In a bold move to enhance trust in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and rebrand the nation’s image globally, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), has launched the Nigerian Digital Trust Mark initiative.
The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, in his keynote address, highlighted the significance of the digital economy, noted that it has outpaced traditional sectors such as oil and gas in contributing to Nigeria’s GDP. He emphasized that over 58% of Nigeria’s GDP stems from the services sector, most of which are now digitally driven.
“Technology is a double-edged sword. While it drives innovation and efficiency, it also exposes us to risks like cybercrime and online scams,” the DG stated. He acknowledged the growing lack of trust in online platforms both domestically and internationally as a key barrier to full digital adoption and e-commerce growth.
To counter these challenges, the Digital Trust Mark will serve as a seal of authenticity for verified digital businesses, helping consumers easily distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent websites. The mark will be issued following thorough manual and digital verification processes, including identity and regulatory checks.
NACCIMA National President, Dr. Daniel Brighton-Hemingway, represented by his Senior Special Assistant,Suleiman Adoga Ibrahim expressed strong support for the initiative.
“This is a significant milestone for Nigeria’s digital future. We are committed to partnering with the government to ensure compliance with cybersecurity and data protection standards,” he stated.
Speaking on behalf the German Development Cooperation (GIZ),Barr Chinedu Albert, noted that although Nigeria’s e-commerce market is valued at approximately $13 billion, it represented a mere 0.055% of the global $27 trillion market. He attributed this underperformance to a “trust deficit,” citing that 70% of Nigerians are still reluctant to transact online.
“This initiative aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area’s (AfCFTA) digital protocol, which encouraged member states to establish mutually recognizable trust mechanisms,” Albert said, added that the Digital Trust Mark will boost MSME competitiveness regionally and globally.
The initiative, which began conceptualization in June and gained momentum by August, will be formally launched on October 17. It is expected to foster a secure digital environment that will not only boost local business confidence but also improve Nigeria’s international reputation in the digital space.
As the initiative moved forward, stakeholders reiterated the importance of public awareness, media advocacy, and collaborative governance to ensure its sustainability and success.
