DG NITDA RESTATES NEEDS FOR SAFE, INCLUSIVE DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa has reiterated the need for a safe and inclusive online environment responsible for human and Artificial Intelligence (AI) practices to forge strategic partnerships and collaboration for the advancement of Nigeria’s digital transformation Agenda.

Inuwa disclosed this while playing host to a team from TikTok who visited the Agency’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja to seek alliance towards bolstering the country, which aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s priority area of strengthening national security for peace and prosperity.

The DG stated that content moderation strategies will help in addressing online problems like hate speech, misinformation, and cyberbullying concerning the protection of minors across the country.

“With the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries in place, this has helped in ensuring digital safety by global best practice and content moderation to enhance security”, he said.

He further noted that “no organisation or institution can operate in silos, we need each other for the actualisation of our goals and objectives towards services delivery and for the advancement of the Nation.”

Inuwa stated that leveraging the platform will advance the country through Digital Literacy 4 All (DL4ALL), Capacity Building, knowledge sharing, training, and curbing misinformation, and digital safety to create a safer cyberspace and empower online environment for Nigerian users.

He added that the platform allows for creative expression through filters, stickers, and editing tools, entertainment and comedy are dominant themes, and informational videos on various topics are gaining traction which has become a launchpad for influencers and trends that can go viral.

Inuwa also explained that NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 (SRAP 2024-2027) is structured around eight pillars which include; Fostering Digital Literacy and Cultivating Talents, Building a Robust Technology Research Ecosystem, Strengthening Policy Implementation and Legal Frameworks, Promoting Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services, Enhancing Cybersecurity and Digital Trust, Nurturing an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Forging Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations, and Cultivating a Vibrant organisational Culture with an Agile Workforce.

In her earlier remarks, the Head of Government Regulation and Public Policy TikTok Nigeria and West Africa, Mrs. Tokunbo Ibrahim revealed that NITDA is one of its biggest and most critical stakeholders in Nigeria that has an outstanding stride and performance in advancing the digital economy sector.

Ibrahim commended NITDA for its various initiatives, programmes, and policies set in place and aligns with that of TikTok, providing the opportunity were Nigerians to use the platform to market, sell, and export their products and services as well as talents to the outside world and make a living out of it.

She pointed out that there are projects and programmes that TikTok platform has forged ties of collaboration with, like the Africa creator hub where they do campaigns for tech creators, support, empower, and educate them on how to create content and explore other sections of the platform, changing their narrative and adding values to what they are doing.

Ibrahim also added that the TikTok platform considers online safety as one of its critical areas to secure cyberspace by providing an avenue for users to thrive and be productive in their various activities.

TikTok is currently running an African mall to push the narrative of Africa to the world and creators are being equipped with information that they can create content for products and services in Nigeria, thus can be exported to other countries of the world attracting investments.