Preparing the next generation to think critically, apply technology intelligently, and contribute meaningfully to society is essential to Nigeria’s long-term development.

SystemSpecs’ Group Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts reflect a sustained commitment to building a better Nigeria through information technology by exposing young Nigerians early to real-world problems and encouraging them to develop practical, solution-oriented thinking.

As a technology group whose platforms power payments, public finance, and digital infrastructure across the country, SystemSpecs recognises that sustainable national progress depends not only on robust systems, but also on nurturing the future innovators and leaders who will design and manage them.

To this end, the Group continues to expand structured initiatives that build digital awareness, problem-solving skills, and responsible citizenship among young people.

Reflecting on this year’s competition, Bukola Adeboye, executive director, Corporate Services, stated,

“As a nation, we must invest deliberately in the capacity of our children to think critically about the challenges around them. Technology is an enabler of progress, and young people must learn to see it as such from an early age. Through this competition, we are inviting students to apply their minds to real problems affecting millions of Nigerians daily. We hope that this initiative will nurture a generation of problem solvers who see national development as something they can actively contribute to building.”

The Children’s Day Essay Competition (CDEC) forms an important part of this broader youth development effort.

Now in its seventh edition, the competition provides a platform for students aged 9 to 17 to engage deeply with pressing national issues and propose thoughtful, technology-informed solutions.

Unlike conventional essay contests, CDEC positions children not merely as observers of societal challenges, but as capable contributors whose ideas can shape safer, more inclusive, and more effective systems.

The theme for the 2026 competition, “Achieving a Safer and More Effective Transportation System in Nigeria Through Information Technology”, highlights the profound role that mobility plays in everyday life.

From getting to school and work to moving goods across markets and regions, transportation connects opportunities, livelihoods, and communities.

Yet safety risks, congestion, cargo losses, delayed logistics, and weak emergency response continue to disrupt how people and goods move across the country.

These challenges affect families, businesses, farmers, traders, and entire supply chains, increasing costs and reducing productivity nationwide.

In this context, the 2026 CDEC theme challenges students to think beyond physical infrastructure and instead explore how information technology can strengthen transportation systems.

Participants are encouraged to consider digital tools such as real-time tracking, early warning systems, incident reporting platforms, safety awareness solutions, and coordinated response mechanisms that improve behaviour, accountability, and decision-making.

Entries will be evaluated on clarity of thought, practicality, creativity and relevance to everyday Nigerians realities.

The goal is not to reinvent what already exists, but to demonstrate how data and technology can make systems safer, smarter, and more dependable.

Essays that demonstrate clear thinking about the intersection of technology, society, and human behaviour will stand out.

Over six previous editions, CDEC has helped cultivate thoughtful young voices across themes including security, education, online safety, and civic responsibility.

The 2026 edition builds on this legacy by continuing to inspire young Nigerians to see technology not just as a tool for consumption, but as an instrument for national progress.

Through initiatives such as CDEC, SystemSpecs remains committed to developing capable, responsible, and future-ready problem solvers who can contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.

How to apply:

Portal opened on Monday, 9 February 2026. Competition details and participation guidelines can be found on the CDEC website. Apply here.

Dr. Kolade passed away on October 8, 2025, at the age of 92 (He would have been 93 in December, just 2 months away).

Dr. Kolade served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of SystemSpecs for many years, during which he provided visionary leadership, moral guidance, and unwavering commitment to the company’s growth and corporate ethos.

Under his chairmanship, SystemSpecs evolved from a pioneering Nigerian software firm into one of Africa’s most respected technology powerhouses, powering transformative financial and human capital management solutions across the public and private sectors.

Commiserating with the family and the entire nation, Dr. John Obaro, founder and group Managing Director of SystemSpecs Holdings, expressed that

“Dr. Kolade embodied everything noble about leadership: integrity, service, and excellence. His presence inspired discipline and purpose, and his counsel guided us through defining moments in our history. We are deeply grateful for the honour of having shared in his remarkable life and legacy.”

Even after stepping down as Chairman in 2022, he continued to serve as a trusted adviser and friend to the SystemSpecs family, remaining passionate about the role of indigenous innovation in Nigeria’s transformation.

Beyond his corporate stewardship, Dr. Kolade was celebrated nationally and internationally for his contributions to public service, education, and nation-building, including his service as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and his leadership roles in the Nigerian Institute of Management, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, and numerous civic and faith-based institutions.

As SystemSpecs reflects on his years of service and mentorship, the company extends heartfelt condolences to the Kolade family, friends, and associates, and joins the nation in celebrating a life of purpose, integrity, and distinction.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.

In a compelling convergence of youthful brilliance, an unwavering commitment to national development and a strategic commitment to corporate social responsibility, the virtual event is set to be grand in scale, rich in insight, and profound in impact – spotlighting some of Nigeria’s most promising young minds and their transformative ideas.

Now in its sixth year, the CDEC has grown into a flagship platform for nurturing creativity, innovation, and civic responsibility among Nigerian children aged 9 to 16.

This year’s theme, “How I Would Use Technology to Mobilise My Peers for a Greater Nigeria,” inspired thousands of submissions from across the country.

It has challenged children to think boldly, work collaboratively, and propose innovative solutions to national challenges – laying the groundwork for a future where they are not just observers to change, but active co-creators of a more just, connected, and visionary society.

The keynote address will be delivered by Oladiwura Oladepo, Executive Director of Technology for Social Change and Development (Tech4Dev), an award-winning social entrepreneur and leading advocate for digital inclusion across Africa.

Known for empowering thousands through transformative tech education programmes, she will speak on harnessing peer influence and technology as tools for inclusive and sustainable national development.

The ceremony will feature two distinct youth-led panel sessions, offering fresh, firsthand perspectives on the 2025 CDEC theme.

These discussions will delve deeper into how young people are leveraging technology to mobilise their peers, tackle social challenges, and actively contribute to shaping Nigeria’s future. Adding a broader societal dimension, a distinguished adult panel will reflect on the critical role that families, educators, and communities play in nurturing the next generation of innovators and changemakers.

Other highlights include vibrant musical performances, exciting giveaways, and interactive activities for the online audience.

Speaking ahead of the event, Mrs. Bukola Adeboye, executive director, Corporate Services at SystemSpecs, noted:

“We are not just celebrating talent. We are building a generation of holistic children – thinkers, creators, builders – who can leverage technology not only for personal success but for collective impact. Through CDEC, we have created a platform where children are taught to lead, to collaborate, and to understand the power of their voices in shaping the future of Nigeria.”

She added:

“This is why our focus goes beyond the essay competition. We are deliberately engaging young minds in deep, transformative conversations around technology, civic responsibility, and national development – regardless of the paths they choose in life. Whether they become doctors, artists, engineers, or entrepreneurs, we want them to understand the unifying potential of technology and their responsibility in driving change. These children are not just the future – they are the foundation of a better Nigeria we are building today.”

With every edition of CDEC Awards, SystemSpecs reaffirms its role as a technology company that takes Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) responsibility seriously, not only by developing platforms and infrastructure, but by investing in people.

The organisation is playing the long game: raising intellectual capital, creating safe spaces for youth expression, and empowering children to see themselves as agents of sustainable progress.

The 2025 CDEC Awards Ceremony will be livestreamed to a global audience. Viewers can expect a truly engaging experience, marked by insightful discourse, inspiring performances, and purposeful celebration.

Digital infrastructure is no longer a luxury. It is a strategic asset, a national security issue, and an economic necessity.

Back in 2001, Nigeria adopted its first National Information Technology Policy. That document signalled intent, but the digital era has since evolved with breath-taking speed. What once seemed futuristic is now foundational.

Nations must choose whether to be passive consumers of foreign technology or strategic producers of indigenous innovation. At stake is not just economic potential, but sovereignty itself.

The global economy is moving toward artificial intelligence, cloud governance, digital currencies, and decentralised systems.

Without a deliberate strategy to build and protect local digital capacity, we risk exclusion from critical value chains, and we would continue to depend on external systems we neither control nor fully understand to our detriment.

Technology is more than hardware and code, it is a nation’s capacity to define its future. Local tech innovations have the potential to transform Nigeria’s economy by creating jobs, opening new markets, and enabling digital self-reliance.

From payment infrastructure to education platforms and digital identity systems, indigenous technologies are becoming essential tools for economic resilience and inclusive development.

Consider India, which implemented a deliberate national strategy that helped build a software export industry worth over 200 billion dollars. Nigeria has comparable human capital and an equally vibrant entrepreneurial spirit.

With the right mix of strategic investment, policy alignment, and institutional support, our software ecosystem has the potential not only to replicate that success but to surpass it, shaping Africa’s digital future and influencing the global tech landscape.

Indigenous software also plays a vital role in inclusion. Designed with contextual awareness, it helps bridge rural access gaps, address gender inequities, and navigate infrastructural constraints.

It ensures that technology serves the needs of all Nigerians – not just the connected elite – while preserving cultural relevance and economic value within our borders.

This has long been my advocacy. At a keynote address delivered seven years ago at the NITRA Quarterly Forum, I called for a national software development strategy and the creation of a technology innovation park to nurture talent and boost productivity.

I also urged the allocation of at least 10 percent of the national budget to ICT, noting that Nigeria’s technology ecosystem was, and remains, underfunded and insufficiently protected. True indigenous content must involve products developed by Nigerians that do not require foreign remittance. That principle is more critical today than ever.

Few examples illustrate the power of indigenous innovation more clearly than the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

Once plagued by fiscal inefficiencies, Nigeria now has in place a robust public finance mechanism made possible by a local software solution, Remita.

The TSA was created to address the longstanding problem of fragmented government banking.

Before its introduction in 2011, thousands of government accounts scattered across commercial banks facilitated financial leakages and institutional opacity.

The TSA’s goal was to consolidate government revenues into a single account at the Central Bank of Nigeria, enforce financial discipline, and eliminate waste.

Since its full implementation in 2015, the results have been near-extraordinary. The TSA helped recover over ₦3 trillion from previously untracked accounts, led to the closure of more than 17,000 redundant accounts, and has saved the country over ₦45 billion in monthly interest payments. Annual overheads from bank charges also dropped by over ₦24 billion, according to reports.

This success story was enabled by Remita, a world-class solution developed by Nigerian software company SystemSpecs.

Originally a product of SystemSpecs, Remita has since evolved into an independent company, Remita Payment Services Limited (RPSL).

Contracted through a competitive process involving the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and international consultants, Remita outperformed foreign options.

Its performance over the years has demonstrated unequivocally that Nigerian software can deliver significant national impact.

The TSA’s achievements have drawn global attention. Countries such as The Gambia and Kenya have sought to replicate the initiative, seeing in Nigeria a model of digital fiscal reform.

TSA is a powerful validation of Nigeria’s indigenous technological capacity and a testament to what is possible when local innovation is aligned with national strategy.

Now, a new and transformative policy frontier is emerging in the form of the National Revenue Service (NRS) and its accompanying Revenue Assurance initiative.

This reform aims to harmonise revenue collection across all levels of government, reduce tax evasion, and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for sustainable revenue mobilisation.

At the heart of this reform is a coordinated framework that will rely heavily on the foundational digital infrastructure already laid by the TSA.

The TSA would remain the critical bedrock on which the NRS must stand. The centralisation and accountability the TSA brought to public finance are the same principles the NRS must uphold and expand.

If Nigeria is to build a credible, secure, and efficient national revenue system, then it must be deliberate about embedding indigenous technology such as Remita, which is tested and trusted, into the very fabric of its evolving.

Digital sovereignty is a nation’s ability to control its digital infrastructure, data, and technological future. In today’s world, software is at the heart of this control. Without it, we compromise our economy, governance, and national resilience.

The most vulnerable point of a nation’s development and security ecosystem is the financial ecosystem – especially when the Software that powers its processes is owned and controlled by foreign solution providers.

It is important to clarify what we mean by indigenous content. Too often, indigenous content is mistakenly equated with local content. However, the two are not always the same.

Local content may refer to digital platforms or solutions developed within Nigeria, yet owned or controlled by foreign corporate entities. In such cases, while the software may be locally deployed, the underlying intellectual property (IP) remains foreign.

True indigenous content, on the other hand, embodies both local development and indigenous IP ownership. It is Nigerian in conception, in code, and in control.

This distinction is crucial because only indigenous content truly strengthens digital sovereignty, ensures value retention within the local economy, and guarantees long-term control over critical systems.

Nigeria is rich in talent, with over 400,000 developers and indigenous tech firms such as Interswitch, Flutterwave, and Paystack demonstrating global competitiveness.

These success stories are not outliers, they reflect the broader potential of our tech ecosystem and the capacity that exists when innovation is supported and scaled. It is therefore imperative to preserve and protect homegrown solutions.

A recent call by the House of Representatives for penalties of almost two hundred billion Naira to be imposed on the indigenous company, Remita on account of an ongoing and yet to be concluded reconciliation process in respect of transactions processed over the past 12 years is puzzling and bizarre, to say the least.

If there are legitimate concerns about aspects of the TSA implementation, then any investigation must be seen to be impartial, transparent, and rooted in verifiable evidence, with findings made available to the public. No individual or organisation is exempt from accountability.

However, targeted actions that appear politically motivated risk eroding the very trust that public finance reforms such as the NRS seek to build.

These practices not only destabilise confidence in Nigeria’s software ecosystem, but also reveal a tendency to sacrifice long-term digital independence for short-term expediency.

Despite the notable successes, institutional inertia continues to undermine Nigeria’s software potential.

Many government agencies at the national and sub-national level still default to foreign software, often driven by outdated preferences and procurement biases. The procurement process remains fragmented, with no clear national standard for evaluating software solutions based on performance, security, and adaptability.

Executive Orders EO003 and EO005, which mandate the use of local goods and services, are yet to be implemented with the consistency and seriousness they require.

The proposed National Revenue Service law offers an unprecedented opportunity to correct these structural flaws. It must not only harmonise revenue collection but also institutionalise indigenous technology as the default infrastructure for digital public finance.

Much like the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Local Content Development Act of 2010 transformed local participation in energy, a national digital content policy is needed to protect our fintech and govtech industries.

While legislation is key to driving compliance in the public sector, the private sector must be encouraged to voluntarily adopt local technologies as part of broader ESG and national development strategies. Corporate Nigeria can play a crucial role in normalising trust in indigenous platforms, forming innovation partnerships, and integrating Nigerian solutions into their value chains.

The shift from import dependence to domestic innovation must be a collective national movement, not a government-alone endeavour.

Equally important is the creation of an Indigenous Software Sovereignty Fund, a dedicated mechanism to support research and development, incubate startups, and scale local platforms that will power the NRS and future national systems.

Years ago, I remarked that SystemSpecs deserved a national merit award for the monumental role it played in harmonising government accounts into a single, technology-driven platform through the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

This was not just a technical achievement — it was a profound act of patriotism. At a time when few believed local solutions could drive national-scale reform, SystemSpecs stood firm, offering its homegrown innovation to serve the nation’s fiscal transformation.

For over a decade, the company has supported the TSA’s implementation with uncommon dedication, professionalism, and resilience. That contribution should not fade into the background — it deserves formal recognition as a benchmark of what becomes possible when Nigeria believes in Nigeria, and when private enterprise rises to meet the public interest.

The success of the TSA is a demonstration that local technology can solve national challenges. Now, as Nigeria embarks on a broader revenue transformation through the NRS and Revenue Assurance initiative, we must ensure that the lessons of the TSA are not only remembered but also enshrined in the next chapter of reform.

This is our chance to cement digital sovereignty as a pillar of national policy. The sovereign code has already been written by Nigerian hands, on Nigerian soil. What remains is the political will to protect it, scale it, and embed it in the future we are building.

In the era of e-Knowledge, time is still running out.

*Chris Uwaje, known as the “Oracle of the Nigerian IT Industry,” is a renowned pioneer of Nigeria’s National IT Policy, which led to the creation of NITDA and the country’s National Software Strategy. With over four decades of global IT experience, he has held key roles including Past President of ITAN and ISPON. He is the Founder of Mobile Software Solutions, Chairman of Connect Technologies, and the architect behind major initiatives like the Akwa Ibom State IT Policy and SIT Park. Uwaje is also the author of e-Knowledge – Time is Running Out.

The announcement was made during a virtual event held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

Every year on Children’s Day, SystemSpecs celebrates the promise and power of Nigeria’s young minds through the CDEC – an annual initiative that not only commemorates this national day but positions it as a platform to recognise, inspire, and elevate the voices of children across Nigeria. More than just a competition, CDEC is a movement that fuels ambition, rewards diligence, and fosters a sense of purpose in the next generation of innovators and leaders.

Adeomi Adesewa Penelope of Abesan Comprehensive Junior College, Lagos, and Okeke Chukwudumebi Daniel of Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja, claimed the coveted first-place positions in the junior and senior categories, respectively.

Each winner will receive a ₦1,000,000 cash prize, a brand-new laptop, a one-year internet subscription, and other exciting gift items, which will be formally presented at the CDEC Award Ceremony scheduled to hold in June 2025.

The Award Ceremony will be held in a hybrid format to ensure broad participation. The official date will be announced shortly, and all stakeholders, partners, and well-wishers are encouraged to join the celebration virtually from any location around the world.

This year’s competition, themed “How I Will Use Technology to Mobilise My Peers for a Greater Nigeria,” saw an impressive 33% increase in submissions compared to the previous year of 24%. Over 4,700 entries were received from children aged 9 to 16, spanning both public and private schools across all six geopolitical zones.

The essays were bold, imaginative, and anchored in a desire to see Nigeria thrive through innovation.

In the junior category, Agboola Caleb of Baylen Homeschools, Ogun State, and Yusuf Ridwanullahi Adeleke of Immaculate Heart Senior Comprehensive High School, Lagos State, secured the second and third positions, respectively.

They each received ₦750,000 and ₦500,000 in cash prizes, along with laptops, one-year data subscriptions, and other gift items. Similarly, in the senior category, Mbadugha Chisom Ifechi Chukwu of Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Lagos, and Ifewemeh-Ojo Hadassah Ohihioemehen of Kembos College, Lagos, won the second and third positions, receiving the same reward packages.

Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja, and Abesan Comprehensive Junior College, Lagos, emerged as the Winning Schools in the senior and junior categories, respectively.

The Winning School in each category is determined based on the number of top-ten essays submitted by students from the same institution. In the event of a tie, the school with the highest-ranking entries is selected.

Where all top-ten essays are from different schools, the school of the first-place winner is declared the Winning School. Each winning school will receive ten brand-new laptops in recognition of its role in fostering academic excellence and promoting technology capacity building among students.

Lagos State emerged as the Winning State, having produced the highest number of public school entries within the top 100 submissions.

This achievement underscores the growing role of public education in fostering technological literacy and active citizenship among Nigerian youth.

The competition’s rigorous evaluation process focused on originality, relevance, clarity, and practical application of technology. Each essay was assessed anonymously by the judges to ensure fairness and uphold the integrity of the selection process, while highlighting innovative thinking and tech-driven problem-solving.

“For six years now, we have stayed true to one goal: to hear and celebrate the voices of Nigerian children using technology for good,” said Mrs. Bukola Adeboye, Executive Director, Corporate Services at SystemSpecs. “The CDEC is more than a contest; it is a catalyst for transformation -nurturing the dreams, confidence, and critical thinking skills that our nation urgently needs.”

“We are not only proud of the ideas shared by these future leaders, we are deeply inspired by them,” said ‘DeRemi Atanda, Managing Director of Remita Payment Services Limited (RPSL), a subsidiary of the SystemSpecs Group. “CDEC reinforces our belief that young people must be central to Nigeria’s innovation story.”

Over the years, many CDEC alumni have pursued paths in technology, leadership, and entrepreneurship – spurred by the platform’s capacity to validate their potential and ignite lasting ambition.

The competition continues to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality in ICT), SystemSpecs remains committed to giving every Nigerian child the tools, opportunities, and recognition they deserve.

As Nigeria continues to look toward the future, CDEC stands as a symbolic call to action – urging children to dream big, think deeply, and act boldly for national development. It is a day when we collectively celebrate the potential of every Nigerian child and reaffirm our commitment to shaping a better tomorrow through them.

Congratulations to all participants of the 2025 Children’s Day Essay Competition!
SystemSpecs celebrates your creativity, courage, and commitment to making Nigeria better.

The upcoming Award Ceremony in June promises to be an inspiring gathering of minds, stories, and possibilities.

1. TSA Was Designed to Centralise Public Funds and Block Leakages: Introduced in 2011 and fully implemented in 2015, the TSA was established to consolidate government revenues into a single account at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). It replaced a disjointed system that enabled mismanagement and leakages.
2. Remita Was Chosen After Transparent Bid: Originally developed by SystemSpecs and now operated by Remita Payment Services Limited, Remita was selected after a major bid process that included international companies.
3. Saves Nigeria billions of Naira in monthly interest payments: Over 17,000 accounts held by MDAs across commercial banks were shut down after TSA implementation, reducing duplication, waste, and administrative costs. Nigeria saved ₦45 billion monthly in interest payments
4. TSA Enables Real-Time Visibility and Accountability: With Remita’s integration, government agencies can monitor inflows and outflows in real time. This enhances compliance with budgets and reduces the potential for fraud.
5. TSA Reinforces Fiscal Discipline in Government Spending: Funds in the TSA can only be accessed after legislative appropriation, preventing unauthorised withdrawals and enforcing fiscal discipline.
6. TSA in Nigeria Has Been Endorsed locally and Internationally: Nigeria’s TSA implementation has been recommended by the local private and public institutions, and World Bank as a model of best practice. Remita proved that indigenous solutions can solve complex national problems
7. Remita Facilitates Payments Without Holding Government Funds: Remita functions as a payment gateway. It does not keep, invest, or control public money. All payments flow directly into the CBN.

The TSA remains one of the most transformative public finance reforms in Nigeria’s history. In these times of economic uncertainty, the TSA is more than a fiscal tool.

It is a strategic national asset that demands consistent institutional commitment, recognition of local innovation, and a genuine effort to uphold accountability and fairness in public-private partnerships.

Industry watchers are at loss as to why the turn of events as Remita has severally received good approval ratings from Government agencies.

Recall that Hamisu Abdullahi, the director of Banking Services, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), had highlighted the merit-based selection of Remita to provide an electronic platform essential for facilitating payments from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to beneficiary accounts across commercial banks.

He made this assertion when officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria appeared before the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee on March 28th, 2024 to respond to queries about Remita’s operation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) platform.

However, the House on Wednesday during a meeting in Abuja, issued a directive to Remita to refund N182.77 billion after the submission of an investigative report by a consulting firm, Seyi Katola & Company (Chartered accountants), pointed some inconsistency.

The involvement of the consulting firm to audit the TSA was a result of revenue leakages and non-remittance of funds by Ministries, Departments, and agencies through Remita, which led to the House mandating the Committee to investigate it.

Commenting on the outcome, Bamidele Salam, chairman of the public accounts committee said the resolution to refund N182.77 billion was based on evidence submitted by the audit firm, in conjunction with documents provided by Remita also called SystemSpecs as well as other stakeholders within the TSA network.

Dr. Adewale Oyebamiji, the managing partner of the consulting firm presented the breakdown for the liabilities, concluding that Remita is responsible for N3.42 billion in under-refunded transaction fees, N101.85 million in unpaid acquirer fees, and N179.25 billion in unremitted collections, and inclusive of interest charges calculated at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Rate of 27.25 percent.

The statement issued by the media unit of the public accounts committee recommended that SystemSpecs Limited should be mandated to refund the total sum of N182.77 billion to the Federal Government Asset Recovery Account.

Furthermore, the committee stated that other deposit money banks have complied with similar directives.

The company has yet to issue a public statement as at the time of filling this report.

Recall that Remita is developed by SystemSpecs, a corporate member of NCS, and an indigenous IT company with almost four decades experience which gained more traction at the introduction of Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the Federal Government, and has served the government effectively since then, and saved the federal government billons of Naira that would have been lost in different accounts prior to the TSA.

Recently, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) wrote to SystemSpecs, notifying the IT Company of the plans by the government to introduce a new payment platform known as the Treasury Management and Revenue Assurance System (TMRAS) that would take effect from March 2025, implying the replacement of Remita with TMRAS for managing federal government fund collection.

Responding to news men in Lagos on this replacement plan, Prof. Siraju Aliyu, the president of the Nigeria Computer Society, Association, stated that it is not clear why the government is introducing a new payment platform that will manage its funds collection across MDAs, when Remita is active and efficient.

He urged the government to:

• consider the effect on subsidiaries that have plugged into the TSA, using Remita payment platform
• consider the implications for the transfer of existing data and the training of new staff to implement the new payment software
• consider the wrong signal that the replacement will send to industry stakeholders, investors and upcoming indigenous companies.

According to the NCS President, the concept of TSA was to ensure transparency in managing government finances through a single aggregator, and there would be no need to introduce another platform when Remita performs that function efficiently.

“Nigeria’s TSA implementation powered by indigenous technology has been widely acknowledged as one of the most successful worldwide.

“It has been celebrated by four different successive governments in Nigeria who boldly sang its praises for delivering mega savings to government.

“Nigeria needs to celebrate its own. The TSA project is arguably the largest and most successful software driven IT project delivered 100 per cent on a 100 per cent indigenous technology by a Nigerian IT company,”  Aliyu said.

The NCS President therefore calls for urgent dialogue on the matter so as not to dampen the efforts at growing indigenous software companies including Remita which has left its positive marks on the annals of IT and software development in the country.

Adding his voice to on-going, The Deputy President of the Association, Dr. Charles Onyeuku supported the need for reconsideration by the Government and the need for stakeholder dialogue to mitigate the effect this could have on local content policies.

Note that Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) is the umbrella and the premier body of all computing and information technology professionals, interest groups and stakeholders in Nigeria. The Headquarter is in Lagos.

Instead, it will be integrated into the new platform alongside other payment solution providers.

According to a statement from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), TMRAS aims to expand payment options for ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) while enhancing financial oversight and efficiency. 

The statement, signed by OAGF spokesperson Bawa Mokwa, clarified that multiple payment service providers licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will now be able to operate within the system.

“Remita is one of the secured channels of revenue payment, but there are many others. The Treasury Management and Revenue Assurance (TMRAS) will now allow these other secure payment platforms to connect. So, it will not be only Remita, but all the other payment service providers that are licensed by the CBN will be able to operate,” the statement read.

TMRAS will be rolled out in two phases, with the first phase beginning on 4 March 2025. This initial phase will cover naira-denominated transactions, automatic tax deductions, and enhanced financial monitoring. 

The second phase, set for 1 June 2025, will introduce foreign exchange transactions, integration with MDA Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and a budget module for non-budgetary MDAs.

The transition from Remita to TMRAS aligns with directives from President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Finance Wale Edun, who have prioritised improved revenue collection and budget performance. 

The OAGF explained that TMRAS is designed to centralise and streamline government revenue collections, ensuring timely analysis and improved financial transparency.

Previously, SystemSpecs, the developers of Remita, managed the front-end infrastructure for government payments. However, the government now intends to take over this infrastructure, allowing for more participation from other CBN-licensed payment providers. 

Despite this transition, the OAGF reassured the public that Remita remains an authorised payment channel for federal transactions and urged users to continue making payments through the platform.

This year, the competition will once again provide a dynamic platform for children between the ages of 9 and 16 to showcase their innovative potential, critical thinking and problem-solving acumen, particularly with technology.

The CDEC will elevate the conversation around technology, education, and societal transformation in Nigeria.

The theme of the competition, which will be unveiled in the coming weeks, will focus on issues that are critical to the future of Nigeria and the world at large, challenging students to engage with technology not only as a tool for innovation but as a key driver of social change.

The topic is designed to encourage young minds to think about how they can leverage technology to solve pressing challenges facing Nigeria and beyond, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

According to Mrs. Bukola Adeboye, executive director, SystemSpecs:

“As the digital landscape evolves, it is increasingly clear that technology will drive the future of education and economic growth. For Nigerian youth, this competition offers more than just a chance to win; it is an opportunity to contribute to a broader conversation about the intersection of education, technology, and societal progress. In 2025, SystemSpecs is reinforcing its commitment to amplifying the voices of young Nigerians in shaping a future where technology serves as both a tool for innovation and a vehicle for social change”.

The convergence of education, technology, and social change presents unique opportunities and challenges.

Nigeria, with its growing tech ecosystem and youthful population, is at a crossroads. The digital economy is rapidly expanding, with fintech, e-commerce, and digital learning leading the charge.

However, for Nigeria to fully capitalize on these advancements, there is an urgent need to ensure that the next generation of leaders is equipped with the skills and mindset to navigate and drive this transformation.

Nigeria is undergoing significant transformation, with technology playing a pivotal role in educational reforms, business innovations, and government initiatives.

As the nation navigates rapid advancements in AI, digital learning, and fintech, the importance of fostering technological literacy at an early age cannot be overstated.

In this landscape, the Children’s Day Essay Competition provides an invaluable opportunity for students to explore these developments, encouraging them to see technology not just as a subject to study, but as an active agent in solving real-world problems.

SystemSpecs recognizes that for Nigeria to compete on a global scale, its youth must be equipped with technological skills that go beyond basic digital literacy.

These skills must include creative problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, leadership and a deep understanding of how technology intersects with global issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and digital access.

The SystemSpecs CDEC is designed to foster these capabilities, offering young Nigerians the chance to articulate their vision for a future powered by technology.

The Children’s Day Essay Competition is more than just an annual event – it is a long-term investment in the future of Nigeria. Since its inception, CDEC has consistently inspired thousands of young people across Nigeria to engage with technology in ways that are creative, meaningful, and impactful. The competition has become a beacon of hope, signaling to young Nigerians that their voices matter and that they are integral to the future of their country.

The 2025 edition of SystemSpecs CDEC will not only continue the legacy of fostering technological awareness but will also align with the latest trends in the Nigerian educational and tech landscapes.

The competition, which continues to expand its reach across Nigeria, engages students from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), creating a nationwide movement that emphasizes the importance of technology in nation-building. With each passing year, CDEC draws more innovative ideas and fresh perspectives, helping to shape the future of the nation through the ingenuity of its youth.

The CDEC is one of many initiatives showcasing the company’s ongoing commitment to building Nigeria’s future through youth empowerment. By nurturing young talent and providing them with the tools to succeed, SystemSpecs is not only contributing to the growth of the tech sector but is also helping to create a more equitable and sustainable future for Nigeria.