15th January, 2016
The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) on Friday appealed to the Federal Government to help control the importation of substandard Information Technology (IT) products into the country.
Mr Jide Awe, the Chairman, Conferences’ Committee, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), told NAN in Lagos that substandard IT products could be a threat to the environment and people at large.
Awe urged the government to involve IT professionals, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) officials to ensure control and reduction of substandard products entry into the country.
“Adequate measures have to be put in place at the entry ports to control influx of substandard IT products into Nigeria.
“Most of the gadgets imported from abroad are substandard products which can be dangerous to human and environment.
“Government should involve Information Technologists and professional bodies to guide and advise it during policy formulation.
“These IT experts can collaborate with the SON to ensure that sub-standard IT products are controlled to avoid hazards,” Awe said.
The NCS committee chairman said local manufacturers needed to be encouraged and given a conducive environment to produce, adding that this would increase local investors’ patronage.
Awe said that substandard IT products did not fit the stereotype of being long-lasting, saying that original items made things better, efficient and effective.
“If you are using substandard equipment, it can not last long.
“Almost everybody makes use of IT equipment for several things because it is efficient and fast,” Awe added.
Also speaking with NAN, Mr Femi Efunsanya, an IT business owner and programmer, said substandard products were introduced into the country by businessmen who tried to cut corners to maximise profit.
Efunsanya said these businessmen did not consider the long and short time effects of sub-standard products.
He stressed that substandard products could be harmful to people and the environment, adding that people were usually unaware of its sub-standard quality so they purchased them.
“Most importers of IT products do not consider the negative effects of substandard products.
“All they are after is how to make more profit on a particular import,” the Mdot chairman said.