The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reorganised the process of registering and certifying indigenous Information Technology (IT) Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
The Agency made the announcement yesterday craving the indulgence of all IT OEMs, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the organized private sector and the general public on the new regulatory process.
The Director General of NITDA, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami made it clear that the reorganization 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.
While sounding a note of warning to IT OEMs with expired certification, the NITDA Boss said, “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 of the Agency. They are therefore advised to initiate the recertification process with immediate effect.
“We also call on all customers to demand current certification of NITDA before devices are purchased from indigenous OEMs.”
Pantami also counseled all other entities desirous of assembling and selling IT devices in Nigeria admonishing them to 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,” he added.
