To forge strategic partnerships and collaboration for the advancement of Nigeria’s digital transformation Agenda, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa has reiterated the need for a safe and inclusive online environment responsible for human and Artificial Intelligence (AI) practices in country.
Inuwa made the statement as he received a team from social media firm operating TikTok, who visited the Agency’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja to seek alliance towards federal government’s priority area of strengthening national security for peace and prosperity.
The DG stated that content moderation strategies will help in addressing online problems like hate speech, misinformation, and cyberbullying in relation to the protection of minors across the country.
“With the Code of practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries in place, this has helped in ensuring digital safety in accordance with global best practice and content moderation to enhance security”, he said.
He further noted: “No organisation or institution can operate in silos; we need each other for the actualisation of our goals and objectives towards services delivery and for the advancement of the Nation.”
Highlighting some critical areas of attention, Inuwa stated that leveraging on the platform will advance the country through the Digital Literacy 4 All (DL4ALL) programme, Capacity Building, knowledge sharing, trainings, curbing misinformation, and general digital safety, with the aim of creating a safer cyber space and empowering online environment for Nigerian users.
Inuwa also explained to the TikTok team that NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 (SRAP 2024-2027) is structured around eight pillars which include; Fostering Digital Literacy and Cultivating Talents, Building a Robust Technology Research Ecosystem, Strengthening Policy Implementation and Legal Frameworks, Promoting Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services, Enhancing Cybersecurity and Digital Trust, Nurturing an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Forging Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations, and Cultivating a Vibrant organisational Culture with an Agile Workforce.
In her earlier remarks, the Head of Government Regulation and Public Policy, TikTok Nigeria And West Africa, Mrs Tokunbo Ibrahim had revealed that NITDA is one of its biggest and critical stakeholders in Nigeria that has an outstanding strides and performance in advancing the digital economy sector.
Ibrahim commended NITDA for its various initiatives, programmes, and policies, which align with that of TikTok, providing the opportunity were Nigerians use the platform to market, sell and export their products and services as well as talents to the outside world and make a living out of it.
She pointed out that there are projects and programmes that TikTok platform has forged ties of collaboration with, like the Africa Creator Hub, where they do campaigns for tech creator, support, empower, and educate them on how to create contents using sections of the platform, changing their narrative and adding values to what they are doing.
Ibrahim also added that TikTok platform considers online safety as one of its critical focus areas by providing a safe avenue for users to thrive and be productive in their various activities.
TikTok is currently running African mall to push the narrative of Africa to the world and creators are being equipped with information that they can create contents for products and services in Nigeria, thus can be exported to other countries of the world attracting investments.
