The initiative was unveiled on Thursday in Abuja during a joint news conference involving the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
According to the government, the Digital Trustmark seeks to curb the persistent rise in online fraud, identity theft, scams, and forgery, which have hindered public trust and limited Nigeria’s participation in the global digital marketplace.
Speaking at the event, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of NITDA, described the Trustmark as a timely response to growing global concerns about Nigeria’s online business reputation.
“It is disheartening for Nigerians to be labelled as scammers, especially regarding online transactions,” Inuwa said. “We’ve seen cases where customers pay for goods online and get blocked, or where the delivered products differ from what was advertised. The Trustmark aims to address these issues and rebuild confidence in Nigerian e-commerce.”
He explained that the Trustmark would take the form of a digital security seal issued by NITDA, serving as a verifiable certification for registered online businesses. The seal, he added, can be displayed on websites, letterheads, and other official materials, confirming that the organisation is a legitimate, traceable business operating in Nigeria.
While the certification is not mandatory, Inuwa noted that it would attract a modest fee based on the size and industry of each business. The certification will be renewed annually to maintain transparency and accountability.
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) and the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).
Representing NACCIMA, Mr. Suleiman Audu, Special Adviser on Digital Economy Trade Group to the association’s President, Mr. Jani Ibrahim, described the Trustmark as a “major step towards building a safer, more trusted, and globally competitive digital economy for Nigeria.” He assured that the process would be seamless and free from bureaucratic bottlenecks.
Also speaking, Mr. Chinedu Albert, GIZ Nigeria Consultant and Public Policy Expert, highlighted the economic potential of the initiative, noting that Nigeria’s $13 billion e-commerce market currently represents just 0.55 percent of the $27 trillion global market.
“The Digital Trustmark directly addresses this gap by aligning with the African Continental Digital Trade Protocol, which calls for mutual trust mechanisms among member states,” Albert said. “It will also strengthen the competitiveness of Nigerian MSMEs in international trade.”
The National Digital Trustmark marks a significant policy step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to safeguard digital transactions, enhance consumer protection, and build a reputation for reliability in global e-commerce.