The Nigeria Computer
Society (NCS) has commended the Federal Government on its recent executive order in support of local content over the modules of public procurement,
reports ITRealms.
President, Nigeria
Computer Society, Prof. Sola Aderounmu, told ITRealms that NCS also aligns with the
Executive Order on support for local content in Public Procurement by the
Federal Government recently signed by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.
“To say the order is a
welcome development is an understatement. Over the years, NCS has strongly
advocated for the development of local content in Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) to drive growth, unlock youth potential and create jobs in
Nigeria,” he asserted.
The Executive Order,
he said, was received by NCS with great expectations and elation.
“We are indeed pleased
that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government
are now mandated to grant preference to local manufacturers of goods and
service providers in their procurement processes for a number of priority items
including Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products,” NCS
president said.
This development, he
said, should stop the wasteful and unsustainable importation and adoption of foreign
expertise and solutions. Stressing that Nigerian companies in the ICT sector have
proven to be capable of delivering solutions needed in our public and private
sectors. Even as deploying domestic products and services expands the local
industry, fosters local job creation and boosts the local economy.
“Using innovation to
bring efficiencies and create jobs in virtually all sectors, not just in ICT is
critical to the success of the Federal Government’s Economic Recovery and Growth
Plan (EGRP). EGRP and sustainable development depend on having a vibrant and
growing domestic ICT sector. Effective implementation of the Executive Order should
therefore be a priority,” NCS president said.
The group, therefore, commends
this bold and inspiring decision to support local initiatives and views the Executive
Order as a welcome enabler. For the tech sector, the consistency is appreciated
as the Order builds on the existing Guidelines on Nigerian Content in ICT.
NCS pointed out that
with this order, Heads of MDAs are required to assess the monitoring,
enforcement, implementation and compliance with the Executive Order.
“We look forward to collaborating
closely with Government to ensure the successful implementation of the
Executive Order. In addition, we assure the administration of the readiness of
our group to collaborate with government on other important policy initiatives
and issues in the ICT domain,” Aderounmu assured.
ITRealms recalls that NCS serves as the umbrella body of all the IT
professionals and interest groups in Nigeria is of the firm belief that using
this Executive Order to create the enabling environment for the development of
local content is a major positive step forward. It opens up economic recovery
and diversification possibilities inherent in the building of a truly inclusive
and sustainable digital economy.
Nonye Dom/GEE
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