The Certified Computer Manufacturers of Nigeria (CCMON) has accused the Federal Government of deploying fake local computers across the country.

But the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) said it is investigating the allegation by the local computer manufacturers.

CCMON in a letter to NITDA said the deployment of counterfeit SPEEDSTAR Computers by FG contractors is economic sabotage on the nation, especially the government?s renewed hope agenda.

CCMON in the letter to NITDA jointly signed by its President, Engr. Adenike Abudu and its Secretary General, Tosin Ilesanmi, condemned the counterfeiting of SPEEDSTAR PCs.

It stated that the development was a national embarrassment to all stakeholders in the Nigerian technology ecosystem.

Noting that the Nigerian IT regulator, NITDA, should address the matter with urgency, the letter reads in part, ?One of our members, BETA Computers has reported the counterfeiting of her SPEEDSTAR brand PC to your good offices since August 24, 2024. They informed CCMON executive that nothing has been done to identify and bring the culprits to justice and that they now want to explore the option of the court of public opinion and the judiciary.?

CCMON added, ?We note that this is not the first time our members have complained about counterfeits of their devices. However, this is the first time we have credible and actionable evidence that supporting BETA to pursue to the local conclusion brings desirable benefits to all CCMON members. Indeed, we in CCMON believe that this effort will benefit NITDA even more as her efforts at the development of quality local content in IT will be strengthened, lauded and seen as sustainable.?

But CCMON commended the Nigerian IT regulator for its continued support and commitment to the growth of local content in IT, adding that the local PCs if well deployed by all government agencies will create more jobs for the local economy.

The former president of the Information Technology Association of Nigerian, ITAN, Mr. Will Anyaegbunam who is also the Managing Director of Beta Computers stated that the deployment of fake PCs by the industry IT regulator was killing local OEMs capacities to grow as expected.

According to Anyaegbunam who is a CCMON BOT member, critical stakeholders are now been forced to ask questions as to where is Nigeria First project in ICT?

?Who is frustrating IT growth and development in Nigeria? Who is promoting local content in ICT? Whose agenda is NITDA really pursuing? Who are the faking cabals that NITDA seems to be protecting,? he asked.

He added, ?It appears that NITDA is not taking this faking issue as seriously as it demands for reasons yet to be fully understood.

?Perhaps, she has not fully understood that Piracy is a serious economic crime and sabotage of the president?s economic policies anchored on the Renewed Hope Agenda. Not only does it kill local capacity that she is supposed to be growing, it discourages foreign direct investment and inflicts massive damage to the reputation and fortunes of local manufacturers who have been unjustly hounded with poor quality tags for so long. This case presents an auspicious opportunity that NITDA should take to unveil the possible syndicate behind this dastardly crime and bring them to justice for their criminality towards dousing speculations rife among critical stakeholders that they may have something they are trying to hide.?

Anyaegbunam warned that unless the Nigerian ICT industry regulator, NITDA promotes local capacities, the country?s quest for global competitiveness in Technology development may be severely damaged and derailed.

NITDA investigates allegation

Reacting, NITDA said it is investigating the allegations by CCMON and one of its BOT members.

In a chat with our reporter, NITDA?s spokesperson, Hajia Hadeeza Umar said the government?s positions on the issue would be made public as soon as the investigation is concluded.

Hajia Hadeeza Umar said: ?Two weeks ago, the chairman of CCMON was in NITDA for a meeting. That was when he provided the address of the location where he claimed his product was counterfeited. But investigation is ongoing.

?All along he refused to give us the location until two weeks ago; right now the case is being investigated.

?Until that process is completed before we can make a comment.? (Daily Trust)

Update news