NITDA inspires out-sourcing group, votes N20m take-off grant

An outsourcing group, the Nigeria Association of Information Technology Enabled Out-Sourcing Companies (NAITEOC) has debut, with the coordinating agency, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) already earmarked the sum of N20 million for its take off.

These disclosures came following the setting up of an interim officers and members to be driven and led by NITDA, who has been charged with the coordination and secretariat.

Also on the members of NAITEOC includes the Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN), Internet Service Providers Association of Nigeria (ISPAN), Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON) to name a few.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the group in Lagos, the Director-General of NITDA, who was represented by the Director, Software and Outsourcing department in the agency, Dr. Ashiru Daura said it has become imperative to form an umbrella body to co-ordinate in line with the outcome of the decisions reached at the first National Outsourcing conference held in Abuja in August 2011.

He outlined the objectives of the formation to include but not limited to effectively facilitate advocacy efforts at advancing the development of outsourcing business in Nigeria; to effectively utilize resources meant for outsourcing in the National Policy and to coordinate the monitoring and evaluation of the outsourcing sector; and lastly to have an identity that interfaces with the government and the rest of the world.

He pointed out that NAITEOC would replicate the activities of the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) of India and Ghana Association of Software and IT Service Companies (GASSCOM).

He attributed Ghana’s success to the IT enabled outsourcing services which have now become the new focus for Ghana with their unique potential as harbingers of enhanced job creation and accelerated economic growth.

The NITDA boss asserted that IT Outsourcing is building momentum in Nigeria with the belief that the sector will be well governed through the umbrella body as it will give rise to opportunities like job creation as well as quick source of revenue for the country.

For the few months ahead, Prof. Angaye said NITDA will commence work with the protem leadership for the planning and execution of various activities in the agency’s line up, such as the West African IT Exhibition and National Outsourcing Conference and Trade Missions.

“You will all agree with me that outsourcing of IT products/services is a big market and only partnership between the government and private sector could exploit the opportunities,” he said, calling on stakeholders to partner in a bid to ensure that more benefits of IT are bring to the door steps of all Nigerians.

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