Census: Computer manufacturers association accuses NPC of sidelining local firms

The Certified Computer Manufacturers of Nigeria (CCMON) has accused the National Population Commission (NPC) of using only foreign technology services for the conduct of its planned census.

The federal government had, in April 2022, said the national census will be conducted in 2023.

The NPC has, however, conducted trial census exercise in some parts of the country.

In a statement on Wednesday, the CCMON said the NPC plans to use only the services of foreign firms for the provision of information and communication technology (ICT) services for the census.

The association said the alleged plan is in violation of executive orders 3 and 5 of President Muhammadu Buhari, which mandates ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to utilise at least 40 percent local devices and content in their projects.

The association said the country has certified local device manufacturers who can deliver on what the commission needs.

“CCMON decries this unwholesome plan by NPC and appeals to the president to put a halt to this violation of his orders and cause NPC to strictly follow his executive orders,” the statement reads.

“There are NITDA certified local devices manufacturers who also have ISO 9001:2015 quality standards certified that performed excellently in previous government projects, including the N-Power project managed by the Bank of Industry (BOI) and elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“The posture and antics of NPC is unacceptable as it negates the Local Content Policy, the interest of young unemployed Nigerians and is directed at encouraging capital flight.

“CCMON believes that this is an attempt to all intents and purposes by NPC to sabotage the credible efforts of the federal government in the ICT sub sector of our economy and deprive Nigerians of their means of livelihood.”