NITDA Targets Safer Digital Ecosystem with Software Testing Licensing

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has unveiled plans to license technology firms to provide independent software testing and certification services under a new national framework aimed at improving the quality, security and reliability of software deployed across government institutions and regulated private sector organisations.

The initiative, introduced under the Software Testing Organisations Licensing Framework, is expected to establish a regulated market for software testing while ensuring that digital solutions deployed in Nigeria comply with nationally approved quality, security and interoperability standards.

According to NITDA, compliance with the framework will become a mandatory requirement for obtaining IT Project Clearance for government software projects from the second quarter of 2027. The agency also disclosed that it would commence nationwide stakeholder engagement and capacity-building programmes ahead of the implementation of the new policy.

Speaking on the initiative, NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said the framework would strengthen public confidence in software systems while positioning Nigerian software products to compete globally.

“Quality is the foundation of digital trust. With this Framework, every software solution serving Nigerians, whether built for government or the private sector, will meet clear national standards for security, reliability, and interoperability.”

He added, “This is how we modernise government technology and position Nigerian software to compete on the global stage.”

As part of the implementation process, NITDA said it would shortly issue an Expression of Interest (EOI) for technology firms seeking licences to conduct software testing and certification across the country.

The agency stated, “An Expression of Interest will be issued shortly for prospective testing organisations seeking licensing, giving tech firms ample opportunity to align their technical capacity with the new national framework.”

NITDA noted that beyond improving software quality and cybersecurity, the framework is expected to stimulate the growth of Nigeria’s software assurance industry by creating opportunities for indigenous technology firms and software professionals.

According to the agency, the licensing regime will encourage local software testing organisations to obtain internationally recognised certifications, create high-skilled technology jobs and deepen the country’s software development ecosystem.

The framework forms part of the broader National Software Quality Assurance Framework which comprises the National Software Testing Guideline, the National Software Development Guideline and the Software Testing Organisations Licensing Framework. While, the policies establish minimum standards for software developed, modified, integrated or deployed for use in Nigeria.