NITDA partners TikTok for online safety

The National Information Technology Development Agency has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting online safety and digital well-being through a partnership with TikTok under its “Safer Together” initiative.

The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Abdullahi spoke at a Tiktok Online Safety and Digital Awareness Programme on Thursday in Abuja.

The event, hosted in collaboration with NITDA and Data Science Nigeria aims to expand the initiative’s impact across Lagos, Abuja, and other regions.

Abdullahi emphasised the importance of creating a secure and inclusive digital environment as Nigeria undergoes rapid technological transformation.

Abdullahi, represented by the acting Director, Digital Literacy and Capacity Building, Ahmed Tambuwa acknowledged Nigeria’s position as a leader in Africa’s digital revolution, boasting one of the continent’s largest tech ecosystems, growing digital startups, and an increasingly connected population.

“As we delve into the intersection of Nigeria’s evolving technological landscape and the paramount importance of online safety and digital well-being, Nigeria is at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation with one of the continent’s largest tech ecosystems, burgeoning digital startups, and an increasingly connected population.

“Our country is experiencing a digital revolution that promises to reshape every facet of our society,” he noted.

The government’s initiatives, such as the Nigerian National Broadband Plan and the expansion of digital infrastructure, have paved the way for widespread connectivity.

However, these advancements come with challenges, including misinformation, cyberbullying, and digital exploitation.

To address these concerns, NITDA adopted a regulatory intelligence framework that prioritises awareness, intelligence, and dynamism. The framework seeks to balance the risks associated with digital technologies while fostering innovation and inclusivity.

He acknowledged that the Safer Together initiative, launched by TikTok, complements NITDA’s efforts by focusing on educating parents, teachers, and other stakeholders about digital safety.

The DG commended TikTok for its proactive approach to user safety, particularly through features like screen time management and anti-bullying tools.

The DG added, “Achieving digital wellness requires a multi-stakeholder approach, involving government, private sector players like TikTok, educators, parents, and civil society.

“Together, we must expand digital literacy, so we must equip our citizens to be digitally literate. For us at NITDA, we have a target to ensure that 70 percent of Nigerians are digitally literate by 2027.

“This will greatly help to achieve our objectives of transforming Nigeria into a digital economy, without a digitally literate population, that cannot be achieved. Secondly, to enhance regulatory collaboration. And thirdly, to empower the youth.”

In his closing remarks, he called on all stakeholders to embrace the Safer Together initiative, stating that the collective efforts made today would shape the digital experiences of millions of Nigerians.

The Head Public Policy/Government Relations West Africa, Tiktok, Tokunbo Ibrahim stressed the need for collective efforts in creating a safer digital environment.

Ibrahim explained that the Safer Together initiative reflects TikTok’s broader mission to inspire creativity and bring joy within a secure online environment.

“Safer Together really means working together,” Ibrahim said. “The public, TikTok, the government—everyone has a role to play in keeping the internet safe. One party alone cannot achieve this goal.”

Ibrahim called on all stakeholders to join the initiative, reinforcing TikTok’s commitment to promoting safety, trust, and responsible digital interaction.