The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has officially launched the Nigerian Digital Trustmark Initiative, a landmark move aimed at enhancing trust, safety, and transparency across the nation’s digital ecosystem.
Speaking at a press conference, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, described the initiative as a forward-looking step by the Federal Government to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy by ensuring that digital interactions and transactions are secure, transparent, and reliable.
Building Trust in Nigeria’s Digital Ecosystem
The Nigerian Digital Trustmark Initiative is designed to certify and recognize digital platforms that adhere to the highest standards of data protection, cybersecurity, and user trust. This certification system aims to build public confidence in Nigeria’s digital space and ensure that both individuals and organizations can engage online safely and responsibly.
By introducing this trustmark certification, NITDA seeks to:
- Promote responsible innovation across Nigeria’s tech landscape.
- Encourage ethical practices in digital operations.
- Enhance the quality of digital service delivery.
- Protect users from fraud, misinformation, and data misuse.
The initiative reflects NITDA’s broader mandate to drive digital transformation and align Nigeria’s ICT development with global best practices.
A Benchmark for Responsible Digital Platforms
The Digital Trustmark will serve as a benchmark for organizations that prioritize user safety, data security, and accountability. Certified platforms will display the Trustmark badge, signaling their compliance with national cybersecurity and privacy standards.
According to Abdullahi, the program will help differentiate credible platforms from those that fall short of compliance, enabling users to make informed decisions about where they share information or conduct transactions.
“Trust is the currency of the digital economy,” he stated. “By establishing the Digital Trustmark, we are building the foundation for a safer, more transparent online environment that fosters innovation and economic growth.”
Digital Trustmark Portal to Launch Next Week
To streamline the process, NITDA announced that the Digital Trustmark Portal will go live next week. The portal will enable registration, evaluation, and certification for interested organizations, providing a transparent and automated process for compliance.
The platform will also include resources to help businesses improve cybersecurity practices and align with data protection standards, supporting the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).
Strengthening Nigeria’s Digital Future
With this initiative, NITDA reinforces its role as a key driver of Nigeria’s digital transformation, ensuring that the growth of the nation’s digital economy is rooted in trust, accountability, and security.
The Nigerian Digital Trustmark Initiative marks a major milestone in creating a safe and inclusive digital environment, empowering citizens and businesses to engage confidently online while fostering innovation and digital resilience nationwide.
