E-Business
ISPON Urges MDAs to Prioritise Indigenous Software
Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON) has harped on the need to implement the Presidential Executive Orders, as means to develop the software industry in Nigeria.
ISPON members at the event
This is the unanimous view of participants at ISPON’s Roundtable on the ‘Future of Software in Nigeria’; where the practitioners stressed need to implement the Presidential Executive Orders series that started in May 2017 with Numbers E01, E02; E03 and subsequently EO4, EO5 etc, so as to improve local content in software applications in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of Government of Nigeria.
ISPON is the industry professional body for indigenous software developers and practitioners in Nigeria, established in 1999 with the aim of creating an enabling environment for local content developers.
The Institute has been in the forefront of championing the advocacy for the application and utilisation of locally developed software in order to boost our economy, GDP and give Nigeria an alternative to oil as a revenue earner.
In his opening remarks at the roundtable held on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at TheNest, Yaba, Lagos State, Dr. Yele Okeremi, president of ISPON, said the roundtable was convened to unmask the miseries around the software industry in Nigeria.
According to him, embracing indigenous software in the deployment of critical government database and projects is one critical way to avoid impending ‘digital imperialism.
He urged Nigerian government officials not to overlook the lurking global cyberwar where software contains the footprints of any nation.
Dr. Okeremi wondered why nearly 60 years Nigeria is still preferred to it “as a country with a lot of potentials. When shall these materialise?”
“At a point we were doing well in agriculture. But when oil was discovered, probably we became rich and relaxed. Now the price of oil had ditched; the environmental degradation has become unbearable.
“Aside that, oil is becoming old-fashioned. It has now dawned on us that Nigeria, perhaps, is not very rich.
“Therefore, countries like Singapore; etc are doing very well without oil and such natural resources. We need to tap into the intellectual property and human resource we have to become great. This is not the time to play politics if we want to remain relevant as a great country, in the next 15 years.
“I am saying this because around 2013 Nigeria started showing up in the global map for innovation. Why? There were deliberate policies to support software industry. That is why we are asking the MDAs to ensure strict implementation of the Executive Orders that give priority to local software”.
The ISPON President also highlighted that while the country is referred to as haven for Fintechs; “investors are coming in their numbers, startups are raising funds. But there is urgent need to rethink our strategy as a nation”.
“Nigeria should have been known as leader in oil & gas technology, but we choose to make laws – local content- thereby asking permission to enter the kitchen in a house ‘we’ built and ‘own’”, he lamented.
“We are sourcing (software) engineers from different countries. Why? We have the human capacity but lacking the interest to harness the potentials.
“Technology has two areas – software and hardware. Until we can boost of having people with the IP to control relevant industries we might be playing to the gallery.
“China has come out to say all foreign hardware and applications should be trashed. Russia has also said that smartphones selling in its market will come preloaded with Russian apps.
“We might be remotely switched off as a nation. It is better to not only consume but produce ourselves and outsource”, he said.
Need for software houses
In his contribution during a panel session, Mr. Pius Okigbo Jr, former president of ISPON, believes the country must deliberately support the younger generation of software developers as means to build software houses focused on solving local needs.
To actualise this, he said there must be change of mind-set among civil and public servants, especially with regards implementing Presidential directives meant to empower local software developers.
Federal Government was emphasising on local participation in the execution of government contracts, thereby improving local content in national socio-economic development.
“We need to match words with action. The Government at Federal level directed all MDAs to engage indigenous professionals in the planning, design and execution of national software related projects. How have we faired so far?
“The intent was to maximise in-country capacity and capability in all contracts and transactions with software components, utilising Nigeria human and material resources in the planning and execution of Nigerian projects.
“Unfortunately, some people are not interested in working in that direction. This must stop if we are going to build an enduring and endearing future for the younger generation. We must build ‘software-future’ for the younger generation and it requires growing local by patronising indigenous software companies”.
Addressing the industry practitioner, Mr. Pius Okigbo. Jr. urged them to focus on solving local issues.
“For instance, there are about 700 hotels in Owerri, and the number in Enugu is growing too. A policy statement by the government to digitize the records of hotels in the state, it’ll lead someone to provide hotel management software to these hotels and open up a new business opportunity for the developer. We must look inward to grow and become global champions”, he charged.
Growing software industry by focusing on data
Mr. Emeka Okoye, chief semantic architect / knowledge engineer – CYMANTIKS Nigeria Limited, also drew the attention of participants to ‘data-economy’.
He said that future of software will dwell largely in ‘data territory’ as it has become strategic asset to companies and countries.
“I am confident that growing the software industry that is locally engineered and empowered would be beneficial to our country, generate wealth, stimulate inclusive growths in the domestic economy and reduce unemployment level. There are 20 million farmers in Nigeria who needs to be empowered using software” he said.
Consumer education, branding and patience-capital
The Founder and Managing Director of Future Software Resources Limited, Nkemdilim Uwaje-Begho, pointed out that branding, continued consumer education and advocacies are key ways to expose different users to the efficacies of Nigerian software.
On the other hand, she said that the country’s education system must be rejigged such that the graduates can be equipped for future-work.
In her words, “We must intentionally build the software industry for the younger ones who on their own should have ‘patient-capital’ as against get-rich-quick syndrome.
“The Order directed that all procurement entities of the FGN shall give preference to Nigerian companies in the award of contracts for major projects in SET and where local expertise is not available, Nigerian companies shall enter into consortium with relevant foreign firms,” he said.
The roundtable moderated by the General Secretary (ISPON), Lanre Adelanwa, also had in attendance the Past President Global Network for Cyber Solution and past president and co-founder of ISPON, Chris Uwaje; Chairman, Education & Capacity Building Committee (ISPON) and co-founder of The Nest Innovation Park, Peter Ogedengbe; Executive Director at SystemSpecs, ‘DeRemi Atanda amongst others.
Paga, a payments and financial services provider for Africa has processed transactions value to the tune of N14trillion in the last 15 years of its existence.
Tayo Oviosu, chief executive officer, Pagatech, said at a media interaction to mark the company’s 15 anniversary that 80 percent of the amount was done in the last five years.
“When we celebrated 10 years of our business that was five years ago, we have grown our transactions values by 7 times, across the three business arms of our operation which includes; consumer payments, platform as-a-services and super App for retailers.
“This has translated into job creation as we have created over 1,000 direct jobs in Ethiopia and in Nigeria and indirect jobs through our agent network to about 100,000 jobs, this is economic empowerment of Nigerians.
“Our desire is giving people financial freedom and making life possible for them and impacting on our community. We are really proud of our economic achievements and we are making sure that our customers get the best experience.
“We are super excited about what the future holds for our business. Our vision is a world where cash does not exist anymore. We ensure that our customers’ money is safe by complying with the highest global security standards.
“Our focus is on helping both consumers and sellers pay, get paid, and access financial services. We do this directly; and through our Platform-as-a-Service, which enables other third parties to leverage the deep infrastructure we have built for endless possibilities.
Oviosu, further explained the three business lines Paga has transformed into from a mobile money operator from inception to a financial services provider includes; Consumer payment: where anyone can open a Paga account from any type of phone, by download Paga App from Apple or android store or dial *242# from any type of phone device.
“With Paga app, you can fund the account, make payments and also have a physical Visa card or a virtual Visa card on the account. This gives you significant convenience over other bank accounts we have in the market today.
You can send money into that account from any bank account or walk into any bank branch to fund the account. You can as well go to any agent and fund or make transactions from the account,” he said.
He added that when he started the business 15 years ago, there was no infrastructure, “we had to build the required infrastructure to support the business. Two years ago, we opened our infrastructure to allow other technology companies to use it for their own business. We called this Platform as a Service. With Platform as a service we are serving 150 businesses who are using our infrastructure to execute their own businesses.
“The third arm of our business is what we called Doroki this a different brand which is super App for retail business. If you are a supermarket you use it to manage your inventory among others. This is the youngest arm of our business” he noted.
Dr John Asein, director-general, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), has said that the federal government is taking steps to finalise its National Intellectual Property (IP) Policy and Strategy for the country.
Asein disclosed this on Friday while commemorating the 2024 World Intellectual Property Day with the theme “IP and the SDGs: Building Our Common Future with Innovation and Creativity’’ in Abuja.
The that the Day is observed every April 26 to celebrate the importance of intellectual property (IP) rights to encourage innovation and creativity.
The director-general was represented by Mr Emeka Ogbonna, director of Legal.
NCC boss said the policy would serve as a blueprint for a more efficient modern and responsive legal and administrative framework for the country to leverage on its creative and innovative potential.
He said that the day underscored the power of innovation and creativity in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for humanity.
According to him, the SDGs represent a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by the year 2030.
“IP rights play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, creativity, and technological advancements. They provide the framework that encourages men and women to develop new solutions that address global challenges.
“It is the lynchpin for incentivising the use of creative and innovative ideas to solve many of the challenges that confront humanity.
“This year’s World IP Day reminds us that intellectual property can be a powerful tool for social, economic, and environmental development.
“It encourages individuals, businesses, and governments to leverage IP rights to drive innovation, create jobs, and build resilient communities.
“By aligning our intellectual property policies and strategies with the objectives of the SDGs, we can accelerate their achievement,’’ NCC boss said.
He said in the spirit of the “Renewed Hope Agenda’’ of the present administration, government had also shown appreciable commitment to the creative industry as a major sector of the economy.
“As one of the agencies responsible for the wholesome development of the creative sector, the Nigerian Copyright Commission will continue to provide the needed institutional, legal and administrative support for the protection, promotion, regulation and enforcement of copyright.
“The commission will pay particular attention to using the copyright system to advance Goal 1 (No poverty); Goal 4 (Quality education); Goal 5 (Gender equality).
“And Goal 8 (Decent and economic growth); Goal 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure) and Goal 17 (Partnerships to achieve the goals).
“We are aware that the goals would have to be adapted to fit the peculiar needs of intellectual property which is an intangible asset.’ ’he added.
The director-general, who said that the commission focused on the 17 SDGs to address emerging challenges, called on authors, innovators, users, IP experts and other stakeholders to reflect on the vulnerability of the nation’s fragile knowledge and creative ecosystem.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Illmi Children’s Fund (ICF) have trained 100 schoolgirls in digital and Information and Communication Technology skills training.
Mrs. Maryam Augie-Abdulmumin, ICF Executive Director, confirmed this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.
The graduation followed the training of the schoolgirls in ICF and NITDA’s DIGITGALS 2.0 programme, a collaborative initiative aimed to equip adolescent girls in Abuja with critical digital and ICT skills.
Augie-Abdukmumin said the DIGITGALS 2.0 centred around essential digital literacy, programming fundamentals, digital marketing and communication skills, and cybersecurity awareness.
She added that the girls were equipped with the confidence to compete and excel in a globalised digital economy. The graduation was in commemoration of the 2024 International Girls in ICT Day celebration on April 25.
DIGITGALS 2.0 is in its second phase and empowered 100 senior secondary school girls selected from five government schools in the Federal Capital Territory.
The girls aged between 15 and 18 years were equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the digital world and address the growing demand for ICT skills in the 21st century.
Augie-Abdulmumin reiterated the importance of bridging the digital gap in the country starting with the girl-child.
“This graduation ceremony on International Day of Girls in ICT is a powerful symbol of our commitment to closing the digital gender gap.
This programme made possible through our partnership with NITDA, and signifies a crucial step towards bridging the digital gender gap.
It also fostering a future where women are active leaders in the tech industry. This is also an opportunity for these girls to take charge of their own future,”.
Mr Kashifu Abdullahi, the Director-General of NITDA, commended the collaborative efforts of ICF in making the DIGITGALS 2.0 a reality.
According to him, building a diverse and inclusive digital workforce is critical for Nigeria’s success.
“We are proud to collaborate with ICF on DIGITGALS 2.0 to empower these young women to become active participants in the tech industry. This programme showcases the importance of collaborative efforts in bridging the digital gender gap.
These girls have been equipped with essential digital skills, and ICF and NITDA are confident they will become active contributors to Nigeria’s thriving tech landscape,”.
ICF is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children, from underprivileged backgrounds, through education, healthcare, technology and entrepreneurship initiatives.
NITDA is a public service institution established in 2007. It functions as the ICT policy implementing arm of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy.
CBN Stops 4 Fintechs from Onboarding New Customers
Bamgbose, BON Boss Faults FCCPC’sDdecision to Review DStv, GOtv Rates
Tribunal Restrains Multichoice from Implementing DStv, GOtv Price Hike
Banks Lose N2.09Bn to Frauds in Q4 2023 – FITC
LG Electronics Brings the Rhythm to Nigeria with K-POP Fiesta
See Full List of Fake Loan Apps Blacklisted By CBN
CBN Sacks another 50 Staff, 117 Disengaged in 20 Days
AfDB, AGF Partner on Female Entrepreneurs’ Access to Finance
Nigeria Plans AI Strategy Workshop for National Development
IMF says Rising Cyber Threats Pose Serious Concerns for Financial Stability
News2 days agoProf. Aliyu, AI Practitioner to Keynote ABoICT 2024
Telecom2 days agoTariff Hike Threat: NCC Urges Telcos to Reduce Operating Cost
Telecom2 days agoThe NCC, Telcos and the Tariff Discourse
Broadcasting2 days agoWhy Multichoice Hiked Subscriptions for DStv and GOtv Packages- FCCPC
E-Financial2 days agoNigerians Trust Bitcoin for Financial Security than Sanks – Report
Telecom2 days agoWale Owoeye Shines among Nigeria’s Top 50 Digital Economy Leaders
E-Business2 days agoPaga Hits N14tri Transactions Value in 15 Years
Uncategorized2 days agoDufil Prima Foods Brings Relief to Indigent Families in Abeokuta