In a meeting with a team from TikTok, Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) said it will collaborate in three key areas to make the internet a safer and more inclusive place in the country.
According to the agency’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, such a collaboration is important for the country’s digital transformation goals.
The three key areas include:
- Digital literacy: Providing Nigerians with the skills they need to use the internet safely and effectively.
- Combating online threats: Working together to address issues like hate speech, misinformation, and cyberbullying.
- Empowering creators: Helping Nigerians use platforms like TikTok to express themselves creatively and potentially launch successful online careers.
Inuwa also explained NITDA’s plans for the future, which include promoting digital access, strengthening cybersecurity, and fostering innovation.
TikTok, on the other hand, sees Nigeria as a key market and wants to work with NITDA to achieve its goals. The company’s representative, Tokunbo Ibrahim, praised NITDA’s efforts in developing the digital economy and highlighted TikTok’s own initiatives to promote online safety and empower creators.
Ibrahim also mentioned TikTok’s “African mall” project, which aims to showcase African products and services to a global audience. This aligns with NITDA’s goal of promoting Nigerian businesses online.
Overall, the meeting highlights the growing importance of collaboration between governments and tech companies in creating a safe and thriving digital space.