfeit regulated products to the nearest office, via its hotline or official email channels.
In a statement, NAFDAC said, “All NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been instructed to conduct surveillance and mop up the unregistered and counterfeited products if found within their zones and states.
“Distributors, retailers, and consumers are hereby advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the distribution, sale, and use of counterfeit products. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.”
Consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard, falsified, or counterfeit regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, call NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322, or via email: [email protected]. For complaints, the Reforms Unit can be reached: 09097630506, 09097630507, or email: [email protected]
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Barely 24 hours after MTN Nigeria announced the suspension of its data and airtime lending services, another operator, Airtel Nigeria, has followed suit.
In a statement on Friday by its Director of Corporate Communications & CSR, Mr Femi Adeniran, Airtel Nigeria said it would not no longer offer the airtime and data credit services for now.
However, the company noted that customers will continue to enjoy uninterrupted access to airtime and data purchases through its existing channels.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) introduced new rules on lending services in the country, and in compliance with this, telecommunications companies had to suspend rendering the services.
The affected services allowed eligible prepaid customers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge.
The Director of Marketing at Airtel Nigeria, Mr Ismail Adeshina, in the statement, noted the suspension of the services was to “align our operations with evolving requirements.”
“Airtel Nigeria remains committed to the highest standards of compliance, transparency, and consumer protection, while continuing to innovate responsibly within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem,” he added.
The telco noted that the temporary suspension is not expected to have a material impact on its service standards across the country, promising to provide updates on the status of the service in due course.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The airtime and data credit advance service offered by MTN Nigeria under the product name Xtratime has been temporarily suspended.
In a notice to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited on Thursday, MTN Nigeria explained that the decision to pause the service was due to regulatory compliance with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
However, it said customers could continue to purchase airtime and data through other alternative digital channels.
The company also disclosed that it does not expect the suspension of Xtratime to affect its topline because of its robust revenue mix.
“MTN Nigeria Communications Plc hereby notifies the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public that the company has temporarily suspended its airtime and data credit advance service (Xtratime).
“This relates to the implementation of processes under the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, which introduced a new compliance and licensing framework for entities providing digital or non-traditional consumer credit services.
“In the interim, customers continue to have access to alternative digital channels for airtime and data purchases.
“Given the scale within the revenue mix, we do not expect the temporary suspension to have a material impact.
“We are closely monitoring customer behaviour and usage trends and will provide an update on any quantified impact in our Q1 2026 results,” the notice signed by the company secretary, Ms Uto Ukpanah, read.
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