President of the Nigeria Software Testing Qualification Board (NGSTQB), Boye Dare, has stressed the critical need for improved software testing as a pillar for the country’s national cybersecurity. Speaking during a recent address at the National Assembly, Boye emphasized that software testing is no longer an optional process but a crucial factor in defending Nigeria’s digital infrastructure from cyberattacks, especially as the nation moves toward a more digitized economy.
Dare’s comments come at a time when cyberattacks are rising globally, and Nigeria is increasingly vulnerable due to its growing reliance on technology for critical operations. He highlighted that inadequate software testing leaves systems exposed to vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit, leading to potentially catastrophic consequences for both the public and private sectors.
In collaboration with the National Assembly, the NGSTQB is advocating for legislative reforms that will make comprehensive software testing a mandatory standard across all industries. This push aligns with international best practices, where developed countries are already leveraging robust testing protocols to safeguard their national cybersecurity.
Furthermore, Boye Dare urged policymakers to see software testing as a national security issue. He called for enhanced capacity-building initiatives to produce skilled software testers who can fortify Nigeria’s defense against malicious cyber actors. According to him, building this local capacity is essential to reducing dependency on foreign cybersecurity solutions.
Boye Dare emphasized the vital role of software testing in Nigeria’s digital economy. He revealed plans to establish the Nigerian Testing Centre of Excellence, which will improve software quality across key domains like security and automation. Dare also highlighted the introduction of the Nigerian Software Testing Framework by NITDA, which will align with global standards.
“At NGSTOB, we are acutely aware of the pivotal role that software testing plays in the success of digital initiatives. Our mission is to ensure that the software driving Nigeria’s digital economy is reliable, secure and meets global standards. It is for this reason that we are working tirelessly to establish the Nigerian Testing Centre of Excellence.”
“The testing center will be a national hub that will elevate the quality of software produced in Nigeria and enhance our capacity for testing in domains such as security, automation, performance and functionality,” he said.
Boye Dare said the Nigerian Software Testing Framework, which would be introduced by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) was another key milestone in their quest to elevate software quality across the nation.
“Together, we can build a digital Nigeria that is innovative, resilient and ready to lead on the global stage. Thereby, we can tap into the global software testing industry which is led by India, that is projected to reach 89.3 billion dollars by 2032. India hasn’t got two heads. I don’t see why Nigeria cannot compete with India and bring software testing projects to Nigeria, so that we can bring the most software foreign exchange into the country,” Boye Dare urged.
Senator Afolabi and other officials emphasized the importance of high-quality software to protect national data and drive economic growth.
Afolabi, who is the Senator representing Ogun Central district in the 10th National Assembly, noted that with the global economy increasingly powered by software and information technology, Nigeria must focus on developing high-quality software to drive its digital economy and remain competitive.
Afolabi said the country’s growing youth population who were technology savvy presented immense opportunities for innovation and growth.
He noted that the Nigerian software industry had made significant strides, citing the growth of Fintech, commerce, and banking sectors. He, however, stressed the need to bridge the gap between local software development and global standards.
“We must ensure our locally developed software meets international standards to optimize its potential, provide employment opportunities for our youth, and enhance national data security. This will not only boost our digital economy but also safeguard our national data from unnecessary exposure,” the senator added.
Speaking on commitment, Afolabi said the government was making tremendous efforts in developing a national Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy, digital literacy.
Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General of NITDA, and Hon. Adedeji Olajide, Chairman of the ICT and Cybersecurity Committee, echoed these sentiments. They stressed that a secure digital identity system and stringent software quality controls are crucial for Nigeria’s fintech and other growing sectors.
The collaboration between NGSTQB and Nigeria’s legislature is seen as a proactive step toward fostering a cybersecurity-resilient nation. Stakeholders are optimistic that these initiatives will enhance the integrity of government databases, financial systems, and other critical infrastructure.
What Are You Doing to Survive in the Nigeria of Tomorrow?
As cybercriminals employ increasingly sophisticated methods, software testing is now recognized as a key component in preempting these attacks. Industry leaders have called for swift implementation of policies supporting the use of advanced testing methods such as penetration testing, automated testing, and secure software development lifecycle (SDLC) practices.
