The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has entered into a strategic partnership with TikTok to equip Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with digital commerce skills, tools and opportunities to compete effectively in the country’s growing digital economy.
The partnership was unveiled during the launch of the TikTok Digital Commerce Labs Programme for SMEs in Lagos, where government officials, private sector leaders, entrepreneurship support organisations and key players in the digital ecosystem gathered to explore innovative ways of empowering Nigerian businesses through technology.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, represented by the agency’s Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, described digital commerce as one of the strongest drivers of economic inclusion and business growth in today’s economy.
He said access to digital skills has become essential for businesses seeking to remain competitive, adding that entrepreneurs who embrace technology will be better positioned to reach wider markets, improve productivity and create sustainable wealth.
According to him, although Nigeria is home to millions of innovative entrepreneurs, many small businesses still lack the digital capabilities needed to fully benefit from opportunities in the digital economy.
“Today, a young entrepreneur with a smartphone can reach customers beyond geographical boundaries, build a brand, market products globally, and create economic opportunities that were previously unimaginable. Our responsibility is to ensure that every entrepreneur, regardless of location, has access to the digital skills and tools needed to succeed in this new economy,” he said.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of a collaborative programme between NITDA and TikTok aimed at extending digital commerce training to SMEs across Nigeria.
Under the initiative, TikTok will provide an initial investment of about 20,000 US dollars to fund a pilot Train-the-Trainer Programme. The programme will leverage NITDA’s Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) network to train entrepreneurs, particularly those in remote and underserved communities, on digital commerce.
Inuwa commended TikTok for supporting entrepreneurship and digital inclusion, describing the partnership as a practical example of how technology platforms can contribute to economic empowerment and national development.
He noted that the collaboration aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), particularly its goals of expanding digital literacy, promoting innovation, supporting entrepreneurship and driving inclusive economic growth.
The NITDA boss stressed that technology should be viewed not only as a platform for communication and entertainment but also as a powerful tool for creating economic opportunities and improving livelihoods.
“Technology is most powerful when it empowers the least connected, creates opportunities for the underserved, and transforms potential into prosperity,” he said.
Stakeholders at the event described the initiative as timely, noting that businesses are increasingly relying on digital platforms to engage customers, expand operations and access new markets.
The TikTok Digital Commerce Labs Programme is expected to strengthen the digital capabilities of Nigerian SMEs, improve their access to online business opportunities and contribute to the continued growth of the country’s digital economy.
The initiative also reinforces NITDA’s vision of building a digitally empowered nation where individuals, startups and businesses can leverage technology to create value, generate employment and drive inclusive economic development.
