The National Information Technology Development Agency NITDA and the Standard Organization of Nigeria, SON to collaborate in improving standards in Information and Technology sector in Nigeria.

This was disclosed by Director Generals of the two institutions during a courtesy call on Mr. Kashifu Inuwa of NITDA by Mr. Faruq Salim of SON, where they both agreed on the need for MoU between the two organizations to cement the evolving relationship.

Mr. Inuwa also emphasised the need for mutual understanding in the area of developing standards, capacity building and certification in IT sector which is a mini set of the national standard of the SON.

“This is important because the NITDA Act 2007 states that the agency is to work with SON to develop standards.”

He added that development of standards is captured under the developmental regulations pillar of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2020-2024).

“Our understanding of regulation is to help the service provider and protect the consumer, not stiffen innovation or to be an obstacle to businesses”, explained.

He noted that signing an MoU was not enough but what is important for both agencies to explore possible areas of trainings in other to exchange knowledge and ideas noting that both can benefit from each other’s wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise.

He said, “as an agency whose first core value is people-first, we are trying to be customer-centric. Therefore, cooperation is key in whatever we do”.

Earlier, the DG SON, Mr. Salim assured that “the meeting is to map out a path for NITDA and SON in developing standards and complementing each other where necessary.”

He said hopefully the two organisations can cooperate in our management system trainings and certifications, as well as in our standards writing, and enforcements, because we have the teeth by law to help you enforce the law where your hands are tied. “We have the provisions by law, to prosecute individuals or companies that transgress”, said DG SON.

The Acting Director, Standards, Guidelines and Frameworks (SGF) of NITDA, Mr Olawunmi Oladejo, while contributing to discussion brought to fore the Rule Making Process (RMP) of NITDA stressed that , the rule making process is strictly followed as it clearly states that stakeholders must be carried along in the development of any standards, guidelines, frameworks and regulations. And in doing this, he added that “NITDA is trying to ensure compliance more than enforcement”.

A three-man committee selected from the two organisations that will work out the modalities for engagement and collaboration was also inaugurated.

Dominica Nwabufo

President Muhammadu Buhari has confirmed and ratified the International Coffee Agreement, 2007, following Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval of Nigeria’s membership of the International Coffee Organization (ICO).

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting had drawn a conclusion on the agreement on October 21, 2020, with emphasis on Conclusion 10 which approved the preparation of the Instrument of Ratification of Nigeria’s membership of the International Coffee Organization and International Coffee Agreement of 2007.

The 2007 Agreement will strengthen the ICO’s role as a forum for intergovernmental consultations, facilitate international trade through increased transparency and access to relevant information, and promote a sustainable coffee economy for the benefit of all stakeholders and particularly of small-scale farmers in coffee producing countries.

The agreement is an important instrument for development cooperation and will provide the legal framework for core activities undertaken by the Organization in the future.

The Instrument of Ratification was prepared by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

Dominica Nwabufo