FG Launches National Digital Trustmark to Boost Confidence in Nigeria’s $13bn E-Commerce Sector
The federal government has officially launched the National Digital Trustmark, a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing consumer confidence and transparency in Nigeria’s growing $13 billion e-commerce industry. The program, spearheaded by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is designed to tackle online fraud, identity theft, and scams that have long plagued the country’s digital marketplace.
The Trustmark, unveiled by Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, NITDA Director General, in Abuja on Thursday, is a verifiable certification that authenticates legitimate online businesses. Developed in partnership with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the initiative provides a digital security seal for registered platforms. Companies displaying the seal can signal credibility to consumers, fostering trust and integrity in Nigeria’s e-commerce ecosystem.
Abdullahi highlighted that the Trustmark responds to global concerns about Nigerian online transactions and the negative perception of Nigerians as fraudsters. “The National Digital Trustmark has become essential in light of growing online fraud cases,” he said, noting that recurring scams—such as payments without delivery or substandard goods—have harmed the country’s digital reputation. While certification is optional, a fee will be charged based on business size, and the registration portal is expected to go live next week.
Stakeholders emphasized the collaborative nature of the initiative. Tijani Ibrahim, NACCIMA President, represented by Suleiman Audu, assured that NACCIMA, alongside agencies like SMEDAN, NAFDAC, and SON, would facilitate a smooth, bureaucracy-free implementation. Chinedu Albert of GIZ added that the certification will be renewed annually to ensure ongoing transparency and accountability, describing it as a model public-private partnership for Nigeria’s digital economy.
Experts note that Nigeria’s e-commerce market remains a fraction of the global industry—accounting for just 0.055% of the $27 trillion global market—primarily due to trust issues. The National Digital Trustmark seeks to change that, aligning with the African Continental Digital Trade Protocol to promote cross-border trust and encourage safe online transactions. Similar initiatives in countries like Rwanda have already demonstrated that digital trust seals can significantly curb cyber fraud and boost consumer confidence.
source: business day