The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Isa Pantami has notified all Information Technology (IT) contractors, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), other government establishments, the organized private sector and the general public that measures have been put in place to register and license all Information Technology (IT) Contractors and Service Providers for the purposes of procurement, Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and other forms of engagement with government establishments and private sector.
Pantami made this known through a press statement today.
According to the NITDA Boss, “The Agency is dismayed at the rising number of failing IT projects within Federal MDAs and other government establishments.
“NITDA’s investigations revealed that over 90% of IT projects in MDAs and other government establishments failed and more than 95% of their security is compromised. In order to curtail this and in line with the Agency’s mandate and the recent Presidential Executive Order 005 for Planning and Execution of Projects, Promotion of Nigerian Content in Contracts and Science, Engineering and Technology, signed into law by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, the registration and licensing of IT Contractors and Service providers has become expedient.”
According to Pantami, the process would ensure the emergence of robust indigenous IT Service Providers and Contractors, guaranteeing the delivery of sustainable IT projects as well as engendering professionalism in the IT service industry. The process will also ensure that IT projects in MDAs will only be executed by indigenous companies where in-country capacity exists.
As part of the process, the Director General revealed that NITDA will monitor and ensure the capacity development of Nigerians employed by IT Contractors and other Service providers.
Furthermore, the Agency will, in conjunction with relevant agencies, investigate any project that has failed to determine the root cause of the failure and apply sanctions where necessary or to refer such cases to other relevant authorities.
“All firms desirous of providing IT services and contracts to Federal MDAs and other government establishments are advised to initiate the registration process with immediate effect. Guidelines on the registration process can be accessed by visiting NITDA’s website:www.nitda.gov.ng,” he added.
While speaking more on the application process, Pantami said, “Alternatively, an application can be written to the Agency in order to initiate the process. Interested entities should note that only NITDA registered firms and companies will be recognized as having capabilities for the provision of IT services to Federal MDAs and other government establishments.”
He also counseled all MDAs and other government establishments to consult NITDA before any IT firm is engaged for the purposed of providing IT related services.
