Nigeria computer makers are witnessing low patronage despite the high demand for tablets and laptops in the country.

They have decried the flouting of the Executive Orders 003 and 005 of the Federal Government, which stipulated support of local content in all public procurements.

Due to a change in work and learning models that require digital tools and Internet connectivity, the demand for tablets, laptops, mobile phones and other digital devices have soared globally.

Vendors of digital devices in Lagos Computer Village market confirmed that Nigerians thronged the market daily to buy new technology devices and accessories.

The International Data Organisation, in a recent report, said the global tablet market grew 24.9 per cent year-on-year to reach 47.6 million units in Q3 2020 led by Apple that shipped 13.9 million devices during the quarter.

The President, Certified Computer Manufacturers of Nigeria, Mrs Adenike Abudu, acknowledged that there had been an increase in demand for tablets and laptops but lamented that 80 per cent of local manufacturers were not patronised.

She said the certified computer manufacturers were not getting the needed support and patronage from government ministries, departments and agencies despite the executive order 003 and 005 from the president.

“We are still struggling for the government to give us business. It is an executive order 003 and 005 that says that the government agencies should give at least some percentage to us. NITDA has issued us OEM licence, we do ISO certifications and meet other criteria for licensing,” Abudu said.

She added, “Recommendations that will help in formulating policies that will assist OEMs have been made to NITDA. We must get business and definitely there will be high demand because we have some people who believe in local content.

“There is a high demand for laptops and tablets post-pandemic but if we don’t get business there is no way we can benefit from that demand except for a few that are still manufacturing on their own without government support, which is not very easy.

“If there’s support from the government and we supply ministries, agencies and departments of the government, and gradually they start using it; gradually, the whole country will get used to our brands.”

CCMON president said the NITDA had inspected the devices of local manufacturers during the last NPower programme and rated them above 75 per cent.

According to her, a review of import duty to five per cent for OEMs with NITDA licence will encourage production and allow them to compete favourably with foreign brands.

She called on the government to give manufacturers the opportunity to develop innovative digital products, thrive and compete with other foreign brands.