FG To Tackle IP Hitches Via ONC

Federal government through the Ministry of Communication Technology has stepped up efforts to tackle intellectual property challenges bedeviling the nation’s software industry, through the creation of Office for National Content Development (ONC) in the ICT sector.
 
Essentially, in cap 11.1 ISVs of the “Guidelines For Indigenous Software Development Companies,” as part of mandate to be pursued by ONC, among other things, indigenous software development companies are expected to, “register their products, capabilities and organization on the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) portal.

The service will be provided free of charge and devoid of bureaucracy and will ensure NITDA awareness of available resources.

Speaking at the inauguration of the ONC Advisory Board, Mrs.  Omobola Johnson, minister for Communication Technology, said that “The ICT sector is the fastest growing sector in the Nigerian economy, contributing about 8% to the country’s GDP. We are committed to making Nigeria the ICT hub for Africa by encouraging the growth and development of indigenous I.T companies.”

Speaking further, she said: “Nigerian content is not just about setting up indigenous companies; it is ensuring that these companies add value and help develop the necessary skills that would place the country on the world map.”

Inye Kemabonta, acting national coordinator of ONC, confirmed to Nigeria CommunicationWeek that the attempt is indispensable in solving the perennial intellectual property rumpuses that have bedeviled the industry.

He pointed to the guideline which stipulates that henceforth domestic software development companies are expected to demonstrate the ability to provide on-going support and continued development and maintenance of any software sold or deployed.

Thus, such Company should hold and retain exclusive rights over the reproduction, preparation of derivative works, distribution and public performance and display of their copyrighted work.

Critically, they must respect the intellectual property rights of others as set out in applicable local and global regulations.

Evidence of adherence to the guiding principle will guarantee such organization access to seed capital and grants for start-ups, incubation programs and other forms of government-backed schemes.

Kemabonta also pointed out principles of the guideline that entail software developer should hold and maintain Capability Maturity Model (CMM) or ISO 9001 or any other standard certification in order to qualify for large scale software development bids.

The guidelines by NITDA did not exclude multinational companies who are expected to “provide verifiable information and sign affidavits about the origin, safety, source and workings of software being sold and deployed within the country in order to ascertain the full security of the product and protect national security”.