NITDA registration is a mandatory requirement for all ICT service providers or contractors providing services to any Ministry, Department, or Agency (MDA) in Nigeria. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is a government agency empowered to regulate and promote the use and development of Information Technology in all spheres or sectors of Nigeria through the development of IT framework, standards, guidelines, regulations, and policies.
It is a mandatory requirement that all ICT service providers or contractors providing services to any Ministry, Department, or Agency (MDA) register and get certified with the NITDA as this ensures the delivery of quality and sustainable IT projects to the government, deepens professionalism in IT services and promotes the development of quality indigenous IT companies in Nigeria.
For ICT service providers and contractors, registration with NITDA is vital for the following reasons;
1. Non-compliance leads to penalties such as 2% of the annual gross revenue of the company at default;
2. There is a likelihood that the services of uncertified ICT companies may not be patronized by the government etc.
3. Registration and certification also foster data privacy and protection of the clients.
In this article, we will consider the requirements for registration with NITDA.
REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION WITH NITDA
Before we proceed with the requirements, it is important to state that the list of requirements stated below does not apply to Local Equipment Manufacturers as the requirement for registering the latter is different.
Registration requirements:
NITDA will only consider registration of any application if:
i. The applicants are indigenous IT service providers.
ii. The applicants have their website hosted on the .ng domain.
iii. The applicants have shown that during the application process, capacity to provide services as IT Service Providers.
Additional requirements include;
1. Bureau of Public Procurement (BPE) certificate
2. Standardized Service Level Agreement
3. Customer Support Policy
4. CAC registration documents
5. Proof of registration by 1 or more of the applicant entity’s members with the Computer Professionals (Registration Council) of Nigeria (CPN)
6. Expatriate quota and proof of competence (where the applicant has an expatriate staff)
The higher the percentage of local competent staff, the higher the chances of obtaining NITDA’s substantive certificate.
Likewise, failure to prove the applicant’s competence (required supporting documents and quality personnel) leads to denial of registration.
The application is submitted online
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET NITDA CERTIFICATE?
Upon approval, a provisional certificate is issued. The provisional certificate is valid for 6 months after which the original certificate is issued.
The original certificate is valid for a period of 2 years and is renewable.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REGISTER WITH NITDA AS AN ICT SERVICE PROVIDER?
Registration and certification by NITDA is free. However, if registration is to be carried out through an accredited agent or registrar, a fee will be charged.
CONCLUSION
NITDA registration is an essential compliance requirement for indigenous IT consulting firms, IT software development and deployment firms, Business process operating firms, etc. particularly those who wish to apply for contracts to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies as IT service providers.
Need help with obtaining a NITDA certificate or need to make additional inquiries? Kindly leave a message using the Whatsapp icon on the lower right part of this page or HERE, and we will be delighted to speak with you.
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