*To guarantee quality and durability of locally assembled devices
* Ensure adherence to world class standards. This will
IT NEWS NIGERIA:
The management of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) 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 publicthat it has reorganised the process of registering and certifying indigenous IT OEMs.
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. 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.
According to Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Director General/CEO of NITDA in a statement within the week, 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 ofthe Agency. They are therefore advised to initiate the recertification process with immediate effect. We also call on all customersto demand current certification of NITDA before devices are purchased from indigenous OEMs.
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.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) was created in April 2001 to implement the Nigerian Information Technology Policy and co-ordinate general IT development and regulation in the country. Specifically, Section 6(a & c) of the Act mandates NITDA to create a framework for the planning, research, development, standardization, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and regulation of Information Technology practices, activities and systems in Nigeria; and render advisory services in all information technology matters to the public and private sectors.
