By Muhammad Jalal
As part of efforts at implementing the presidential priority area of strengthening national security by providing robust cybersecurity measures that will not only safeguard the nation’s digital infrastructure but also contribute to the overall peace and prosperity of the nation, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is set to launch the Nigerian Digital Trustmark Seal to build trust, transparency and confidence in Nigeria’s online ecosystem.
This was disclosed during a press conference organised by NITDA in commemoration of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which brought together representatives from the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), members of the media, and key stakeholders in the digital economy.
Speaking during the event, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, emphasised that the initiative was part of the government’s efforts to strengthen cybersecurity, protect citizens, and promote a trustworthy digital economy.
“The digital economy has been the fastest-growing sector in Nigeria for almost five years, surpassing oil and gas in GDP contribution,” the DG noted.
“However, as we digitise, challenges emerge. Technology is a double-edged sword, and while good actors use it to drive efficiency, bad actors exploit it to cause harm and erode public trust,” he added.
He explained that the Digital Trustmark Seal was co-created by NITDA, NACCIMA, and GIZ to verify the authenticity of online platforms, businesses, and organisations, thereby protecting consumers from fraudulent and cloned websites.
“It’s an initiative designed to build trust within our digital ecosystem, where every company, e-commerce platform, business, and government organisation will have a Trustmark seal on their website to ensure authenticity,” Inuwa stated.
He revealed that the Digital Trustmark Seal would serve as a visible indicator of authenticity, enabling citizens to easily distinguish between genuine websites and fraudulent or cloned ones that are often used to steal personal information or defraud users. By verifying the legitimacy of online platforms, the seal aims to protect users from cyber scams and enhance overall trust in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
The DG further emphasised that the collaboration aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on rebuilding public trust through inclusive governance and promoting transparency in the digital space.
He disclosed that the initiative encourages collaboration between the public and private sectors to jointly design and implement solutions that make Nigeria’s digital environment safer and more trustworthy.
Inuwa mentioned that through such partnerships, the government can gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by businesses and citizens, and aim to strengthen cybersecurity, promote transparency, and foster greater confidence in the nation’s digital economy.
“This initiative will also work closely with the private sector. They are the main drivers of adoption, and it won’t be a challenge because, for them, it helps build reputation and customer confidence,” he said.
“For citizens, it builds confidence and trust that when they interact and transact online, they are dealing with authentic websites and providers,” the NITDA boss added.
He emphasised that building trust in the digital space is a collective responsibility for all stakeholders, particularly the media, which are best positioned to reshape Nigeria’s image and restore the nation’s reputation globally.
According to him, “the media also play a vital role in enlightening citizens, amplifying awareness, and helping to rebrand Nigeria’s image on the global stage.”
Representing NACCIMA, 1Mr Suleiman Adebayo Audu, an Advisor to the Association, commended NITDA and GIZ for initiating the project, describing it as “a timely and impactful effort” that will improve business confidence and international perception.
While stating that many genuine Nigerian businesses lose customers due to a lack of trust, he said, “This seal will help restore credibility and make Nigerian SMEs more competitive globally.
NACCIMA will work with our state chambers to sensitise members and support them through the verification process.”
Mr Chinedu Albert, a consultant with GIZ, also reaffirmed the organisation’s support, noting that the initiative aligns with GIZ’s broader mission of promoting safe, inclusive, and transparent digital ecosystems across Africa.
“Trust is the foundation of every digital transaction,” he stated. “Without it, progress slows down. Our role is to provide technical expertise and international best practices to ensure the seal serves all, including women-led businesses and startups.”
In his project overview remarks, the Director of NITDA’s Cybersecurity Department, Dr Mohammed Lawan, described the initiative as a significant milestone in establishing a robust digital trust infrastructure for Nigeria.
Stating that trust is the currency of the digital economy, he said, “This seal will serve as a verifiable digital signature, reducing fraud and enhancing Nigeria’s reputation globally.”
Dr Lawan further announced that NITDA was would soon roll out stakeholder engagements, capacity-building workshops, and sensitisation programs to drive nationwide adoption of the Digital Trustmark Seal.
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