NITDA begins Registration and Licensing of all Indigenous Information Technology (IT) Contractors

 In order to ensure a proper and effective management and monitoring of the Information and Communications Technology sector in Nigeria that is sustainable, the management of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has commenced the registration and licensing of all Indigenous Information Technology contractors.

To this end, the agency is putting place, policies that would actualize its goals.

A statement issued by Hajia Hadizahas Umar, head of media and external relations on behalf of the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NITDA, reveals that "NITDA would like to bring to the attention of all Information Technology (IT) Contractors, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), other government establishments, the organised private sector and the general public that, it has put measures in place to register and license all Information Technology (IT) Contractors and Service Providers for the purposes of procurements, Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and other forms of engagement with Government establishments and Private Sector.

According to the statement signed by Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, the Chief Executive Officer of NITDA, "the Agency is dismayed at the raising number of failing IT projects within Federal MDAs and other government establishments".

"NITDA's investigations revealed that over 90% of IT projects in MDAs and other government establishments failed and more than 95% of their security is compromised".

"In order to curtail this and in line with the Agency's mandate and the recent Presidential Executive Order 005 for Planning and Execution of Projects, Promotion of Nigerian Content in Contracts and Science, Engineering and Technology, as mandated by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, the registration and licensing of IT Contractors and Service providers has become expedient",  Isa Ali Pantami stated.

"The process aims at ensuring the emergence of robust indigenous IT Service Providers and Contractors, guaranteeing the delivery of sustainable IT projects as well as engendering professionalism in the IT service industry", he stated.

Furthermore, "the process will also ensure that IT projects in MDAs will only be executed by indigenous companies where in-country capacity exists".

"As part of the process, NITDA will monitor and ensure the capacity development of Nigerians employed by IT Contractors and other Service providers".

Dr. Ibrahim noted that, "NITDA will, in conjunction with relevant agencies, investigate any project that has failed, to determine the root cause of the failure and apply sanctions where necessary or, to refer such cases to other relevant authorities".

"All firms desirous of providing IT services and contracts to Federal MDAs and other government establishments, are advised to initiate the registration process with immediate effect", the DG advised.

"Guidelines", according to the NITDA Chief Executive, "on the registration process, can be accessed by visiting NITDA’s website: www.nitda.gov.ng".

"Alternatively, an applicantion can be written to the Agency, in order to initiate the process. Interested entities should note that only NITDA registered firms and companies will be recognised as having capabilities for the provision of IT services to Federal MDAs and other government establishments. All MDAs and other government establishments are advised to consult NITDA before any IT firm is engaged for the purposed of providing IT related services", Dr. Ibrahim further stressed.