Computer society commends FG over directive on local contents

THE Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has joined the growing list of organisations and individuals who are heaping praises on the Federal Government over the executive order on support for local contents in public procurement recently signed into law by acting President Yemi Osinbajo.

The association, in a statement signed by its president, Professor Adesola Aderounmu,  stated that to say the order was a welcome development was an understatement and that over the years, the NCS had strongly advocated for the development of local contents in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to drive growth, unlock youth potential and create jobs in Nigeria.

“The Executive Order 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.

“This development should stop the wasteful and unsustainable importation and adoption of foreign expertise and solutions. Nigerian companies in the ICT sector have proven to be capable of delivering solutions needed in our public and private sectors. 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,” the statement said.

The NCS, according to the statement, further commends this bold and inspiring decision by the Federal Government to support local initiatives and views the executive order as a welcome enabler for the technology sector and that the consistency is appreciated as the order builds on the existing guidelines on Nigerian Content in ICT.