Jumia, one of Africa’s largest e-commerce platforms, has strengthened its internal governance and access controls as it steps up efforts to protect consumer data and maintain trust amid Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy, its chief executive said.
As online shopping expands beyond major cities and more Nigerians transact digitally for the first time, concerns around how personal information is collected, stored and used have become central to consumer confidence. Industry players say weak safeguards risk slowing adoption and undermining the gains of digital inclusion.
Chief Executive Officer of Jumia Nigeria, Temidayo Ojo, said in a note shared with The PUNCH that the company treats data protection as a core operational responsibility rather than a regulatory formality.
“Protecting consumer data is embedded in how we operate and how we earn trust,” Ojo said. “Once trust is broken, adoption slows, and it is difficult to rebuild.”
He said Jumia has reinforced internal “Chinese walls” that restrict access to sensitive customer information, ensuring data is only available to staff with a clear and legitimate business need. The company also continues to invest in secure technology, internal processes and employee training to reduce exposure to data breaches.
Operating at scale means managing large volumes of customer information across multiple touchpoints, including browsing, payments, logistics and delivery. According to Ojo, this makes strong internal governance critical to preventing misuse and maintaining confidence in the platform.
The company’s data protection approach is shaped by Nigeria’s Data Protection Act, which sets standards for transparency, security and accountability across public and private institutions. As a New York Stock Exchange-listed company, 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, adding that trust must be consistent across borders in an increasingly connected digital economy.
Beyond compliance, Ojo said effective data protection requires 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 grow, analysts say platforms that prioritise security and transparency are likely to 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.
Read the full article here
