We're thrilled to announce that we've partnered with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Data Science Nigeria (DSN) to launch the second phase of the #SaferTogether online safety and digital awareness program, which took place in Lagos and Abuja. Our goal is to equip parents, teachers, and guardians with the knowledge and tools needed to help young people safely navigate TikTok and the broader digital landscape.
Left to Right: Aanu Oyeniran, Business Lead, Data Scientists Network, Faiza Sani, Northern Nigeria Technical Project Lead, Dr. Ahmed Yusuf Tambuwal, Acting Director, Digital Literacy and Capacity Building, NITDA, Tokunbo Ibrahim-Okuribido, Head of Public Policy & Government Relations, West Africa, TikTok, Jacquelyne Jasper-Ikpendu, Co-Lead, S-TRAFUN, Ayo Olaleye, Convener, Family Resource Ministry
The #SaferTogether initiative, which began in 2022, has already made significant strides in improving digital safety awareness across Nigeria. Phase 1 focussed on educating 537 teachers and 1,037 parents in major cities like Abuja, Lagos, and Kano on TikTok’s safety features and promoted positive mental health in digital environments.
Building on the success of Phase 1, we're excited to expand with Phase 2, which includes NITDA as a strategic partner. This partnership aligns perfectly with NITDA’s mission to foster digital literacy, enhance technology infrastructure, and support inclusive access to digital tools and services. Together, we at TikTok, alongside NITDA and DSN, are committed to making Nigeria’s digital spaces safer for all while strengthening cybersecurity and digital trust.
In Phase 2 of the #SaferTogether campaign, we’re extending our reach to more regions, including Edo and Kaduna, and covering crucial topics like 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, our Government Relations and Public Policy Director for Africa, underscored our ongoing 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."
In this next phase, DSN will be leading the development of the content and curriculum, with guidance from our Trust and Safety team to ensure we’re highlighting the safety tools and features that make TikTok a secure platform. Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi, Founder and CEO of Data Science Nigeria, expressed it perfectly: “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.”
We also want to remind parents and guardians that our Safety Centre and Guardian's Guide are available to provide up-to-date information on best practices for digital safety. You can find more information at our Safety Centre: https://www.tiktok.com/safety/en/.