The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced plans to launch the Nigerian Digital Trustmark Seal, a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity framework, restoring public trust, and ensuring a safer online ecosystem for citizens and businesses.
The announcement was made at a press conference in Abuja as part of activities marking Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The event brought together key industry players, including representatives from the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the media, and stakeholders across the digital economy.
Speaking at the briefing, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, described the Digital Trustmark Seal as a “trust badge” designed to verify the authenticity of websites and online platforms. According to him, the seal will help protect consumers from fraudulent or cloned websites and enhance transparency across Nigeria’s digital landscape.
“The digital economy has been the fastest-growing sector in Nigeria for almost five years, surpassing oil and gas in GDP contribution,” Inuwa said. “But as we digitise, technology becomes a double-edged sword—good actors use it to innovate, while bad actors exploit it to undermine trust.”
He explained that the Trustmark Seal, co-created by NITDA, NACCIMA, and GIZ, will serve as a visible indicator that an online platform is legitimate. Businesses, e-commerce platforms, and government organisations will display the seal on their websites, allowing users to easily distinguish between genuine platforms and malicious clones.
The initiative, Inuwa noted, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises rebuilding public trust, fostering inclusive governance, and promoting transparency in the digital economy. He stressed that public–private collaboration is central to the project’s success.
“The private sector is the main driver of adoption. This initiative enhances their reputation, builds customer confidence, and protects citizens from online scams,” he said. “Trust is the foundation of any digital transaction, and building that trust is a collective responsibility.”
Business community backs initiative
Representing NACCIMA, Mr. Suleiman Adebayo Audu, an advisor to the association, commended NITDA and GIZ for the initiative, describing it as “timely and impactful.” He said the Trustmark Seal would help rebuild credibility for Nigerian businesses, many of which lose customers due to lack of trust.
“This seal will make Nigerian SMEs more competitive globally,” Audu said. “NACCIMA will mobilise our state chambers to sensitise members and support them through the verification process.”
GIZ reinforces technical support
Also speaking, Mr. Chinedu Albert, a consultant with GIZ, reaffirmed the organisation’s support, noting that the project aligns with GIZ’s mission of promoting safe and inclusive digital ecosystems across Africa.
“Trust is the bedrock of digital growth. Our role is to provide technical expertise and ensure international best practices guide this implementation,” he stated.
A milestone for Nigeria’s cybersecurity
In his project overview, Dr. Mohammed Lawan, Director of NITDA’s Cybersecurity Department, described the Digital Trustmark Seal as a “verifiable digital signature” that will reduce fraud and enhance Nigeria’s global digital reputation.
He also announced plans for nationwide stakeholder engagements, capacity-building workshops, and sensitisation campaigns to ensure widespread adoption of the seal.
✅ Editor’s Note:
The Digital Trustmark Seal is expected to play a pivotal role in safeguarding Nigeria’s digital economy, boosting investor and consumer confidence, and positioning the country as a trusted player in the global digital space.
