NITDA invites stakeholders’ inputs on guidelines for Nigeria’s IT projects, regulatory instruments

*Hadiza Umar, Director of Communications and Media Relations of the National Information Technology Development Agency, explains the instruments will regulate and professionalise the clearance of Information Technology projects, ensuring that Federal Public Institutions’ IT projects and initiatives are effectively conceptualised, designed, evaluated in accordance with extant rules and standards

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

In a bid to develop comprehensive and effective regulatory instruments for the sector, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is seeking public feedbacks on several draft documents related to Information Technology (IT) projects and regulations in Nigeria.

The IT sector regulatory agency said the move aligned with its commitment to engendering an open and collaborative rulemaking in the country.

Mrs. Hadiza Umar, fnipr, f.apra,

Director of Communications and Media Relations at NITDA, who noted these in a statement, disclosed the agency’s legal Documents Open for Public Review are as follows:

1. Guidelines for Licensing IT Projects Clearance Compliance Assurance Firms 2024;
2. Regulatory Guidelines for Electronic Invoicing in Nigeria;
3. Guidelines for Software Development; and
4. Guidelines for Software Testing.

Mrs. Umar stated NITDA is also proposing the amendment of the Guidelines for Clearance of IT Projects for Federal Public Institutions (FPIs) guidelines, initially issued in 2018.

The statement equally noted the Guidelines for Licensing IT Projects Clearance Compliance Assurance Firms 2024 aims to ensure that IT projects within Federal Public Institutions (FPIs) are managed and implemented, according to approved and established standards, regulations, and best practices.

The Director of Communications and Media Relations further said: “The instrument will regulate and professionalise the clearance of IT projects, ensuring that FPIs IT projects and initiatives are effectively conceptualised, designed, evaluated, and compliant with relevant Federal Government extant rules and standards in line with the Federal Government’s digital infrastructure goals and the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

She noted the Regulatory Guidelines for Electronic Invoicing is designed to promote transparency and deepen the use of technology for e-government automation as well as support the fiscal development of Nigeria through prudent administration of government revenue.

“The guidelines will improve tax compliance, enhance efficiency and enhance standardisation and interoperability, thereby ensuring that Nigeria is ready for international digital commerce,” Umar said.

According to the agency, the Guidelines for Software Development establishes the minimum requirements for the development of software to be used by Nigerian Government entities.

NITDA also emphasised this ensures that “all software meets quality, security, and operational standards, promotes the growth of the local software testing market, and enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of government services.

“The objectives of the guideline are to ensure that software is fit-for-purpose, meeting functional and non-functional requirements, and protect government institutions from operational risks through security, reliability, and performance standards.”

Parameters for participation

The IT sector regulator as well explained these draft documents have undergone internal review and stakeholder consultations.

The statement noted: “NITDA now invites the public to contribute their feedbacks by reviewing the documents available for download at: https://nitda.gov.ng/draft-regulatory-instruments/.

According to Umar, public participation “is crucial for NITDA to develop comprehensive and effective regulatory instruments.”

The agency stated that by considering diverse perspectives, it can ensure these guidelines best serve the needs of the IT industry and promote the development of a thriving digital economy in Nigeria.

Stakeholders are, therefore, advised to send in their review to regulations@nitda.gov.ng on or before November 26, 2024, the statement added.