Public procurement: Computer Society commends FG’s order on local content

ITRealms:

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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