The Certified Computer Manufacturers of Nigeria has raised an alarm over the alleged deployment of counterfeit local computers by Federal Government contractors, calling the act a form of economic sabotage that undermines the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a formal petition to the National Information Technology Development Agency, CCMON claimed that fake versions of the SPEEDSTAR brand, a product of its member company BETA Computers, were being circulated under government contracts.
The association described the alleged counterfeiting as a “national embarrassment” that damages the integrity of Nigeria’s technology sector.
In the letter signed by CCMON President, Engr. Adenike Abudu, and Secretary General, Tosin Ilesanmi, the association stated:
“One of our members, BETA Computers has reported the counterfeiting of her SPEEDSTAR brand PC to your good offices since August 24, 2024. They informed CCMON executive that nothing has been done to identify and bring the culprits to justice and that they now want to explore the option of the court of public opinion and the judiciary.”
The group further noted, “We note that this is not the first time our members have complained about counterfeits of their devices. However, this is the first time we have credible and actionable evidence that supporting BETA to pursue to the local conclusion brings desirable benefits to all CCMON members. Indeed, we in CCMON believe that this effort will benefit NITDA even more as her efforts at the development of quality local content in IT will be strengthened, lauded and seen as sustainable.”
While condemning the alleged acts, CCMON also commended NITDA’s continued support for indigenous technology development and emphasized that the proper deployment of authentic local PCs by government agencies could significantly boost employment and economic growth.
Former president of the Information Technology Association of Nigeria and Managing Director of BETA Computers, Mr. Will Anyaegbunam, echoed CCMON’s concerns. A member of the association’s Board of Trustees, Anyaegbunam criticized the apparent inaction over the fake SPEEDSTAR computers, warning that it was damaging the credibility and growth potential of local original equipment manufacturers.
“Who is frustrating IT growth and development in Nigeria? Who is promoting local content in ICT? Whose agenda is NITDA really pursuing? Who are the faking cabals that NITDA seems to be protecting?” he questioned.
He further stated, “It appears that NITDA is not taking this faking issue as seriously as it demands for reasons yet to be fully understood.
Perhaps, she has not fully understood that Piracy is a serious economic crime and sabotage of the president’s economic policies anchored on the Renewed Hope Agenda. Not only does it kill local capacity that she is supposed to be growing, it discourages foreign direct investment and inflicts massive damage to the reputation and fortunes of local manufacturers who have been unjustly hounded with poor quality tags for so long. This case presents an auspicious opportunity that NITDA should take to unveil the possible syndicate behind this dastardly crime and bring them to justice for their criminality towards dousing speculations rife among critical stakeholders that they may have something they are trying to hide.”
Anyaegbunam warned that failure by NITDA to protect and promote indigenous IT capacity may severely jeopardize Nigeria’s aspirations for global competitiveness in the tech industry.
In response, NITDA stated that it has launched an investigation into the claims brought forward by CCMON and its member company.
Speaking with the press, NITDA’s spokesperson, Hajia Hadeeza Umar, confirmed the matter is under review and assured that the agency would make its findings public once the investigation concludes.
“Two weeks ago, the chairman of CCMON was in NITDA for a meeting. That was when he provided the address of the location where he claimed his product was counterfeited. But investigation is ongoing,” she said.
“All along he refused to give us the location until two weeks ago, right now the case is being investigated.
Until that process is completed before we can make a comment.”
