Federal Government has unveiled the Nigerian Digital Trustmark Seal, a cybersecurity initiative aimed at enhancing trust, transparency, and safety across Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

The launch, which coincided with Cybersecurity Awareness Month, was announced during a press conference organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in Abuja.

The event drew participation from key stakeholders including the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), media representatives, and digital economy experts.

Speaking at the event, Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, said the initiative was designed to verify the authenticity of online platforms, businesses, and organisations, thereby protecting consumers from fraudulent and cloned websites.

“The digital economy has been Nigeria’s fastest-growing sector for almost five years, surpassing oil and gas in GDP contribution,” Inuwa said. “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.”

He explained that the Digital Trustmark Seal was co-created by NITDA, NACCIMA, and GIZ to serve as a visible indicator of authenticity.

The seal will be displayed on verified websites, enabling citizens to easily distinguish between genuine platforms and malicious ones often used for scams and identity theft.

“This initiative is designed to build trust within our digital ecosystem. Every company, e-commerce platform, business, and government organisation will have a Trustmark seal on their website to ensure authenticity,” he added.

Inuwa noted that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises rebuilding public trust through inclusive governance and promoting transparency in the digital space.

He emphasised that the initiative encourages collaboration between the public and private sectors to jointly design and implement solutions that make Nigeria’s digital environment safer and more trustworthy.

“This initiative will also work closely with the private sector. They are the main drivers of adoption, and it won’t be a challenge because, for them, it helps build reputation and customer confidence,” Inuwa said.

“For citizens, it builds confidence and trust that when they interact and transact online, they are dealing with authentic websites and providers,” he added.

Representing NACCIMA, Mr Suleiman Adebayo Audu, an Advisor to the Association, commended NITDA and GIZ for initiating the project, describing it as “a timely and impactful effort” that will improve business confidence and international perception.

“Many genuine Nigerian businesses lose customers due to a lack of trust. This seal will help restore credibility and make Nigerian SMEs more competitive globally. NACCIMA will work with our state chambers to sensitise members and support them through the verification process,” Audu said.

Mr Chinedu Albert, a consultant with GIZ, reaffirmed the organisation’s support, noting that the initiative aligns with GIZ’s broader mission of promoting safe, inclusive, and transparent digital ecosystems across Africa.

“Trust is the foundation of every digital transaction. Without it, progress slows down. Our role is to provide technical expertise and international best practices to ensure the seal serves all, including women-led businesses and startups,” Albert said.

In his remarks, Director of NITDA’s Cybersecurity Department, Dr Mohammed Lawan, described the initiative as a significant milestone in establishing a robust digital trust infrastructure for Nigeria.

“Trust is the currency of the digital economy. This seal will serve as a verifiable digital signature, reducing fraud and enhancing Nigeria’s reputation globally,” Lawan said.

He announced that NITDA would soon roll out stakeholder engagements, capacity-building workshops, and sensitisation programs to drive nationwide adoption of the Digital Trustmark Seal.

The event concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders, including the media, to play a vital role in amplifying awareness and reshaping Nigeria’s image on the global stage.