Nigerian IT expert, Chris Uwaje has warned that Nigeria’s reliance on foreign-owned software poses security risks.
Uwaje, who is the past president of both the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (IPSON) and the Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN).his compelling piece “Remita: A Fundamental Case for Legislating Indigenous Participation and IP Ownership in the Fintech Ecosystem,” advocates that Nigeria must assert control over its digital destiny.
Using the story of Remita and the Treasury Single Account (TSA) as a shining example of what homegrown technology can achieve, Uwaje warns against continued dependence on foreign software.
He argued that Indigenous IP is a national infrastructure and that homegrown technologies like Remita are not just software but foundational to national operations.
“These systems manage critical financial processes, secure vast data assets, and support the daily functions of government and business. As such, they deserve the same protection, investment, and prioritisation as roads, power grids, and telecommunications networks, he added.
Uwaje warned that continued reliance on foreign-owned software weakens Nigeria’s control over its data, policies, and economic levers, adding, “Sovereignty in the digital era means owning and controlling the tools that power our systems. Nigeria’s autonomy is compromised when key infrastructure is operated through black box solutions developed abroad.”
He suggested that Nigerian tech innovators need legislative frameworks that protect their intellectual property and reward their contributions to solving national problems.
He noted that without robust legal backing, local creators are left vulnerable, overlooked for procurement, underfunded by investors, and unrecognised in national planning.
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