The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) is driving indigenous Information and Communication Technology (ICT) capacity building through its Local Vendor Policy (LVP), a key component of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
Speaking at a workshop organized by NOTAP in collaboration with UK International Development Partner, with the theme “From Policy to Practice; Building Indigenous ICT Capacity through the Local Vendor Policy, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Philip Ndiomu Ebiogeh said that the LVP aims to increase local content in Nigeria’s ICT sector, promoting economic growth and technology transfer.
He said that in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, LVP is strategically designed to fast-track the development of indigenous capacities in software development, through involvement of indigenous software developers in deployment and maintenance of foreign software in Nigeria.
The Permanent Secretary commended NOTAP for not only initiating the policy, but for sustaining the implementation irrespective of the initial bottleneck from the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OES). He added that it was a tactical means of technology transfer and skills acquisition. “By partnering with local vendors, NOTAP is bridging the gap between policy and practice, fostering a robust ICT ecosystem in Nigeria”.
In her welcome address, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NOTAP, Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi said that the reason for the workshop was to strengthen the LVP for optimization. She added that in line with the Local Content Act, Local Vendor Policy was to ensure that Nigerian ICT companies develop their capacity through partnership in deploying and maintenance of foreign software overtime.
“Through the LVP, we are creating opportunities for Nigerian tech vendors to develop innovative solutions, create jobs, and contribute to the country’s economic development,” said the, Director-General of NOTAP.
She emphasized that the LVP implementation has seen significant progress, with local vendors participating in major ICT projects. This initiative according to the DG, strategically aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration, promoting technology-driven growth and self-reliance.
In a Press Release that was circulated by the Chief Information Officer, Raymond Ogbu, the DG said that several Nigerian ICT companies have developed both in capacity and infrastructure, adding that some indigenous ICT companies, such as CWG and a host of others, now develop solutions currently running in Nigerian banks as well as outside the country.
NOTAP’s efforts underscore its commitment to promoting indigenous ICT capacity and technology transfer. The LVP is a model for sustainable development, empowering Nigerian innovators and entrepreneurs to drive the country’s digital future.
Stakeholders, such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, MTN Nigeria, Nigerian Communications Commission, Zenith Bank plc, and others commended NOTAP’s commitment and enthusiasm in harnessing indigenous skills for gradual replacement of foreign software with indigenous alternatives and eventual industrialization of the Country.
