NITDA Targets Software Failures, Cyber Risks With New National Quality Framework
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has introduced a National Software Quality Assurance (SQA) Framework designed to curb software failures, enhance cybersecurity and raise the standard of digital services delivered by both government and the private sector.
The framework, approved under the NITDA Act 2007 and signed by the agency’s Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, establishes uniform standards for software development, testing and deployment as Nigeria intensifies efforts to build a secure and resilient digital economy.
According to a statement made available on Wednesday by the Agency’s Director Corporate Communication and Media Relation Department, Mrs Hadiza Umar,
a key provision of the framework makes independent software testing compulsory for all government software projects before they are deployed.
Such projects must now obtain certification from accredited third-party testing organisations as a prerequisite for securing IT Project Clearance.
The new regulatory regime combines three policy instruments: the National Software Development Guideline, which prescribes secure software development practices and accessibility standards; the National Software Testing Guideline, which outlines benchmarks for functionality, cybersecurity, performance and interoperability testing; and the Software Testing Organisations Licensing (STOL) Guideline, which provides for the accreditation of independent software testing firms.
To ensure regulation matches the level of risk, NITDA has classified software into three categories. High-risk Class A systems,including core banking platforms, national identity management systems and power grid control applications,will undergo the strictest security audits and penetration testing.
Enterprise platforms will be classified under Class B, while lower-risk internal applications will fall under Class C.
The agency said the framework is expected to improve the reliability of digital public services, reduce system failures, protect government investments and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s growing digital infrastructure.
It added that the initiative would also deepen the local technology ecosystem by creating a regulated software testing industry capable of generating skilled employment, promoting internationally recognised certifications and enhancing the global competitiveness of Nigerian software products.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Abdullahi said the framework would help establish trust in digital systems across the country.
“Quality is the foundation of digital trust. With this Framework, every software solution serving Nigerians, whether built for government or the private sector, will meet clear national standards for security, reliability and interoperability. This is how we modernise government technology and position Nigerian software to compete on the global stage.”
Although the framework will take full effect in the second quarter of 2027, NITDA said it would use the transition period to engage stakeholders nationwide, build industry capacity and commence the accreditation of Licensed Software Testing Organisations.
The agency also announced plans to issue an Expression of Interest (EOI) to technology firms seeking licences to operate as independent software testing organisations, giving them time to prepare for the implementation of the new national standards.
