Director-general of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi has issued a stern warning to companies failing to submit their technology transfer agreements for proper evaluation and registration.
These companies, she said, will soon face strict penalties and prosecution.
NOTAP’s mandate is to regulate the inflow of foreign technology by registering technology transfer agreements and promoting the development of locally driven technologies. Ensuring that Nigerian companies receive the best contractual terms when acquiring foreign technologies is crucial. Some companies try to bypass NOTAP registration by combining hardware and software, thus circumventing the system. However, the Office is committed to working with compliant companies and will penalise those that do not adhere to NOTAP rules.
A majority of companies in Nigeria operate on imported technologies worth millions of dollars without NOTAP registration, which is required by law. NOTAP must be involved in technology negotiations to ensure that Nigerian entrepreneurs acquire appropriate technology on the best contractual terms, reflecting their investment.
Under the renewed administration, no company is allowed to bypass the registration of technology transfer agreements with NOTAP. Companies must stop hiding foreign hardware under the claim that it cannot be registered. Such practices are harmful to the nation and should cease immediately.
During a familiarisation visit to ICT companies in Lagos, managing director and chief executive officer of Computer Warehouse Group (CWG), Mr. Adewale Adeyipo expressed readiness to partner with NOTAP to advance the ICT ecosystem. He highlighted the importance of ICT for global competitiveness and the need for government support through policies to save funds currently spent on digital media subscriptions and downloads for Nigeria’s economic growth.
Additionally, managing director and chief executive officer of Microsoft Nigeria plc, Mrs. Ola William commended NOTAP for its efforts to spur the growth of the ICT sector. She clarified that Microsoft is committed to sustaining the growth of the ICT ecosystem in Nigeria and dispelled the rumour about the company leaving Nigeria.
