The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and TikTok have launched a partnership to equip Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with digital commerce skills and tools to compete in the digital economy.
The initiative was unveiled in Lagos at the launch of the TikTok Digital Commerce Labs Programme for SMEs, bringing together government, private sector, and entrepreneurship stakeholders.
NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, said digital commerce is a major driver of inclusion and business growth, adding that digital skills are now essential for business survival and competitiveness.
He noted that while Nigeria has many innovative entrepreneurs, many small businesses still lack the digital capabilities needed to fully benefit from the digital economy.
A key highlight was the announcement of a joint NITDA-TikTok programme to expand digital commerce training for SMEs nationwide. TikTok will provide an initial $20,000 to support a pilot Train-the-Trainer Programme, which will use NITDA’s Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) network to reach entrepreneurs, especially in remote and underserved communities.
Inuwa praised TikTok’s support for entrepreneurship and digital inclusion, saying the partnership aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) on digital literacy, innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth.
He said technology should be seen not just as a communication tool, but as a platform for income generation and opportunity creation.
The programme is expected to strengthen SME digital skills, expand access to opportunities, and support Nigeria’s digital economy.
