By Tolu Aiyegbusi
The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has said it is committed to implementing the Executive Order 5 (EO5) of the Federal Government.
Dr DanAzumi Ibrahim, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, NOTAP, gave the assurance on Thursday during an interactive session with members of the media at NOTAP Headquarters in Abuja.
EO5 is an implementing policy which lays a proper foundation for industrial, diversified and self-sustaining economy through which total dependence on consumption of foreign technology is reduced.
The EO5 was signed by President Muhammadu Buhari in February 2018.
Ibrahim noted that the Federal Government, through the Order, mandated NOTAP to develop a robust data base of Nigerian professionals and expertise in sience, technology and innovation (STI) projects locally and internationally.
He explained that the Office was able to develop, maintain and regularly update a database of professionals in the STI sector.
According to him, the database will soon be officially launched to start its official use by MDAs in line with the provision of the Act.
“When the database is officially launched, foreign nationals can no longer be issued visas for skills that Nigerians have competencies and capabilities to handle.
“This is in a bid to protect and sustain indigenous competencies and to further build capacities as well as enhance their financial base,’’ he said.
The NOTAP boss said the implementation of the Order was key to improving local content in public procurement with Science, Engineering and Technology Components.
According to him, the EO5, is aimed at ensuring that all procuring authorities shall give preference to Nigerian companies in the award of contracts in line with the Procurement Act 2007.
Ibrahim noted that the Office engaged an indigenous software developer Cagewox Dot Net Limited, to develop a robust central platform/database that captured, stored and analysed the data of professionals.
“Presently, NOTAP has more than 7,000 entries of registered engineering personnel and with the development of the software the data will seamlessly be constantly updated.
“The registration process on the platform is smooth, can provide and report capacities on the status and competencies of Nigerian professionals both at home and abroad,’’ he said.
While the smooth process of enlistment on the database was being demonstrated, the DG explained that the platform was a web-based solution which could be accessed online via internet.
The DG called on Nigerian experts and professionals to register their profiles on the web-based address www.notap.gov.ng or https://dnp.notap.gov.ng for proper documentation.
According to him, the platform provides a self-service for professionals to sign up and create profile accounts at anytime and from anywhere using any internet-connected device.