NITDA to engage more local IT companies in reviewed service guidelines
By Blessing Emmanuel, Abuja
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has revealed its intention to onboard more competent local IT companies.
This is as the agency noted that it is conducting a thorough review of guidelines governing the delivery of IT services to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The announcement made via a press release in Abuja on Saturday, emphasised the government’s commitment to refining the process, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism in IT services, and fostering the growth of local IT companies.
The Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations of NITDA, Hadiza Umar, explained that the review aims to streamline existing procedures and align them with global trends.
“The goal is to ensure the engagement of competent vendors for IT service delivery, rectifying the inefficiencies observed in the implementation of the registration process introduced in 2018.
“In that year, the government outlined a registration process specifically for indigenous IT companies, as part of its adherence to a presidential executive order. However, the process faced challenges in implementation, prompting the need for a comprehensive reevaluation,” she said.
According to the guidelines, only indigenous applicants meeting certain criteria will be considered for registration. Among these criteria is the requirement for at least one principal officer of the company to be registered with the Computer Professionals of Nigeria.
In response to the inefficiencies encountered, the NITDA spokesperson highlighted the necessity of aligning the guidelines with global standards, ensuring that only competent vendors are engaged for IT service delivery. The impending review is expected to address these issues and create a more efficient and inclusive framework for IT service providers.
Hadiza Umar further expressed that the revised guidelines would not only promote indigenous IT service provision but also open doors for more digital services to be offered by Nigerian companies. The overarching goal is to enhance the ease of doing business for IT service providers, in line with the government’s commitment to efficiency, innovation, and collective prosperity.
“The National Information Technology Development Agency is undertaking a comprehensive review of the guidelines for registration of ICT service providers/contractors, designed to streamline the process for the delivery of IT services to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria,” Umar stated.
She added, “The review, which will result in the amendment of the guidelines, will create opportunities for more digital services to be provided by Nigerian companies while strengthening the ease of doing business for IT service providers.
“The collaboration with stakeholders is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring that Nigerians benefit from the improved use of Information Technology in various aspects of daily activities, particularly in government service delivery.”
Umar said, “The National Information Technology Development Agency is undertaking a comprehensive review of the guidelines for registration of ICT service providers/contractors, designed to streamline the process for the delivery of IT services to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“Since the issuance of the guidelines, the agency has identified the need to improve the efficiency in the process of registration, promote indigenous IT service provision, ensure competent vendors are engaged for IT service delivery to Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“NITDA desires to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that Nigerians benefit from the use of Information Technology to enhance and simplify their daily activities, especially service delivery by government and other institutions. This aligns with the present administration’s drive to ensure collective prosperity through efficiency and innovation.
“The review, which will result in the amendment of the guidelines, will create opportunities for more digital services to be provided by Nigerian companies while strengthening the ease of doing business for IT service providers,” the statement read.
