Federal Government Bans Use of Foreign Computers in Nigeria

In a bid to encourage patronage of ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ products and foster growth in the local Information Communications Technology (ICT) industry Federal Government has moved to ban use of foriegn computers and technology products in public institutions.

National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) revealed this at a two-day retreat on draft guidelines for home grown IT hardware products on Tuesday, 15th May, 2012.

Stressing the importance of benchmarking Nigeria’s IT products against international standards in order to make them competitive and marketable globally, Director General of NITDA Angaye declared that the procurement by public institutions, of non made-in-Nigeria computers, where certified local brands exist, would be an offence punishable by a prison term and fine, under the NITDA Act.

Nigeria’s computer hardware market has remained underdeveloped due to poor policy formulation and implementation by government, as well as the attendant high cost of equipment acquisition in Nigeria.

According to the analysts, inspite of the growing number of local OEMs and resellers, and the significant growth recorded in the telecommunications industry after the sector was deregulated in 2001; PC penetration remains very low at 0.7%.

According to Director, standards and regulation, NITDA, Inye Kemabonta who represented the Director General: