The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has intensified efforts to promote the utilisation of Presidential Executive Order NO5 (EO5) by urging professionals in science, engineering and technology (SET) to embrace the opportunities it presents for sustainable economic development in Nigeria.
During a one-day presentation in Owerri, the Imo State capital, the acting director-general of NOTAP, Dr. Idoreyin Imiyoho emphasised the significance of EO5 and encouraged Nigerian professionals from the south-east zone to leverage the initiative. The presentation showcased indigenous software designed for establishing a database of Nigerian professionals (DNP) in line with the EO5 directive.
Imiyoho highlighted that EO5, signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari on February 2, 2018, aims to propel Nigeria toward viable and sustainable economic development through science, engineering and technology. The order mandates procuring authorities to prioritise Nigerian companies in awarding contracts, aligning with the Public Procurement Act of 2007. Additionally, it restricts the issuance of expatriate visas for jobs that Nigerians are competent to undertake.
She reiterated that the EO5 also directs ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to engage indigenous professionals in national security projects’ planning, design, and execution. In instances where expertise is lacking, preference should be given to foreign companies with plans for indigenous skills development before contract awards.
To facilitate the implementation of EO5, NOTAP presented an indigenous software developed by Cagewox Dot Net Limited, an indigenous information technology (IT) company. The software creates an interactive platform for Nigerian professionals to register their profiles without physical visits, promoting accessibility and inclusivity.
The acting DG disclosed that the national launch of the software had taken place in the FCT Abuja, Lagos and Kano for the south-west, north-west and south-east geopolitical zones, respectively. The Owerri event aimed to ensure broad awareness and participation among Nigerian professionals.
Imiyoho expressed concern over the substantial foreign currency spent on procuring foreign technologies, emphasising the need to encourage the development and use of indigenous capacities. The engagement of Cagewox Dot Net Limited signifies a commitment to fostering local content within the Nigerian ICT ecosystem.
In a presentation titled “Executive Order NO.5, NOTAP’s Role and the Journey So Far,” director of technology acquisition and research coordination at NOTAP, Mrs. Caroline Ani-Osuagwu outlined the agency’s efforts in sensitising stakeholders about EO5 through courtesy visits and workshops. She emphasised NOTAP’s role in fast-tracking local content in the development of the Nigerian ICT ecosystem.
Ani-Osuagwu revealed that over 2,500 professionals have been registered since the national launch of the software, which serves as a self-service platform for professionals to sign up, create profiles and activate accounts from any location.
The event in Owerri featured four technical papers and drew a significant turnout of stakeholders from the south-east zone. The NOTAP campaign continues to underscore the importance of EO5 in advancing Nigeria’s economic development and fostering indigenous talent in SET fields.
