For many Nigerians, it meant a chance to buy high-end gadgets at more affordable prices. Globally, the month brought fresh changes in device design and more use of artificial intelligence.

But November is not just about shopping anymore. It has become a period when e-commerce platforms step out for market share, smartphone makers unveil their latest devices, and buyers benefit from the competition.

Biggest Tech Deals of November

November is now called “Black Friday season” as e-commerce platforms stretch their promotions across the month. Some even refer to it as “Black November.”

Competition Among Nigerian E-Commerce Platforms

Nigeria’s e-commerce space was highly competitive this year. Jumia opened the season with its Do Pass Yourself campaign (October 31–December 1).

Konga responded with its Yakata Sale throughout November, and Jiji joined in with its Deals Na Water campaign, offering discounts of up to 85% across several categories.

These platforms were clearly invested in month-long sales, not just the holiday weekend.

Shoppers found HP laptops discounted by as much as 70%, especially top-tier notebooks and EliteBooks, strong value for professionals needing reliable machines.

Jumia also listed EcoFlow Solar Power Stations at half price and bundled freebies with Redmi phones. Oraimo rolled out a Buy-1-Get-1-Free offer for selected headphones and smartwatches.

There were extra incentives too: free delivery in Lagos, Abuja and Ibadan on selected items, an additional 30% off for Mastercard users, and voucher codes that trimmed roughly ₦2,000 off orders above ₦20,000.

Global Shopping Trends

The trend wasn’t limited to Nigeria. Amazon pushed the 2025 MacBook Air to a record low of $749, while HP Chromebooks saw price cuts of around $91. Gamers enjoyed some of the biggest savings, with laptops sporting RTX 4060 GPUs and Ryzen 5 processors selling below $700, solid value for smooth 1080p gaming.

Unlike previous years, most discounts were genuine, not inflated prices artificially slashed for effect. Samsung, Tecno, Infinix and Xiaomi all featured prominently, offering strong options across budget, mid-range, and premium categories.

Major Tech Releases and Announcements

Beyond the sales, November brought releases and announcements that will impact tech trends going into 2026.

Smarter Smartphones

Several key smartphone launches took place, including the OnePlus 15, Oppo Find X9 Pro, and Realme GT 8 Pro. All three use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which brings a 20% CPU speed boost and roughly 35% better battery efficiency than earlier models, highly recommended for performance and daily use.

Battery life also improved sharply.

• Oppo Find X9 Pro packs a 7,500mAh battery capable of lasting several days.
• OnePlus 15 carries a 7,300mAh battery that comfortably lasts two days and can fully charge in about 25 minutes.

Camera systems saw upgrades too. Many new flagships now offer triple 50MP lenses with 5x optical zoom, making it easier to capture professional-quality photos without carrying dedicated gear.

Computing and AI Integration

In computing, both hardware and software developments stood out. Apple launched the iPhone 17, with improved AI-powered cameras, a faster A18 chip, and better battery performance. Microsoft rolled out an early developer version of Windows 12, revealing the next phase of its operating system.

Meta launched the Quest 5 mixed-reality headset, featuring an ultra-sharp display, improved gesture tracking, and upgraded audio. It’s designed for gaming and productivity, showing that industry investment in extended reality is still strong despite earlier doubts.

There were strategic moves too. Microsoft confirmed that Microsoft 365 Copilot for Business would launch on December 1, 2025, for small companies with fewer than 300 staff, priced at about $21, a more accessible rate aimed at encouraging wider adoption of AI productivity tools.

Samsung also revealed ongoing work on tri-fold smartphones and deeper integration of its Galaxy AI ecosystem, while slowing production of some current foldables to balance innovation with demand.

Conclusion

November 2025 stands out both for heavy discounts and for commendable progress across many areas of consumer technology. The biggest takeaway is that buyers now have more power, thanks to more choices, better competition, stronger supply chains, and real improvements in product quality.

Whether you bought something during the sales or simply kept an eye on the trends, November showed us that timing, platform choice, and value assessment matter more than ever.

In Nigeria, the involvement of platforms like Jumia and Konga, alongside numerous international and small local vendors, means buyers can genuinely find good gadgets, tech accessories and home appliances at lower prices.

But the volume of offers also creates confusion, making it easier for fake deals to slip through. Misleading discounts and clever advertising usually hide the real value of an item.

This Black Friday, relying on the lowest price tag is no longer enough. Buyers need to be calmer, more informed and far more data-driven.

It takes patience, research and good understanding of how tricky retailers operate to avoid falling for the wrong deal.

This guide helps you understand key signs to watch for and how to get real savings, not just eye-catching percentages.

How to Identify Fake Discounts

One of the ways to recognise deceptive pricing is understanding the tactics retailers use to influence impulsive buying. Looking beyond the surface of any promotion is the only way to see whether a discount is real.

Inflated “Original Prices”

One of the oldest Black Friday tricks is inflating the “original” price weeks before the sales begin. A retailer quietly increases the standard retail price (SRP), then slashes it during Black Friday to create the illusion of a massive discount.

For example, a phone that normally sells for ₦200,000 could be raised to ₦350,000, then “discounted” to ₦250,000. The shopper sees a big 28% price slash, but the real savings remain just ₦50,000 off its usual price.

Smart buyers look beyond the listed “was” price by checking what the item sold for months earlier. This requires some prior research or the use of simple price-comparison tools.

Unrealistic Percentage Cuts

Very high discounts, 70%, 80% or even 90% off, are usually red flags. These figures are usually calculated from inflated original prices or apply only to leftover stock, unknown brands or special “Black Friday versions” with weaker specifications.

A more reliable way to assess value is to focus on the final price, not the percentage. If a product normally sells for ₦100,000, a drop to ₦85,000 is a real ₦15,000 savings.

But a 50% cut on a claimed ₦300,000 original price may still leave you paying more than the market average.

Always compare the final price against the product’s actual market history.

Suspicious Product Reviews and Ratings

Because most Black Friday shopping happens online, reviews play a big role in decision-making. Fake reviews are becoming more common, especially from third-party sellers. Watch out for:

Generic 5-star reviews: Short, repetitive comments like “Great product!” with no real details. Authentic reviews usually show a mix of opinions.

Poor grammar or odd phrasing: Especially on products from new or unknown vendors. These often come from bots or non-organic review farms.

Lack of ‘Verified Purchase’ tags: Verified reviews carry more weight and indicate the buyer truly purchased the item on the platform.

External search checks: A simple search for the seller’s name plus “complaints” or “scam” on consumer forums can reveal problems hidden on the main marketplace.

How​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ to Verify Genuine Deals

Spotting red flags is only the first step. Confirming whether a deal is truly worth it requires a bit more digging.

Comparing Prices Across Multiple Stores

The internet gives buyers transparency, and retailers who inflate prices hate that. Never depend on just one website to tell you what the “best deal” is.

For Nigerian shoppers, cross-check prices on platforms like Jumia, Konga, official brand sites, and authorised distributors. When several reputable sellers offer similar discounts, the deal is more likely to be genuine. But if only one unknown marketplace has an unusually low price, that is a sign to be cautious.

Quick tools like Google Shopping can also help give a broader price snapshot.

Checking Seller Credibility and Warranty Information

A discount is useless if the product turns out fake or has no warranty support.

Before buying, check:

• Whether the seller is an authorised or reliable distributor
• If the product comes with a manufacturer’s warranty valid in Nigeria
• The clarity of the return policy
• Whether the website uses secure payment channels (card, Paystack, Flutterwave, etc.)

Be wary of sellers who insist on bank transfers, crypto payments, or gift cards. Established online stores always offer traceable, secure options.

A physical address, customer support line and valid business email also signal credibility.

Using Price-Tracking Tools and Trusted Platforms

Even though tools like Keep a focus on Amazon, the idea of tracking prices applies everywhere.

For shoppers in Nigeria:

• Start monitoring the price of your target product weeks before Black Friday.
• Use browser extensions or apps that alert you when prices drop.
• When in doubt, stick to trusted platforms and official brand outlets.

Conclusion

Black Friday can genuinely ensure good savings, but it is also the period when buyers are most vulnerable. Avoiding fake deals requires shifting from impulse buying to strategic decision-making.

By applying the checks and practices above, you can easily bypass the marketing noise and secure real, meaningful discounts this Black Friday. Shop smart, compare carefully and stay alert.

Starting an online store in Nigeria sounds simple, open a page, post pictures, take orders. However, it is not as easy as it looks.

Between figuring out what to sell, building customer trust, and actually delivering products on time, many people quit halfway.

With the right strategy, an online hustle can be turned into a real business. Here’s how:

Sell What People Want, Not What You Like

One big mistake entrepreneurs make is selling what they think is cool, not what people are actually searching for. Right now, Nigerians are spending on:

• Fashion & beauty: wigs, sneakers, skincare kits.
• Gadgets: phones, chargers, smartwatches.
• Power solutions: solar lamps, inverters, generators.
• Household tools: kitchen gadgets, cleaning equipment.

Before you buy stock, check Jumia’s “Best Sellers,” follow Instagram vendors, and you can also ask your WhatsApp contacts: “Would you buy this at ₦X?” Real feedback saves you from wasting money.

You don’t need a tech degree to set up shop. Start small and grow.

• Marketplaces: Jumia, Konga (good traffic but they take commissions).
• Social Media Shops: Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp Business (perfect for beginners).

Most successful vendors start on Instagram/WhatsApp, then move to their own store once sales pick up. It feels more professional and gives you control.

Build Trust  

Nigerians Don’t Joke with Their Money. You have likely heard stories like you order sneakers online, and a week later you get slippers. That’s why building trust is everything.

Ways to build it:

• Use your real product photos, not random Google images.
• Share customer reviews and unboxing videos.
• Be clear about delivery timelines and return policies.

Remember, people buy from those they trust and not the loudest seller.

Logistics: The Silent Killer of Online Businesses

Let’s be honest: delivery stress in Nigeria can test your patience. Delayed riders, missing packages, “Madam, abeg call the dispatch rider yourself.” Sound familiar?

That’s why you must get logistics right from day one.

• Partner with trusted logistic outlet.
• For same-city deliveries, consider hiring a dedicated rider.
• Communicate clearly: “Delivery takes 2–3 days” is better than “soon.”

Start by serving your city or state before going national. It saves headaches and money.

Market Smart, Not Loud

You don’t need ₦500k for ads. Sometimes, ₦5,000 well spent on Instagram can bring reasonaable sales if targeted right.

• Make short Reels showing how your product works.
• You can also partner with micro-influencers.
• Build a WhatsApp broadcast list for loyal customers.
• Offer small freebies ( such as free delivery, discounts for repeat buyers).

Marketing is not about shouting, it is about showing why your product solves a problem.

Scale Slowly, Not Wildly

Here’s the trap: you make your first ₦100k profit, and suddenly you want to import a container from China. Slow down.

Reinvest your profits gradually:

• Add one or two new products.
• Expand delivery zones.
• Improve packaging and branding.

Scaling too fast without structure is why many online stores collapse after one viral moment.

The Nigerian e-commerce space is crowded, but it’s also full of opportunities. If you choose products people actually want, build trust, handle logistics smartly, and grow at your own pace, you can create not just a hustle but a real business.

Every trending wig, every solar lamp, every skincare product bought online is proof that Nigerians are spending. The question remains: are they spending it with you?

From startups to multinationals, organizations are racing to adopt digital tools, boost efficiency, and stay competitive in a tech-driven world.

For software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts, and other techies or digital talent, the market has never been more promising.

Here are the top industries in Nigeria where techies can build rewarding and lucrative careers:

1. Fintech & Digital Finance

Nigeria is Africa’s fintech powerhouse, home to unicorns like Flutterwave, Interswitch, and Opay. Fintech startups are reshaping how people save, invest, and make payments.

Techies skilled in software engineering, blockchain, UI/UX, cybersecurity, and mobile app development are in high demand.

Why it’s lucrative: Access to global funding, remote work potential, and the chance to work on products used by millions daily.

2. eCommerce & Retail Tech

Platforms like Jumia, Konga, and Fouani Online Store are transforming Nigeria’s retail space. Beyond online shopping, logistics, payment gateways, and AI-driven customer experience are areas where tech talent is critical.

Why it’s lucrative: High user adoption, growing demand for digital marketplaces, and opportunities to develop scalable solutions for consumers.

3. Telecommunications & ICT

Telcos like MTN, Airtel, and Glo are not just communication providers, they are now digital service enablers. Careers in cloud computing, network engineering, cybersecurity, and big data analytics are in strong demand as telcos drive 5G adoption and expand mobile services.

Why it’s lucrative: Strong salaries, steady demand, and opportunities to work on cutting-edge digital infrastructure projects.

4. Agritech

Agriculture is Nigeria’s largest employer, and tech is driving its transformation. Startups like Thrive Agric and Farmcrowdy are leveraging AI, IoT, and blockchain to improve food production, distribution, and financing.

Why it’s lucrative: Growing investor interest in agritech, constant demand for food, and the chance to solve real problems with scalable digital solutions.

5. Health Tech

With a fast-growing population, Nigeria’s healthcare sector is under pressure. Tech is stepping in with telemedicine, electronic health records, and AI-powered diagnostics. Companies like LifeBank and Helium Health are paving the way.

Why it’s lucrative: Critical need for innovation, strong social impact, and expansion of private healthcare technology solutions.

6. Media & Entertainment Tech (TechTainment)

Nigeria’s creative industry; film, music, and gaming, is going digital. Streaming platforms, animation studios, and gaming startups are creating roles for tech professionals in software engineering, AR/VR, and digital content distribution.

Why it’s lucrative: Nollywood and Afrobeats have global audiences, creating demand for digital platforms and immersive technologies.

For techies in Nigeria, the future is brimming with opportunities across multiple industries. Whether it’s building fintech apps, powering health-tech platforms, or scaling ecommerce solutions, skilled professionals can find not just jobs, but truly lucrative careers.

The key? Continuous upskilling, adaptability, and the courage to innovate.

Trillions of naira move through these platforms every year, but are we as Nigerians truly the owners of this digital revolution, or are we simply feeding the machine?

The numbers look commendable, as mobile money operators, led by OPay, PalmPay, and others, processed over ₦71.5 trillion in 2024, up from ₦46.6 trillion the previous year. That’s a 53% surge in digital transactions in a single year. 

The total volume of transactions rose from 3 billion to nearly 4 billion, while Nigeria’s e-payment ecosystem crossed the mind-bending threshold of ₦1.07 quadrillion. Flutterwave, PalmPay, and OPay together are worth more than $6 billion. 

Moniepoint alone serves over 10 million customers, processing more than a billion transactions monthly. These platforms have become the arteries of Nigeria’s economy.

But look past the numbers and we see a worrisome picture. Most of these platforms are not Nigerian-owned, at least not in the full sense. They are backed, funded, and in many cases controlled by foreign investors who are ultimately the biggest beneficiaries of the profits. 

Nigerians generate the volume, carry the risks, and pay the fees, but the value extracted rarely stays here. Even Paystack, once a poster child of local innovation, now sits under Stripe, an American company.

The experience for everyday users is not always rosy either. High transfer fees eat into income, hidden charges appear without explanation, and platforms monetise data without ever asking for consent. In April 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) froze new customer onboarding for OPay, PalmPay, and Moniepoint over issues about compliance. 

Millions of users were instantly locked out, not because they did anything wrong, but because regulators and platforms were at war. That moment exposed a painful truth: Nigerians are passengers, not drivers, in this so-called digital economy.

The story is not limited to payments. Ride-hailing and e-commerce also have their part. Bolt is one of Nigeria’s leading transport apps, while Jumia has over four million active customers across West Africa, with Nigeria as its biggest market. 

But again, ownership sits elsewhere. These platforms dominate mobility and retail in Nigeria, yet the wealth created flows outward. Nigerians keep the ecosystem alive, the drivers, riders, buyers, and sellers, but who really profits at the end of the day?

So we circle back to the question: who owns Nigeria’s digital economy? Is it the millions of people who log in every day, building the data, trust, and traffic that keep these platforms alive? Or is it the platforms themselves, backed by capital far beyond Nigeria’s borders? 

On one hand, Nigerians are enjoying convenience, speed, and access like never before. On the other hand, we might be building wealth we’ll never truly share in, trapped in a cycle of dependency where platforms set the rules and people have little choice but to comply.

And that’s where the conversation must begin. Are we content to be consumers, or should we be demanding true participation and ownership? Should regulators create space for real local authorities, or will foreign-backed platforms continue to dictate the terms? 

Until those questions are answered, Nigeria’s digital economy will remain a paradox, built by Nigerians, but not necessarily for Nigerians.

By early 2025, the company, with a goal to place one million e-bicycles on African roads by 2030, had dismissed most of its 50 employees across departments. 

Internal documents sent to staff in February cited “a substantial decline in revenue, extremely high cost of operations, an unsustainable employee wage bill, and restructuring of the business to adopt a leaner, more efficient structure.”

Barely 10 employees remained after the first round of layoffs, but they too left by mid-year. “We understand that this news is difficult, and we share in the sadness of having to take these steps,” the company wrote in its redundancy notice. 

“Please know that we are doing everything we can to minimize the impact of these layoffs, and that the decision is driven solely by the need to ensure the company’s sustainability in the face of the current economic climate.”

This reveals a challenge in Kenya’s e-mobility market, where delivery riders and commuters are opting for electric motorbikes instead of bicycles. Riders point to cost and power. 

eBee’s eBX model, priced at KES 99,999 ($774) or about KES 9,500 ($74) per month on lease, remains far out of reach for the very workers it targeted, such as boda boda operators. Even with financing options, demand never picked up.

The company’s problems increased when the Tax Appeals Tribunal ruled against it in February 2025 in a dispute with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). eBee had declared its imports as parts for local assembly, which would attract a 10% duty, but regulators disagreed. 

The tribunal ruled the shipments were fully built electric bicycles, subjecting them to a 25% import duty, 16% VAT, and an excise duty of KES 10,520 per unit. The decision left eBee with an additional tax bill of KES 2.78 million ($20,857).

The ruling stressed that the motor, not the battery, is the key defining part of an electric bicycle. eBee’s claim that sourcing batteries locally qualified its products as “assembled in Kenya” was dismissed. 

Industry watchers warn the case could set a precedent for other electric mobility firms, including BasiGo, Ampersand, and Spiro, which also rely on importing parts.

eBee, however, says it is not shutting down. In a written statement, the startup said it “remains operational and focused on serving customers and partners” while maintaining warranty and after-sales services. It also noted a “renewed strategy to strengthen commercial traction and ensure sustainable growth,” but gave no details on which locations were being merged or what form the strategy would take.

Founded in 2021 by Sten Van Der Ham, Jaap Maljers, Isidoor Maljers, and Joost Boeles, eBee built its brand on assembling and leasing e-bikes for courier companies such as Jumia, Glovo, and Bolt. 

The startup also expanded into Uganda and Rwanda through partnerships. Models like the Nyuki cargo bike, retailing at KES 119,999, were marketed for last-mile delivery.

But the timing worked against it. Kenya’s EV adoption remains weak. By mid-2025, only 671 electric vehicles were officially registered, nearly half of them motorcycles. A report by ALN Kenya has already called for clearer tax guidelines, incentives, and stronger public-private partnerships to prevent more startups from folding under regulatory and financial pressure.

Leadership changes have added more tension. In March, CEO and co-founder Sten Van Der Ham resigned, weeks after the company lost its tax dispute. His departure revealed the fragility of a business once seen as a pioneer in Africa’s clean mobility revolution.

The company also trimmed its after-tax loss by 28% to $16.3 million, compared to $22.5 million in the same period last year.

According to the statement, Jumia’s operating loss fell to $16.5 million from $20.2 million, while loss before income tax also declined by 28% to $16.5 million.

Gross profit rose 11% year-on-year to $23.9 million, from $21.6 million. Adjusted EBITDA loss dropped by 17% to $13.6 million, from $16.3 million in Q2 2024.

However, net cash used in operating activities increased to $12.7 million, up from $8.4 million in the same quarter last year.

Key performance indicators for Jumia’s physical goods business showed strong improvements. Orders rose by 18% year-on-year, driven by better product assortment across major categories. 

Quarterly active customers grew by 13%, signalling improved customer retention. In Nigeria, orders increased by 25%, while Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) surged 36% year-on-year.

Commenting on the results, Francis Dufay, CEO of Jumia Group, said:

“Our second-quarter results demonstrate continued momentum in our core consumer business, with robust usage growth and strong engagement across markets. We believe year-over-year trends are reflecting the underlying strength of our platform. We also delivered a meaningful improvement in cash burn quarter-over-quarter, driven by growth and a positive impact from working capital.

“This reinforces our confidence in reaching our strategic goal to break even on a loss-before-income-tax basis in the fourth quarter of 2026 and achieving full-year profitability in 2027. Based on current trends, we are raising our full-year 2025 guidance and long-term profitability targets.”

Fulfilment expenses increased by 16% to $10.8 million from $9.3 million, while sales and advertising expenses declined by 6% to $4.2 million. Technology and content expenses edged up to $9.2 million from $8.7 million year-on-year.

Although Jumia previously operated at a loss year after year, the company is showing consistent progress towards profitability. The Q2 2025 loss of $16.3 million marks a significant improvement, aligning with its roadmap to achieve profitability by 2027.

He said that Jumia has earned its place as a major brand, with its growth and trajectory in the country’s e-commerce ecosystem over the years which, he said, has made it a household name. He urged the company to not only strive to maintain its excellent service standards, but to also work towards improving them.

The Governor who was speaking during a courtesy visit by the management of Jumia Nigeria to the State House in Marina on Thursday March 27, reaffirmed the strategic importance of the company in the economic development of Lagos State and Nigeria, especially in job creation. He restated his administration’s commitment in ensuring that Lagos State remains environmentally friendly for businesses to grow.

“Our administration has always prioritized creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. Through various initiatives, we have strengthened the ease of doing business, and fostered innovation to drive economic growth, and we will continue to support businesses and create opportunities that will aid in their growth”, Sanwo-Olu said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said that the Lagos State Government remains open to collaborations with the private sector to enhance service delivery, infrastructure development, and create opportunities for residents, with the aim of building a resilient and sustainable future. He said the administration recognises the importance of working with the private sector to achieve its goals of improving the lives of its citizens.

Speaking also, the Chief Executive Officer of Jumia Nigeria, Sunil Natraj, thanked the governor for creating an enabling environment in the state for businesses like Jumia to grow. He stated Jumia’s commitment to contributing towards the growth and development of the state, and the country.

Natraj said the company has made tremendous strides from its early days as a tech start-up in Lagos and has grown to become the number one e-commerce platform in Nigeria, with a presence in nine African countries.

He said the company presently employs hundreds of Nigerians directly, and thousands more indirectly as independent sales agents and partners.

He restated Jumia Nigeria’s commitment to providing excellent service, focusing on delivering exceptional value and fostering long-term relationships with its customers around the country. Among other things, he said the company is actively working to enhance customer experience, aiming to simplify the e-commerce process, making it easier for customers to navigate and shop online.

According to him, Jumia aims to transform everyday life in Africa by making it easier for consumers to access goods and services conveniently and affordably, adding that the company is focused on expanding access to retail across the country.

Justice Emeka Nwite awarded the applicant, Chukwunweike Araka Akosa N3,000,000 (Three Million Naira) upon establishing that the restaurant sent him direct unsolicited marketing messages via his phone without his consent and went ahead to compensate him for the breach of his fundamental rights.

The court established that the restaurant’s usage of Akosa’s data for direct marketing purposes was unlawful and in violation of Section 37 of Nigeria’s Constitution and Sections 25 and 26 of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.

The case was reported through Paradigm Initiative’s Ripoti Platform after which the organisation supported the applicant’s legal redress.

While delivering the judgement, Justice Emeka Nwite observed that the continued unsolicited messaging to the applicant constituted an infringement of the right to privacy and failed to meet the lawful data processing requirements under Section 25 of the Act.

While compensating Akosa for the breach of his fundamental rights, he also issued an order directing the restaurant to permanently erase the applicant’s personal data from its systems and to cease all unsolicited direct marketing communications.

Akosa’s legal battle with the restaurant started brewing on December 14th, 2023 when he observed that Dominos Pizza sent him unsolicited messages via his cell phone number, yet he had not provided his personal data to the restaurant nor consented to usage of the same for any marketing purposes.

The messages which began with the salutation ‘Hi Jumians’ had persisted and totaled 16 instances by May 25th, 2024, the court heard. Upon investigation, the court was told, it was discovered that the customer’s personal data initially shared with Jumia Food, an e-commerce platform, had been shared with Domino’s Pizza at the time of placing a food order but was used for marketing purposes without the applicant’s consent after the food order was completed. Jumia’s subsequent email response failed to resolve the issue or prevent further breaches.

Akosa, through Equibridge Attorneys (EBA), informed the court that he had written a formal letter requesting Domino’s Pizza to stop sending promotional messages, delete his personal data and pay compensation for the breach of his rights but the chain denied any wrongdoing or liability, prompting him to seek legal redress to enforce his rights under the law.

The judge noted that Jumia Food, as a data controller under Section 65 of the Nigerian Data Protection Act, 2023 was obligated to ensure the lawful processing of Akosa’s personal data.

However, he found that Jumia satisfied its duty of care by notifying Domino’s to halt the misuse of the customer’s data or breach its obligations under the Act.

The court also ruled that given there is a written agreement between Jumia and Domino’s regarding such an instance of court action exonerates Jumia from liability for the breach and puts it solely on Dominos.

Commenting on the court decision, Equibridge Attorneys (EBA) said the judgement marks a major victory for Paradigm Initiative as it singles out the importance of consent in data processing activities and upholds the privacy rights of individuals as guaranteed under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.

“The ruling against the 2nd respondent’s (Domino’s) direct marketing practices highlights the need for businesses to comply with lawful data processing requirements. It is a judgement that affects all service providers who utilise customer data and send unsolicited marketing messages to customers. It is a judgement that establishes the right of Nigerians to the protection of their data especially from unwanted messages and advertisements,” the firm stated.

Meanwhile, Paradigm Initiative (PIN) said it was pleased to have supported this important case, which highlights the need for stronger enforcement of data protection and digital rights.

“Through our Ripoti platform, we remain committed to assisting individuals across Africa in addressing various digital rights violations. Our goal is to hold both the private sector and government accountable, ensuring that digital rights are respected and protected for all. We look forward to continuing this work and strengthening digital rights advocacy across the continent”, the CSO said.

[Featured Image Credit]

These platforms usually boast an extensive catalogue of products and the lowest of prices. At first glance, this seems like a win for the average consumer, especially with the current rise in inflation, but beneath the surface, these digital platforms pose a serious threat to our economy, local businesses, and long-term economic sustainability.

The sudden influx of these platforms is somewhat suspicious especially as they do not have any offices/representation in the country.

This means aside from collecting money from Nigerians, they have no substantial contribution to the economy via taxes, job creation etc.

The growing trend of these companies expanding into new markets, especially in developing nations like ours, as existing ones become less accessible, is concerning.

For instance, Temu‘s entry into Nigeria aligned with mounting challenges faced by its parent company, PDD Holdings, in international markets.

Vietnam issued a threat to ban the platform until it registers with local authorities. The app was also removed from major stores in Indonesia to protect domestic retailers.

Additionally, the company has faced lawsuits for violating customer privacy, allegedly using its e-commerce platform to acquire and sell user data.

Another lawsuit was issued against the company for sending marketing texts to people on the National Do Not Call list.

With all of these, one could conclude that the company is only trying to move to more lenient markets like Nigeria where they can be less accountable, and they would be right.

After all, unlike homegrown platforms such as Jumia, Konga, and Glovo, which invest in local supply chains, create jobs, and contribute taxes, companies like Temu operate with minimal local engagement.

So, what are the results of the infiltration of these foreign e-commerce platforms in Nigeria?

The Silent Strangulation of Nigerian SMEs

From rising production costs to unpredictable government policies, running a business in this economy is already a Herculean task.

The infiltration of the market with these ultra-cheap imports, often of questionable quality marketed by these platforms means that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who are already struggling with profitability, will bear the brunt.

Local businesses will not be able to compete with products priced far below market rates, especially when those prices are backed by massive tariffs.

The result? Shrinking profit margins, declining local production, and, ultimately, job losses. The irony is painful. While we celebrate the convenience of these platforms, we might, in fact, be funding the slow death of our own economy.

Hidden Cost of Cheap Deals: A Digital Economy That Doesn’t Benefit Nigerians

The Nigerian government has been vocal about its push for a digital economy, but what good is it if the wealth it generates never stays within our borders?

Non-resident e-commerce platforms enjoy free rein, making money off Nigerians without contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economy; isn’t that a major hidden cost of cheap deals?

This leaves the government with fewer resources to invest in infrastructure, social services, and local business support.

Meanwhile, resident e-commerce companies like Konga, Glovo, and Jumia, despite facing their own challenges, play by the rules.

They hire Nigerians, collaborate with local vendors, and pay taxes. These companies understand the nuances of our economy and strive to work within its realities, rather than exploit them.

The Case for Protecting the economy

Other nations fiercely protect their local industries. Why should Nigeria be any different?

We must rethink our policies to ensure that companies benefiting from Nigerian consumers also contribute to Nigeria’s economy.

This includes enforcing fair taxation on digital commerce, strengthening local manufacturing, and incentivizing consumers to support homegrown businesses to achieve long-term economic sustainability.

*Oluwaseun Olajide, a senior communications expert writes from Lagos