Nigeria’s public sector software projects will now face more rigorous checks long before they go live, following the launch of a new national framework that makes independent software testing a compulsory step for government IT approvals.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) says the National Software Quality Assurance (SQA) Framework is designed to reduce software failures, strengthen cybersecurity and improve the quality of digital services used by citizens.
Although the framework will take full effect in the second quarter of 2027, government agencies and technology companies now have a transition period to prepare for the new requirements.
One of the biggest changes is that software developed for Federal Government projects will no longer receive IT Project Clearance without passing independent third-party testing and obtaining official certification.
The framework, signed by NITDA’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, under the powers granted by the NITDA Act 2007, sets national standards for how software should be developed, tested and deployed across government institutions, regulated industries and the wider technology sector.
Rather than relying on a single set of rules, the framework combines three regulatory guidelines.
The National Software Development Guideline requires developers to follow structured software development processes, adopt OWASP secure coding practices, maintain standard documentation and ensure citizen-facing digital services comply with WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards.
The National Software Testing Guideline introduces compulsory testing standards covering system stability, cybersecurity, performance under heavy demand and interoperability before deployment.
In addition, the Software Testing Organisations Licensing (STOL) Guideline establishes a licensing system for independent software testing organisations that will assess and certify software before it is released.
NITDA has also introduced a risk-based classification system to match testing requirements with the importance of each platform.
High-risk systems classified as Class A, including core banking switches, national identity management platforms and power grid control systems, will undergo the highest level of security testing, penetration assessments and regulatory oversight.
Class B will cover medium-risk enterprise platforms, while Class C applies to lower-risk internal software used within organisations.
The agency believes the framework will improve the reliability of government digital services by reducing software defects, preventing avoidable system failures and protecting public investment in technology.
It also expects the new licensing regime to create opportunities for Nigerian software testing firms, encourage more engineers to earn international certifications and support the growth of a specialised software quality assurance industry.
NITDA further says stronger quality standards could improve international confidence in software developed in Nigeria and help local technology companies compete for business beyond the country’s borders.
Abdullahi said: “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.”
Before the framework becomes fully enforceable in 2027, NITDA plans to hold stakeholder engagement sessions, organise capacity-building programmes and begin accrediting software testing organisations.
The agency also said it will soon invite Expressions of Interest from firms seeking licences to provide independent software testing services.
