The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is inviting public feedback on several draft documents related to Information Technology (IT) projects and regulations, as part of its commitment to open and collaborative rulemaking.
The legal documents open for public review include:
– Guidelines for Licensing IT Projects Clearance Compliance Assurance Firms 2024
– Regulatory Guidelines for Electronic Invoicing in Nigeria
– Guidelines for Software Development
– Guidelines for Software Testing
NITDA is also proposing amendments to the Guidelines for Clearance of IT Projects for Federal Public Institutions (FPIs), which were initially issued in 2018.
The Guidelines for Licensing IT Projects Clearance Compliance Assurance Firms 2024 aim to ensure that IT projects within Federal Public Institutions (FPIs) are managed and implemented according to approved standards, regulations and best practices. This instrument will regulate and professionalise the clearance of IT projects, ensuring that FPIs’ IT projects and initiatives are effectively conceptualised, designed, evaluated and aligned with relevant Federal Government rules and standards, supporting the government’s digital infrastructure goals and the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.
The Regulatory Guidelines for Electronic Invoicing are intended to promote transparency, advance the use of technology for e-government automation and support Nigeria’s fiscal development through prudent revenue management. The guidelines aim to improve tax compliance, enhance efficiency and promote standardisation and interoperability, preparing Nigeria for international digital commerce.
According to a statement signed by NITDA’s director of communications and media relations, Mrs. Hadiza Umar, the Guidelines for Software Development establish minimum requirements for software used by Nigerian government entities. This document ensures that all software meets quality, security and operational standards, fosters the growth of the local software industry and enhances the efficiency of government services. The guidelines’ objectives are to ensure software is fit-for-purpose, meets functional and non-functional requirements and protects government institutions from operational risks by adhering to security, reliability and performance standards.
These draft documents have undergone internal review and stakeholder consultations. NITDA now invites the public to provide feedback by reviewing the documents, which can be downloaded at [https://nitda.gov.ng/draft-regulatory-instruments/](https://nitda.gov.ng/draft-regulatory-instruments/)
Public participation is crucial for NITDA to develop comprehensive and effective regulatory instruments. By considering diverse perspectives, NITDA aims to create guidelines that best serve the IT industry and support the growth of a thriving digital economy in Nigeria.
Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their feedback to regulations@nitda.gov.ng on or before November 26, 2024.
