Nigeria has taken a bold step toward restoring confidence in its online ecosystem with the unveiling of the National Digital Trustmark, a certification system designed to authenticate genuine e-commerce and digital platforms.
Blueprint reports thatthe initiative was jointly developed by National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), GIZ, a German international cooperation agency and Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA).
It provides a verifiable seal of trust for online platforms, aiming to end fraud, improve reputation, and boost Nigeria’s share of global digital trade.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said the initiative will boost confidence and trust in e-commerce ecosystem in Nigeria.
“Trust is the currency of the digital age. This Trustmark will serve as a seal of assurance, enabling Nigerians to transact online with confidence, security, and pride,” he said.
He lamented how online scams have tarnished Nigeria’s image internationally and discouraged e-commerce growth.
“It’s painful when foreigners brand Nigerians as scammers. This initiative will prove that Nigerian businesses can be trusted globally,” he said.
Abdullahi 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.
NACCIMA’s President Engr. Jani Ibrahim, represented by Suleman Adebayo Audu, called the project “a visionary stride in promoting accountability, competitiveness, and inclusion.”
He added that the Trustmark would help MSMEs and large enterprises alike “harness technology responsibly while boosting competitiveness and sustainable growth.”
On his part,GIZ Consultant, Barr. Chinedu Albert, added that the Trustmark aligns with the African Continental Digital Trade Protocol, describing Nigeria’s momentum as “remarkable and transformative.”
“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 said.
He 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,” he said.
