TikTok partners NITDA, Data Science Nigeria to strengthen digital safety across Nigeria

TikTok, in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Data Science Nigeria, also known as Data Scientists Network (DSN), has launched the second phase of the #SaferTogether online safety and digital awareness programme in Lagos and Abuja.

The initiative aims to create a safer digital environment by equipping parents, teachers, and guardians with the knowledge and tools needed to help young people safely navigate TikTok and the broader digital landscape.

The #SaferTogether efforts, launched in 2022, have already made significant strides in improving digital safety awareness across Nigeria. Recall that in November 2022, TikTok launched its #SaferTogether campaign in Nigeria, the first in Sub-Saharan Africa. At the event, the company also announced a partnership with the Data Scientists Network (DSN) to support its awareness programme.

The phase 1 focused on educating 537 teachers and 1,037 parents in major cities such as Abuja, Lagos, and Kano on TikTok’s safety features and promoting positive mental health in digital environments.

Building on the success of Phase 1, Phase 2 will expand with the inclusion of NITDA as a strategic partner.

This partnership aligns with NITDA’s mission to foster digital literacy, enhance technology infrastructure, and support inclusive access to digital tools and services. Together, TikTok, NITDA, and DSN are committed to making Nigerian cyberspace safer for all while strengthening cybersecurity and digital trust.

Phase 2 of the #SaferTogether campaign will extend its reach to more regions, including participation from Edo and Kaduna, covering topics such as misinformation, cyberbullying, sexting, digital citizenship, fake news, child sexual violence, and data protection. These workshops will engage a broad range of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, government representatives, community leaders, parents, teachers, and guardians.

Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, TikTok’s Government Relations and Public Policy Director for Africa, underscored TikTok’s steadfast commitment to user safety:

“We believe that empowering parents, teachers, and guardians with digital literacy skills is not just about protecting users—it is about enabling an informed community to actively shape a safer digital environment for everyone. Our dedication to community safety remains unwavering, and through local partnerships, like our collaboration with DSN, we are extending these educational resources beyond our platform, building a resilient and knowledgeable online community.”

He noted that TikTok’s commitment to creating a safer space for all will be driven by an inclusive and collaborative approach, going forward: “The community empowerment campaign highlights the importance of safety being a shared responsibility. With the additional layer that the Safety Advisory Council presents, we believe that safety can be achieved, collectively”.

This will include workshops, social media outreach, and partnerships with key stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of following TikTok’s community standards.

Dr Olubayo Adekanmbi, Founder and CEO of Data Science Nigeria, emphasized, “The digital world is now part of our daily lives for learning, engagement, and socializing. We have a shared responsibility to make this space safer, and we are excited to continue with the Safer Together campaign, providing parents, teachers and guardians with essential insights on digital wellness.”

TikTok offers resources for parents and guardians through its centralized Safety Centre and Guardian’s Guide, providing updated information on best practices for digital safety.

Read also: #SaferTogether: All that happened at TikTok’s safety summit in Nairobi