INDIGENOUS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS (OEMS); Reorganisation of Process And Registration/Certification of Indigenous OEMS By NITDA

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), nigeria's regulatory body for Information Technological advancement, has commenced the reorganization of of the process of registration of all indigenous Original Equipment Manufacturers in the country.



A statement issued by the Head of Public and External Relations of NITDA, Hadiza Umar, disclosed that the Agency, in its determination to reposition the country's ICT platform, would like to bring to the attention of all Information Technology (IT) Indigenous Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), other government establishments, the organised private sector and the general public that it has reorganised the process of registering and certifying indigenous IT OEMs.

According to the statement, "this reorganisation became necessary considering the incessant complaints received from consumers of indigenous IT devices".

"It is also aimed at facilitating and ensuring adherence to world class standards", she said.

"This will guarantee the quality and durability of locally assembled devices. NITDA will henceforth mandate quality after-sales-support as a significant part of the registration and certification process and as mandatory part of the operations of all indigenous OEMs", the statement further reads.

"All previously registered indigenous IT OEMs whose certifications have expired should note that continuance of sale of machines and equipment not tested and certified by NITDA is a violation of existing rules and procedures of the Agency", it advised.

"They are therefore advised to initiate the recertification process with immediate effect. We also call on all customers to demand current certification of NITDA before devices are purchased from indigenous OEMs".

On issues of other entities desirous of assembling and selling IT devices, it said;

"All other entities desirous of assembling and selling IT devices in Nigeria should also apply to the Agency for registration and certification, Interested entities should note that only NITDA registered indigenous OEMs are entitled to the reliefs and incentives as contained in the Regulatory Guidelines for Nigerian Content Development in ICT 2013. The certification process of OEMs and the Regulatory Guidelines for Nigerian Content Development in ICT 2013 are issued and implemented pursuant to Section 6 of the National Information Technology Development Act 2007".