The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced plans to launch the Nigerian Digital Trustmark Seal, a landmark initiative designed to promote trust, transparency, and confidence in Nigeria’s online ecosystem.
The initiative, which aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to strengthen national security through robust cybersecurity measures that safeguard digital infrastructure and foster a safer environment for economic growth.
Speaking during a press conference in Abuja to commemorate Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, said the Digital Trustmark Seal would serve as a visible symbol of authenticity for verified online platforms, businesses, and government organisations.
“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 use it to drive efficiency, bad actors exploit it to cause harm and erode public trust.”
According to him, 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 seal will help consumers easily identify genuine online platforms and protect them from fraudulent or cloned websites.
“It’s an initiative designed to build trust within our digital ecosystem,” the DG explained. “Every company, e-commerce platform, and government organisation will be able to display a Trustmark seal on their website to demonstrate authenticity.”
Inuwa added that the seal will act as a verifiable indicator of legitimacy, helping to prevent cyber scams and identity theft while boosting user confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy.
He noted that the collaboration with NACCIMA and GIZ underscores the Federal Government’s emphasis on public-private partnerships as a means to enhance digital safety and promote transparency.
“The private sector will drive adoption because it builds reputation and customer confidence. For citizens, it gives assurance that they are interacting with authentic and trusted platforms,” he said.
Inuwa also highlighted the critical role of the media in promoting cybersecurity awareness and reshaping Nigeria’s digital image globally, describing trust-building as a collective responsibility among stakeholders.
Representing NACCIMA, Mr. Suleiman Adebayo Audu, Advisor to the Association, commended NITDA and GIZ for initiating the project, describing it as “a timely and impactful effort” that will enhance business credibility and global competitiveness.
“Many genuine Nigerian businesses lose customers due to a lack of trust. This seal will restore credibility and make our SMEs more competitive,” he said, pledging NACCIMA’s support in sensitising and guiding its members through the verification process.
A consultant with GIZ, Mr. Chinedu Albert, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the project, noting that it aligns with GIZ’s mission to foster safe, inclusive, and transparent digital ecosystems across Africa.
“Trust is the foundation of every digital transaction,” he said. “Without it, progress slows down. Our role is to provide technical expertise and best practices to ensure the seal benefits everyone, including women-led enterprises and startups.”
In his project overview, the Director of NITDA’s Cybersecurity Department, Dr. Mohammed Lawan, described the Digital Trustmark Seal as a major milestone in building a resilient digital trust infrastructure for Nigeria.
“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 added that NITDA will soon begin stakeholder engagements, capacity-building workshops, and nationwide sensitisation programmes to drive adoption of the Digital Trustmark Seal across sectors.
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