NITDA, partners unveil digital trustmark to tackle online fraud, boost e-commerce
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) have unveiled the National Digital Trustmark. the National Digital Trustmark is a certification system designed to enhance consumer confidence and strengthen Nigeria’s online business environment. The […]
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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) have unveiled the National Digital Trustmark.
the National Digital Trustmark is a certification system designed to enhance consumer confidence and strengthen Nigeria’s online business environment.
The initiative, first conceptualised by NITDA, aims to serve as a verifiable badge of trust for e-commerce and digital service platforms in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, described the initiative as a crucial milestone in the nation’s drive toward a safer and more trusted digital ecosystem.
According to him, by authenticating legitimate businesses and digital platforms, it will foster fair competition, consumer protection, and global credibility for Nigerian enterprises.
“Trust is the currency of the digital age,” the DG said. “The National Digital Trustmark will serve as a seal of assurance, enabling Nigerians and enterprises to transact online with confidence, security, and pride,” Abdullahi said.
He noted that Nigeria’s digital economy has been the fastest-growing sector for five consecutive years, now surpassing oil and gas in GDP contribution. He added that the Federal Government aims to raise ICT’s contribution to 21% of GDP by 2027 under the leadership of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
He said that while digitalisation has created opportunities, it has also enabled cybercrime and online fraud that damage Nigeria’s global image.
He stated, “It hurts when foreigners associate Nigeria with scams,” he said. “This Trustmark is part of the solution, a joint effort by government, the private sector, and international partners to rebuild digital trust.”
The NITDA DG emphasised that the Trustmark will involve manual and online verification of businesses, confirming their corporate identity, registration, and operational authenticity before certification. Each seal will also be digitally verifiable to prevent cloning or misuse.
The NACCIMA President, Engr. Dr. Jani Ibrahim, re-presented by his Technical Adviser, Suleman Adebayo Audu, lauded the initiative as a bold and visionary step toward deepening accountability, transparency, and resilience in Nigeria’s digital economy.
He said that the Trustmark would help MSMEs and large enterprises alike “harness technology responsibly while boosting competitiveness and sustainable growth.”
Also, the GIZ Nigeria Consultant and Public Policy Expert, Barrister Chinedu Albert, hailed the partnership as “a global benchmark in public-private collaboration.” He noted that Nigeria’s e-commerce market, currently valued at $13 billion, represents only 0.055% of the $27 trillion global market, largely due to trust deficits.
“The Digital Trustmark directly addresses this challenge. It aligns with the African Continental Digital Trade Protocol, which requires member states to establish mutual trust mechanisms. This initiative will also strengthen Nigerian MSMEs’ competitiveness in global trade,” he stated.