Establishing standards in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is key to the economic growth of any nation, says Mr Emmanuel Godson, an expert.
Godson told reporters in an interview in Abuja yesterday, that setting standards at an early stage in the research cycle would promote the translation of results into practical applications, thereby boosting the economy.
According to him, any country that aims to make a difference in its economic status must, as a matter of necessity, consider ICT as critical in its development cycle.
“In order to ensure that quality ICT standards are developed, it is important that these standards and standardisation procedures meet certain requirements.
“One of the things that should take precedence in this policy should be openness and transparency, as well as standards which include neutrality, maintenance and intellectual property rights.
He also stressed the importance of the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in ICT.
Godson said that proper management and adoption of IPR would promote the realisation of the country’s local content initiative as “our local manufacturers would have their interest protected”.
He commended the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) for creating the needed awareness among Nigerians on the importance of IPR.
The expert, however, cautioned that the standards setting should not hinder healthy competition among manufacturing companies.