The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is set to launch the Nigerian Digital Trustmark Seal, a new initiative aimed at strengthening online safety, transparency, and public confidence in the country’s digital ecosystem.
The initiative, which aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, seeks to enhance national security by implementing robust cybersecurity measures that protect Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and foster a trustworthy digital economy.
Speaking at a press conference to commemorate Cybersecurity Awareness Month, NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa said the Digital Trustmark Seal was co-created by NITDA, the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The event also had in attendance representatives of key industry stakeholders, members of the media, and development partners.
Inuwa explained that the seal would serve as a verifiable indicator of authenticity for online platforms, e-commerce businesses, and government institutions, protecting users from fraudulent or cloned websites.
“The digital economy has been the fastest-growing sector in Nigeria for almost five years, surpassing oil and gas in GDP contribution,” Inuwa noted. “However, as we digitise, challenges emerge. Technology is a double-edged sword—while good actors drive innovation, bad actors exploit it to cause harm and erode trust.”
He stated that the Trustmark Seal would allow citizens to easily distinguish between genuine and fake websites, thereby reducing cyber fraud and building consumer confidence.
“Every company, business, and government organisation will have a visible Trustmark Seal on their websites to ensure authenticity,” he added.
The NITDA boss emphasised that the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive governance, public trust, and transparency in the digital space, while fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors to create a safer online environment.
He also called on the media to play a crucial role in raising awareness, reshaping Nigeria’s global image, and promoting the importance of cybersecurity.
Representing NACCIMA, Mr Suleiman Adebayo Audu commended NITDA and GIZ for the initiative, describing it as “a timely and impactful effort that will improve business confidence and Nigeria’s international reputation.”
“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 support members through sensitisation and verification.”
On his part, Mr. Chinedu Albert, a consultant with GIZ, reaffirmed the organisation’s support, noting that the Trustmark Seal 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 said. “Without it, progress slows down. Our goal is to ensure the seal benefits all, including women-led businesses and startups.”
The Director of NITDA’s Cybersecurity Department, Dr. Mohammed Lawan, described the initiative as a major milestone in establishing Nigeria’s digital trust infrastructure.
“Trust is the currency of the digital economy,” Lawan said. “This seal will serve as a verifiable digital signature, reducing fraud and enhancing Nigeria’s reputation globally.”
He disclosed that NITDA would soon embark on stakeholder engagements, capacity-building workshops, and sensitisation programmes to ensure nationwide adoption of the Digital Trustmark Seal.
With the planned rollout, NITDA aims to make Nigeria’s digital space more secure, transparent, and globally competitive, laying a solid foundation for sustainable digital transformation.
