Technology expert, Mr Nosike Nwigene, has said the implementation of the Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency’s (NITDA) Software Quality Assurance Framework could help establish a stronger and globally competitive software-testing industry in Nigeria.
Nwigene, a specialist in strategic communications and emerging technology policy, made the remarks on Wednesday, while discussing the potential impact of the framework on the country’s technology sector.
NITDA introduced the framework to improve the quality, security, reliability and performance of software developed or deployed for public-sector use. Under the new guidelines, government software projects are expected to undergo independent quality testing before deployment from the second quarter of 2027, a move that is expected to increase demand for qualified testing firms.
Nwigene, who has previously worked with the Nigeria Startup Act Secretariat and the World Bank, said the framework was necessary because software can sometimes be deployed with security, reliability or performance flaws that become more expensive to fix once users begin relying on it.
However, he noted that software testing alone would not solve problems caused by poor project requirements, weak procurement processes or rushed development.
According to him, Nigeria already has professionals and institutions with software-testing capabilities, including NITDA’s testing and certification function. The major challenge, he said, would be ensuring that enough independent testing organisations are available to meet the expected increase in demand under the new licensing framework.
He urged NITDA to establish a clear and predictable accreditation process while working with technology companies, industry professionals and training providers to identify existing skills gaps and develop the capacity needed to meet the required standards.
Drawing from his experience in technology regulation, Nwigene stressed that successful implementation would depend on clear rules, predictable procedures and regular engagement with stakeholders expected to comply with the framework.
He acknowledged that a shortage of testing providers could potentially delay government digital projects but argued that the solution should be to develop capacity ahead of time rather than weaken testing requirements.
On accreditation, Nwigene said NITDA should maintain strong technical standards without creating unnecessary barriers that could shut smaller technology firms out of the market. He also called for clear rules on conflicts of interest to ensure that independent testing remains genuinely independent.
The technology expert said the framework could open up new opportunities in software quality assurance, security testing, performance testing and other specialised technical services.
However, he cautioned that regulation by itself would not be enough to create a competitive software-testing industry.
Nwigene advised NITDA to assess the success of the framework based on improvements in software quality and public service delivery, rather than simply counting the number of organisations that receive accreditation.
He identified three key priorities ahead of the second-quarter 2027 deadline: starting the accreditation process early, ensuring that requirements are proportionate to the risks involved, and measuring actual outcomes rather than activities.
Nwigene said if properly implemented, the framework could achieve two objectives at once ensuring compliance with software quality standards while also helping Nigeria build a stronger and more competitive domestic software-testing industry.
