NITDA restructures process of IT certification

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) said it has reorganised the process of registering and certifying IT Indigenous Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the country.

The Director General of NITDA, Dr Isa Ibrahim Pantami said the 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”, Dr Pantami said in a statement yesterday.

He said NITDA would 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.

He also said all previously registered indigenous IT OEMs whose certifications had 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. 

According to him, 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, he added.