Ever wondered where to find trendy fashion, cutting-edge tech, or stylish home decor at unbeatable prices? Look no further than Temu.

What is Temu?

Temu, an online marketplace sensation, has taken the world by storm with its vast array of products, competitive prices, and user-friendly platform. 

Since its 2022 launch, it has quickly become a global sensation, boasting hundreds of millions of downloads and catering to over 80 markets. Now, Nigerian shoppers can experience the Temu magic firsthand.  

This guide will walk you through the Temu shopping experience, ensuring a smooth journey from product discovery to delivery.

Step 1: CREATE AN ACCOUNT TO UNLOCK SMART SHOPPING

The registration process

Joining Temu is super easy! Whether you prefer the traditional approach or the convenience of social media, Temu has you covered. For the classic signup, simply visit temu.com or download the mobile app, enter your email or phone number, create a strong password, and confirm your details. It’s as easy as that!

For social media savvy, link your Google, Apple, or Facebook account and skip the hassle of creating a new login. With Temu’s streamlined process, you can spend less time logging in and more time exploring the incredible deals awaiting you. 

Mobile app vs. desktop: Which platform offers the best shopping experience?

Both the mobile app and desktop website offer a seamless shopping experience. However, for a truly dynamic and interactive shopping journey, we recommend the mobile app. You will enjoy real-time price alerts, exclusive mobile deals, and easy order tracking.

For a more deliberate shopping experience, the desktop website is the perfect choice. With larger screens and easy-to-use comparison features, you can take your time and make informed decisions.

Step 2: BROWSING AND SHOPPING LIKE A PRO

Navigating Temu’s vast selection

Temu offers a vast selection of over 200 product categories, from fashion and tech to home goods and beauty. 

To get started, simply use the search bar function to find specific items or explore categories, and refine your search with filters for price, colour, size, and more. Sort items by relevance, price, or newest arrivals to find the perfect products.

Temu’s ranking system highlights popular and trusted products, often based on customer reviews and sales trends. To make informed choices, compare prices, features, and reviews before purchasing.

Best-selling products

Temu’s best-selling products are constantly updated based on real-time sales data. 

                                    Best sellers: Popular products based on sales. Updated hourly.

Other metrics beyond rankings

Temu goes beyond traditional product rankings, focusing on the performance and quality of its providers. By considering factors like historic ratings, repurchase records, follower numbers, and new product releases, consumers can make informed decisions. This approach not only empowers buyers but also incentivises providers to deliver high-quality, diverse products and build strong customer relationships.

Providers can earn recognition directly on their product pages by ranking highly in categories like Top Sales, Top Rated, Top Repurchased, Top Followed, or New Arrival. These rankings are based on the provider’s performance over the past 30 days and are updated daily to ensure the most current information is displayed to consumers.

Finding your perfect fit

Temu provides detailed size guides to help shoppers find the perfect fit, particularly for clothing and accessories. These guides often include measurements, comparison charts, and sometimes even virtual fitting tools to make your online shopping experience seamless.

Save more, shop smart

Simplify your shopping and maximise your savings with Temu. All discounts are displayed directly on product pages. For the best deals, explore the platform’s Lightning Deals. To ensure satisfaction, pay attention to details, read descriptions, verify measurements, understand features, and consult seller ratings and reviews.

Step 3: PLACING AN ORDER 

Shopping safely and securely

Temu offers a variety of payment methods, including popular credit cards and digital wallets like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Maestro, Discover, JCB and Diners Club. To prioritise your security, the platform employs advanced security measures, adhering to strict industry standards to protect your information.

Step 4: FAST AND RELIABLE DELIVERY

Hassle-free delivery, every time

Temu prioritises customer satisfaction by providing real-time order tracking and reliable shipping options, including free standard shipping and express delivery. The platform guarantees on-time delivery and offers full refunds for damaged or undelivered orders. 

At the moment, Temu is in partnership with local logistics firms, such as Flyt Express, SKYNET, and Speedaf to make delivery to Nigerian shoppers on time.

Step 5: AFTER-SALES SERVICE – BEYOND THE PURCHASE

Returns and exchanges made easy

Temu provides a seamless return process with its Purchase Protection Program. If you’re unsatisfied with a purchase, log into your account, select the item, provide a reason, and submit a return request. Temu will provide a prepaid shipping label. 

You have a 90-day return window for most items. Once processed, you can choose a refund to Temu credit or original payment. For exchanges, return the item and place a new order. Temu also offers refund policies for no updates and no deliveries. Check Temu’s specific return policy for the latest information.

Beyond shopping: A greener future

Temu is committed to sustainability. By shopping on Temu, you contribute to a greener future. The platform’s Tree Planting Program and combined shipping initiatives help reduce environmental impact.

Smart shopping simplified

Temu has transformed online shopping, offering a wide range of affordable products and a user-friendly experience. 

Follow these simple steps to easily navigate the platform and discover your next favourite find. If you need assistance, Temu’s customer support team is available 24/7. 

So, shop with confidence on Temu!

By Anaekwe Everistus Nnamdi

Kaolin, a versatile and valuable industrial mineral, holds significant promise for Nigeria’s mining and industrial sectors. Its wide-ranging applications, especially in the pharmaceutical industry, present an untapped potential for mining and processing into pharmaceutical-grade material for both local use and export.

Kaolin, or china clay, is a soft, white clay primarily composed of kaolinite. It finds applications in ceramics, paper, paint, rubber, and plastics. In the pharmaceutical industry, it serves as an excipient, binder, and coating agent for tablets, underscoring its economic significance. Pharmaceutical-grade kaolin is a premium product, requiring high purity levels and strict processing standards.

Nigeria boasts substantial kaolin deposits in states like Adamawa, Katsina, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti, with reserves exceeding two billion metric tons. Despite this abundance, the potential of kaolin mining and processing remains underutilized due to limited investment, inadequate infrastructure, and technological challenges.

The local demand for kaolin, particularly in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, is on the rise. As Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector grows, fueled by an increasing population and higher prevalence of chronic diseases, the need for high-quality pharmaceutical excipients like kaolin is set to surge. Beyond pharmaceuticals, kaolin is essential in toothpaste, cosmetics, and agrochemicals, further diversifying its domestic applications.

Globally, the kaolin market was valued at USD 3.09 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 4.90 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.59% from 2023 to 2030. The rising demand across industries such as paper, ceramics, paints, and rubber drives this growth. Construction activities worldwide also contribute to the expanding market, aligning with the growing global population’s needs.

Pharmaceutical-grade kaolin represents a niche yet high-value segment of this market. Major importers include the United States, Germany, Japan, and South Korea, where stringent regulations require high-quality raw materials.

Nigeria’s strategic location and trade agreements with African and international partners position it as a potential supplier. Investments in mining and processing infrastructure could enable Nigeria to compete globally, leveraging its vast reserves and cost advantages.

Trends in the Kaolin Market

Increased Demand for High-Purity Kaolin: The pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries are driving the need for ultra-fine, high-purity kaolin that meets regulatory standards.

Sustainability in Mining: Emphasis is growing on sustainable practices, minimizing environmental impact, and benefiting local communities.

Technological Advancements: Innovations in processing technology improve beneficiation efficiency, meeting stringent global standards.

Local Value Addition: Many governments encourage local processing industries to reduce reliance on raw material exports.

Processing pharmaceutical-grade kaolin involves a series of meticulously controlled stages. The first step is mining and beneficiation, which includes extracting kaolin and removing impurities through processes such as washing, sieving, and magnetic separation.

Next, calcination is employed to heat the kaolin, removing moisture and enhancing its chemical and physical properties.

This is followed by grinding and micronizing, a critical phase where the kaolin is refined to achieve the ultra-fine particle size required for pharmaceutical applications.

Finally, quality testing is conducted to ensure the product meets stringent international pharmacopoeia standards, guaranteeing its suitability for high-value uses.

Modern processing plants in Nigeria could significantly boost the local value chain, create jobs, and reduce dependency on imported pharmaceutical-grade kaolin.

The Nigerian mining sector operates under the Minerals and Mining Act of 2007, which provides the legal framework for activities. Key provisions include:

Licensing: Companies require licenses, such as Exploration Licenses, Mining Leases, and Small-Scale Mining Leases.

Environmental Compliance: Operations must adhere to environmental regulations, including conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).

Community Engagement: Companies must engage host communities and deliver socio-economic benefits.

Additionally, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) oversees pharmaceutical product quality, including raw materials like kaolin. Compliance with NAFDAC standards is crucial for local producers targeting the pharmaceutical market.

Kaolin mining and processing offer Nigeria an opportunity to diversify its economy, reduce import dependency, and boost foreign exchange earnings. Investments in infrastructure, technology, and regulatory compliance can unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s kaolin reserves.

As global demand for high-purity kaolin rises, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, Nigeria’s strategic position and abundant resources make it a key player in the industry’s future.

Anaekwe Everistus Nnamdi is the founder and Market Research Analyst of Foraminifera Market Research Limited, Lagos and can be reached via [email protected] or +234 8033782777

By Jerome-Mario Utomi

The Chairman of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Chiedu Ebie has said the commission recorded impressive achievements in 2024.

Speaking on Monday on a radio programme where he featured as a guest, Mr Ebie assured of the agency’s continued socio-economic and infrastructural strides in the Niger Delta.

The chairman, a former Secretary to Delta State Government, listed peaceful coexistence among members of the board and management, infrastructural provision, stakeholders’ engagement, and human capital development, among others as the commission’s key achievements in 2024.

“For us, our key achievement, first and foremost, which is what many people will take for granted, is peace and stability within the board and the commission.

“In the past, you know, NDDC was always in the news for the wrong reasons. But I’m proud and confident to say that in the one year that we’ve been there, it has been very peaceful, coexisting within the board and then, for everybody that has to do with the commission.

“Another achievement also is that we have created a very harmonious working relationship,” Mr Ebie said.

On seamless interface with critical Niger Delta stakeholders, Mr Ebie said pragmatic leadership made it easier, noting, “Have we been able to achieve that? We sat amongst ourselves and said ‘you must engage the stakeholders, periodically.

“So, about six months into our tenure, we conveyed a Niger Delta Stakeholder Summit which was held in two days in Port Harcourt. In July, we had critical stakeholder engagement ranging from the private sector to top government officials, to ethnic nationalities, and so on. We keep those engagements going.

“We’ve also engaged with the youth groups as well. I think we’ve had two such engagements with the youth group. So, in terms of stakeholder management, the day-to-day administration of the commission is led by the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Sam Ogbuku who I will say, has done an excellent job.

“We on the board, as a non-executive chairman, we superintend over the board and by extension, we supervise over the activities of management.

“So, we’ve worked to create that harmonious working relationship and at the same time, engage the stakeholders. So, that’s in terms of management and administration,” the NDDC chairman stated.

On infrastructural and human capital development, he said, “Other achievements would have to do with infrastructural development and capacity building in various areas, which I can highlight as we go along. But I will pause for now.

“There are a whole load of programs by the commission, which as we all know, is an interventionist agency. Sometimes, people tend to mistake NDDC for a tier of government. They make it seem as if NDDC is a tier of government but it’s an interventionist agency. In doing that, one of the things we will seek to achieve is to also make sure that we conduct empowerment.

“Now, the main one which we sat down and put together is Project Hope, which stands for holistic opportunities, programs and engagements. This is built around meticulously crafted programmes which include agriculture, entrepreneurship, internship, music and arts.

“Now, one of the things we realized is that over time, over the 24 years of its existence, NDDC has empowered many people.

“They’ve trained a lot of people. But you find that it is very difficult for you to sit down and determine the exact numbers. Or even the evaluation. What has been the impact of these empowerment programmes? So, it is a bit hazardous, and a bit unified. We sat down and said we need to rejig this thing.

“We need to create something that over time, as we go along, we will be able to measure the impact and know what each person has achieved and how it has impacted their lives. Has it taken them out of the poverty bracket and thrust them up the ladder? So, we came up with Project Hope which is in three phases.”

According to Mr Ebie, the first phase of the programme has to do with mapping and paper gathering which has so far seen about 3.2million youths registered on the platform. Phase Two, he disclosed is on the offing.

“We also have the youth internship scheme which we sort of made public towards the second or third quarter of last year where we tried to empower 10,000 youths across the nine NDDC states.

“Of course, based on their different skills, where they would earn a monthly allowance of N50,000. The world is advancing, there is technological advancement. Even your radio station here, as you can see, has benefitted from technological advancement.

“So, anything we’re doing, we have to base it along those lines. Everything is online. We register online. So, even for the youth internship scheme which would kick off in earnest, in January, we’ve now been able to gather all the data and categorise all the people into the different vocations or skill settings. These are two major empowerment programmes,” Mr Ebie added.

Speaking on NDDC’s intervention in the education sector in the Niger Delta, he informed that “educationally, we recently launched the U-lesson tabs, which is also another initiative of the commission. We had the launch to signify the partnership between the commission and the First Lady.”

“Yet again, this borders on technology, where we will be distributing tabs to schools across the region. And we’re very particular this time around. We don’t want to give out these things to students, parents or teachers who would toss them in one corner or use them for other things.

“Now, these are tabs that have a curriculum loaded onto them. And they aid learning and teaching as well. A pilot programme was run by the manufacturers. In over one year, they were able to measure the impact it has had on the children and the fact that it significantly improved their cognitive skills and their learning abilities.

“So, the outcomes were pretty impressive, which is what we’re trying to replicate across the nine states. Of course, we have the foreign scholarship programme which is postgraduate, where we offer scholarships to 200 hundred indigenes of the region who go through a rigorous process in determining those that are becoming eligible.

“I remember, when the board just got inaugurated in November of last year, one of the very first complaints I received was from people who said we should halt the scholarship scheme and review it. But when we sat down, and we spoke with the directorate responsible for it, we reviewed the process. We found that it was indeed very detailed, very transparent and it was given to those that were deserving of it.

“Out of two hundred students, that went abroad for this postgraduate scholarship program, eleven of them graduated with a distinction. It goes to show that it’s a good thing. What it does is that apart from the fact that you’re getting a postgraduate degree from a good foreign university, It also puts you on a different pedestal,” he added.

Continuing, the NDDC boss pointed out, “The effect is that it improves you and enables you to get a good job. When you return, you come and contribute your quarter to the improvement of the region. And then, eventually, we’re improving the knowledge base and empowering our people with good quality education.”