7.9
Local Content In Software and Hardware Development
The increasing focus on local content development as a mechanism for improving
local skills, and generating sustainable jobs for Nigerians is a core aspect of Federal
Government of Nigeria’s transformation agenda across numerous critical sectors,
including the ICT sector.
7.9.1
Situation Analysis
ICT local content (including software and hardware) remains grossly under
developed in Nigeria. Although many reasons are adduced for this - including the
high cost of production and scarcity of expertise – the fact remains that there is an
over-dependence on foreign importation of software and hardware and this has led
to diminished opportunity for domestic economic empowerment, and contributed to
limited capacity building within the context of ICT. In addition, given the quantum of
hardware devices, and software applications imported into, and used within Nigeria,
there has been considerable drain on Nigeria’s foreign exchange. Therefore, there is
the urgent need to boost domestic participation in the ICT industry by incentivizing
local hardware and software companies to increase local content.
7.9.2
Software Development
The software industry is a multi-billion dollar industry and Nigeria can benefit
tremendously from developing its own domestic software industry to create
applications for
aspects of human endeavour including Agriculture (e-Agriculture),
Business (e-Business), Education (eLearning), Governance (e-Government), Health
(e-Health) etc. This can cater for both domestic and export markets.
7.9.3
Objectives
vi.
To position Nigeria as a leader in software development where the software
industry becomes a major contributor to national wealth;
vii.
To provide incentives for the growth of the software industry;
viii.
To promote software development education in the country;
ix.
To encourage promotion of software development and content for local and
export markets;
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