"NITDA Advocates for Safe and Inclusive Digital Environment

"NITDA Advocates for Safe and Inclusive Digital Environment

By Gloria Sarauniya Usman 

ABUJA, NIGERIA May 12, 2024 -  The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has emphasized the need for a secure and inclusive online environment, crucial for human and Artificial Intelligence (AI) practices in Nigeria.

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE with the Head of Government Regulation and Public Policy for TikTok Nigeria and West Africa, Mrs Tokunbo Ibrahim during the courtesy visit the agency's Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.

Director General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, made this statement while hosting a team from TikTok at NITDA's Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.

The meeting aimed to forge strategic partnerships and collaboration for Nigeria's digital transformation agenda, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's priority of strengthening national security for peace and prosperity.

Inuwa stressed the importance of content moderation strategies in addressing online issues like hate speech, misinformation, and cyberbullying, particularly in protecting minors.

He highlighted NITDA's initiatives, including the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries, which ensures digital safety and content moderation in line with global best practices.

The DG emphasized the need for collaboration, stating, "No organization or institution can operate in silos; we need each other to achieve our goals and objectives towards service delivery and national advancement."

Inuwa identified critical areas for partnership, including digital literacy, capacity building, knowledge sharing, trainings, and curbing misinformation, to create a safer cyber space and empower online environments for Nigerian users.

TikTok's Head of Government Regulation and Public Policy for Nigeria and West Africa, Mrs. Tokunbo Ibrahim, commended NITDA for its outstanding strides in advancing the digital economy sector.

She highlighted TikTok's initiatives, such as the Africa Creator Hub, which supports and empowers creators to produce content and explore the platform's features.

Ibrahim emphasized TikTok's commitment to online safety, providing a secure avenue for users to thrive and be productive. The platform is currently running the African Mall project to promote African products and services globally.

NITDA's Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 (SRAP 2024-2027) focuses on eight pillars, including digital literacy, research ecosystem, policy implementation, inclusive access, cybersecurity, innovation, strategic partnerships, and organizational culture.

This collaboration aims to advance Nigeria's digital transformation agenda and create a safer, more inclusive online environment for all users."