Nigeria’s information technology regulator is facing backlash from local computer manufacturers who say counterfeit devices are undermining the government’s push to promote domestic tech production.
The Certified Computer Manufacturers of Nigeria accused contractors working under the supervision of the National Information Technology Development Agency of supplying cloned versions of “SPEEDSTAR” laptops, a PC brand developed by Lagos-based Beta Computers, in a government-backed ICT project.
The group claims NITDA failed to act on a formal complaint filed in August 2024. “This is a clear case of economic sabotage,” President of CCMON, Adenike Abudu, said in a petition co-signed by the group’s secretary. “It compromises local innovation and violates Nigeria’s local content drive.” A copy of the letter was shared with The PUNCH.
The incident has raised new questions over the enforcement of Nigeria’s Executive Order 003, which mandates MDAs to prioritise locally manufactured products in public procurement.
According to the group, this is not the first time OEMs have raised concerns about counterfeit products being circulated in government projects. However, the organisation said the current case represents the first time there is “credible and actionable evidence” of such practices, which it believes should be pursued to a logical conclusion.
Managing Director of Beta Computers and former President of the Information Technology Association of Nigeria, Will Anyaegbunam, said the fake PC distribution was causing reputational harm to the local ICT industry and damaging investor confidence in Nigeria’s manufacturing potential.
“It appears that NITDA is not taking this faking issue as seriously as it demands,” Anyaegbunam, who is also a member of CCMON’s Board of Trustees, said. “Piracy is a serious economic crime and sabotage of the President’s economic policies. Not only does it kill local capacity, but it also discourages foreign direct investment and inflicts long-term damage on legitimate manufacturers.”
The executive also alleged that critical questions are being raised by stakeholders in the industry about the agency’s commitment to its own local content policies.
In response to The PUNCH, NITDA denied the allegations, stating that it does not endorse specific computer brands during procurement processes and cannot be held responsible for counterfeit products supplied by contractors. The agency said its role is limited to providing technical specifications aligned with national standards.
In an official letter dated 29 July 2025, with reference number NITDA/HQ/LU/04, the agency addressed the claims made by Beta Computers. It clarified that the project referenced in the complaint was carried out in 2019 and that any faults discovered in systems after six years of use may not necessarily point to counterfeiting.
“NITDA does not mandate or approve particular OEM brands for procurement. Contractors bear full responsibility for ensuring the equipment they supply meets stipulated technical standards,” the agency said in its response to The PUNCH.
On the allegation of collusion between NITDA staff and contractors, the agency stated that no documentary or testimonial evidence was submitted by CCMON to support such claims.
“We take all allegations of corruption seriously,” the regulator said. “However, in the absence of credible proof, such accusations remain speculative. NITDA is willing to initiate disciplinary or legal action should verifiable evidence be presented.”
The agency further argued that Beta Computers should have carried out an internal investigation to confirm the integrity of its own products before petitioning NITDA about events relating to a project that took place six years prior.
The incident has reignited concern among industry observers over the enforcement of Nigeria’s local content policy in the ICT sector. CCMON warned that if issues of piracy and counterfeiting are left unresolved, Nigeria’s ambitions to build a globally competitive technology manufacturing sector may be undermined.
