By : Kazeem Adeleke
Jumia, one of Africa’s largest e-commerce platforms, has strengthened its internal governance and access controls as part of efforts to protect consumer data and sustain trust amid Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
As online shopping spreads beyond major urban centres and more Nigerians transact digitally for the first time, concerns over how personal data is collected, stored and used have become central to consumer confidence. Industry analysts warn that weak safeguards could slow adoption and undermine the gains of digital inclusion.
Chief Executive Officer of Jumia Nigeria, Temidayo Ojo, said the company treats data protection as a core operational responsibility rather than a mere regulatory requirement.
“Protecting consumer data is embedded in how we operate and how we earn trust,” Ojo said in a note shared with Journalist. “Once trust is broken, adoption slows, and it is difficult to rebuild.”
He disclosed that Jumia has reinforced internal “Chinese walls” to restrict access to sensitive customer information, ensuring that data is only available to employees with a clear and legitimate business need. The company, he added, continues to invest in secure technology, internal processes and employee training to reduce exposure to data breaches.
Operating at scale requires managing large volumes of customer information across multiple touchpoints, including browsing, payments, logistics and delivery. According to Ojo, this makes strong internal governance essential to preventing misuse and maintaining confidence in the platform.
Jumia’s data-protection framework is guided by Nigeria’s Data Protection Act, which sets standards for transparency, security and accountability across public and private institutions. As a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Jumia is also subject to international compliance obligations.
“We fully implement GDPR principles across our operations and comply with country-specific legislation aligned with global best practices,” Ojo said, noting that trust must be consistent across borders in an increasingly interconnected digital economy.
Beyond regulatory compliance, Ojo stressed that effective data protection demands constant vigilance as technology and regulatory expectations evolve.
“The risk landscape keeps changing, so protecting consumer information cannot be a one-off exercise,” he said. “It requires continuous investment and strong governance.”
As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand, analysts say platforms that prioritise security and transparency will be better positioned to sustain long-term growth. For Jumia, Ojo said safeguarding consumer data remains central to building a resilient and inclusive e-commerce ecosystem.
