Indigenous OEMs serve only 20% computer hardware market

Dr. Isa Pantami, director general, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has invited investors at Africa Investment Forum as part of activities at GITEX 2017, Dubai World Trade Centre to tap into Nigeria’s great potentials in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

Pantami who spoke to partnerships and potential investors, said that Nigeria currently have seven local Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) but they can only meet about 20% of the local demand for computer hardware.

He said the Agency will be happy to facilitate the establishment of world class Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) factories in Nigeria to guarantee quality components assembly locally.

“We also have a good investment opportunity in the hardware sector. The computer hardware industry has seen a lot of investment from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The Ikeja Computer Village is the largest technology market cluster in West Africa and is estimated to contribute about $2billion to Nigeria’s economy annually”.

The DG said the business environment in Nigeria is conducive “and Nigerians are very hospitable people. Our President recently established the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PBEC) to further improve the investment climate in the country and we are implementing an Executive”.

On his part, Hon. Onawo Mohammed Ogoshi, chairman, House of Representative Committee on Information Technology, said that the government has developed specific ICT policies to attract and retain investment with NITDA are implementing an Action Plan that is aimed at transforming Nigeria into a knowledge-based society.

“Government is looking forward to welcoming new investors into the country and this is proven by the level of collaboration exhibited today between the executive and legislator during the African Investment Forum”, the Committee chairman said.