A new Nigerian digital business discovery and verification platform, Gidira, has been launched to help small and medium-sized enterprises, SMEs improve their online visibility, strengthen customer trust and expand their market reach.
Founded by UK-based technology entrepreneur and assurance professional, Olabisi Olaigbe, the platform seeks to address one of the major challenges facing Nigerian businesses: limited digital visibility and consumer trust.
According to the company, Gidira combines business discovery with a structured vendor verification system to enable customers identify credible service providers while helping businesses establish stronger digital identities.
The platform features a category-driven marketplace covering a wide range of services, including event vendors, food businesses, home service providers and digital professionals.
Speaking on the vision behind the platform, Olaigbe said Nigerian businesses require more than online exposure to succeed in today’s digital economy.
She explained that they also need credibility, structure and a trusted ecosystem capable of supporting long-term growth.
Drawing from her background in technology, corporate governance, risk management and assurance, Olaigbe said the idea for Gidira emerged from the need to provide Nigerian SMEs with a more structured and accountable online marketplace.
Unlike conventional online business directories, she noted that Gidira verifies businesses before listing them.
The verification process requires vendors to submit valid means of identification, proof of address and registration documents issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), ensuring that businesses on the platform are traceable and accountable.
According to the company, the verification system is intended to reduce the risks associated with online transactions and increase consumer confidence.
It added that verified vendors receive greater visibility on the platform, making it easier for customers to identify trusted businesses and reducing the likelihood of fraud.
For business owners, the platform offers opportunities to improve credibility, increase customer reach and establish a more organised digital presence without requiring significant marketing expenditure.
The company said the initiative is designed to create a level playing field where small businesses can compete more effectively with established brands.
Beyond its current offerings, Gidira disclosed plans to onboard one million Nigerian vendors as part of its long-term strategy to support SME growth and strengthen the country’s digital economy.
The company said the platform aims to become a comprehensive ecosystem that promotes entrepreneurship, encourages business formalisation and showcases Nigerian enterprises to wider local and international audiences.
As part of its rollout, Gidira has commenced vendor onboarding, inviting business owners to create profiles and connect with prospective customers through the platform. It said the registration process is designed to be simple and enables businesses to establish an online presence within minutes.
