NITDA set to roll out national software framework

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has inaugurated the National Software Quality Assurance (SQA) Framework.

The initiative is expected to improve the quality, security and reliability of software used across government institutions, regulated industries and wider digital ecosystem.

This is according to a statement issued in Abuja recently by Mrs Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations.

She quoted the Director-General of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, as saying that the framework, in line with NITDA’s Act of 2007, was expected to take effect in the second quarter of 2027.

Inuwa said it was designed to eliminate costly information technology failures, strengthen cyber security and enhance public confidence in digital governance.

ALSO READ: Reps move to domesticate AfCFTA, advance 13 commerce bills

He said the framework combined three regulatory instruments comprising the National Software Development Guideline, the National Software Testing Guideline and the Software Testing Organisations Licensing (STOL) Guideline.

“The National Software Testing Guideline establishes rigorous pre-deployment testing benchmarks for functionality, cyber security, performance under peak loads, and system interoperability.

“The STOL Guideline, regulates and accredits third-party, independent Licensed Software Testing Organisations (LSTOs) to evaluate and certify software before deployment.

“Under this new framework, government software projects must undergo independent third-party testing and receive official certification prior to going live, making compliance a mandatory prerequisite for obtaining IT Project Clearance,” Inuwa said.

He further said the framework also introduced a risk-based classification model under which software would be categorised into Class A, B and C based on operational impact.

According to him, high-impact Class A platforms such as core banking switches, identity management systems and power grid control will be subject to the stringent security standards.

They would also be subject to deep penetration testing and specialised audit oversight by top-tier accredited testing bodies.

Inuwa said the initiative would improve the delivery of reliable and secure digital services, safeguard public investments, create opportunities for indigenous software testing firms and enhance the global competitiveness of Nigerian software products.

“Quality is the foundation of digital trust. With this framework, every software solution serving Nigerians, whether built for government or the private sector, will meet clear national standards for security, reliability and interoperability.

“This is how we modernise government technology and position Nigerian software to compete on the global stage,” Inuwa said.

The D-G said the framework was scheduled to take full effect in the second quarter of 2027.

He said the agency would embark on nationwide stakeholder engagement, capacity-building programmes and the accreditation of software testing organisations.

He added that it would soon issue an Expression of Interest for organisations seeking licences to operate as independent software testing bodies under the new regulatory regime.