The Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN) have been invited by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to serve on the Steering Committee for the National Digital Trustmark Initiative, a landmark effort to strengthen trust and accountability across Nigeria’s digital economy.
This national initiative, led by NITDA in partnership with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), is designed to certify Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that meet defined standards of digital responsibility, online safety, and data protection. By focusing on e-commerce and social commerce platforms, the Digital Trustmark Initiative aims to boost consumer confidence, enhance MSME competitiveness, and align Nigeria’s digital economy with both local and global trust standards.
SiBAN’s Role and Representation
In a formal invitation from the Director General/CEO of NITDA, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, SiBAN was requested to nominate a representative with proven expertise in digital transformation, MSME development, and cybersecurity. In response, SiBAN nominated Mr. Oluwaseun Dania, a seasoned entrepreneur, serial investor, and respected voice in Nigeria’s blockchain and technology ecosystem.
Mr. Dania’s appointment reflects SiBAN’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital economy through strategic oversight, practical standards, and industry-led innovation. With his background in blockchain-driven solutions and MSME development, he is well-positioned to help guide the initiative toward long-term sustainability and global competitiveness.
“We are honoured to be part of this crucial national initiative to foster a more secure and trustworthy digital environment,” SiBAN stated.
“Mr. Seun Dania’s expertise and leadership in the blockchain and technology space will be invaluable to the Steering Committee. His insights will help ensure the initiative’s success and further position Nigeria as a leader in Africa's digital economy.”
Insights from the Inaugural Steering Committee Meeting
At the inaugural virtual meeting, the Steering Committee laid the groundwork for a robust and credible Trustmark framework. Key areas of discussion included:
1. Framework and Verification
Members reviewed the proposed Trustmark Framework, focusing on how vendors will be verified and certified. Discussions explored a national verification process covering registration, documentation, and review stages including considerations for scoring thresholds, sector-specific classifications, and renewal or revocation procedures.
The committee also debated whether existing certifications such as Data Protection Compliance Organization (DPCO) registration or Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) documentation should provide automatic eligibility or a fast-track to Trustmark issuance. The importance of either a unified verification checklist or a sector-specific approach was also highlighted to balance credibility and flexibility.
2. Platform Governance and Vendor Accountability
The committee examined the responsibilities of digital platforms in maintaining trust and enforcing standards. A key question was whether platforms should be jointly accountable for vendor misconduct such as fraud, misrepresentation, or unsafe practices. Members also discussed the minimum governance features required for platforms seeking the Trustmark Seal, including terms of service, dispute resolution mechanisms, and a notice-and-takedown protocol for handling non-compliant vendors.
3. Legal and Compliance Frameworks
NITDA’s Legal Department led discussions to ensure the Trustmark protocol complies with relevant statutes, including the Nigeria Data Protection Act, NDPR Implementation Framework, and the FCCPC Act. The committee considered the need for standard legal agreements, vendor disclosures, and liability disclaimers within the Trustmark emblem to safeguard consumers and service providers.
4. Cost, Sustainability, and Deployment
Ensuring long-term viability was a critical focus. The committee explored funding models beyond NITDA’s direct support, including ecosystem partnerships, subscription fees, and tier-based upgrades while ensuring affordability for smaller MSMEs. A timeline was proposed to achieve a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) before September 30, 2025, marking an ambitious step toward real-world implementation.
Blockchain as a Foundation for Digital Trust
Speaking on behalf of SiBAN, Mr. Oluwaseun Dania emphasized the transformative potential of blockchain technology in underpinning the Trustmark system.
Mr Oluwaseun Dania
“By integrating decentralized verification and immutable record-keeping, we can ensure transparency, enhance security, and empower MSMEs to compete globally while fostering consumer confidence,” he stated.
Mr. Dania highlighted that blockchain’s inherent qualities transparency, immutability, and decentralization can provide the technical backbone for a trustworthy and tamper-proof verification process, ensuring that Nigeria’s Digital Trustmark meets international standards while remaining adaptable to local realities.
A Milestone for Nigeria’s Digital Economy
The National Digital Trustmark Initiative represents a critical step toward establishing Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital economy. By certifying MSMEs that meet high standards of data protection and online safety, the program will not only boost consumer confidence but also enable Nigerian businesses to compete globally.
For SiBAN, participation in this Steering Committee reinforces its mission as Nigeria’s foremost blockchain self-regulatory association to bridge policy, innovation, and industry practice in a way that promotes trust, protects consumers, and accelerates sustainable growth.
SiBAN remains committed to driving blockchain adoption and digital trust standards across Nigeria. As the National Digital Trustmark Initiative takes shape, we invite industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and MSMEs to partner with us in shaping a secure, transparent, and inclusive digital economy.
Be a part of Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Contact us at membership@siban.org or join our free Telegram Community to collaborate on building a trusted future for Nigeria’s digital economy.
