Revive compulsory order to purchase indigenous computers given to MDAs, Zinox boss tells FG
The chairman of Zinox Technologies, Leo Stan Ekeh has called on the federal government to revive an existing order given by the former Olusegun Obasanjo administration compelling all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to buy made in Nigeria computers and allied products.
In an interview with Technology Times, a top flight media group in Lagos on how to grow local content in the ICT sector, Ekeh recalled that “the compulsory mandate for all Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the country to purchase computers by indigenous companies was a major game changer for his technology company”.
Business Hilights gathered that the policy was first introduced under the regime of former President Olusegun Obasanjo as one of the strategies to foster the adoption of ICTs in driving efficiency and productivity in governance and across the economy.
Zinox remains the foremost IT company to go into an uncharted terrain of computer production in West Africa, Zinox had Nigeria in mind as it debuted with the first ever Nigerian internationally certified branded computers with the Naira keyboard.
Zinox boss recalled that “I was actually to launch Zinox under late General Sani Abacha regime, but I had challenges because he was always suspecting that American government was sponsoring me”.
“But the day I had confrontation with him, I told him that it was an insult on my personality for them to think that America will want to use me against my country. I wouldn’t blame them because the country was purely analogue at that time.”
“When Chief Olusegun Obansanjo came to power I listened to his agenda and it was very clear, he had a clear intention to change Nigeria.
”Frankly when I launched Zinox, I didn’t invite him (Obasanjo). After the launch, when I made contact with him he was very angry with me that I didn’t invite him.
Afterwards, he invited me to the State House and also called the media for a press conference on why the nation needs to support Zinox brand.
Continuing, he said “I think the foundation of Zinox is Obasanjo because his endorsement didn’t only help the brand but also increased the adoption of local content in Nigeria.
“Under his regime it was a big offence for any MDA to purchase any foreign computer brand. “You have to apply directly to him to give you concession to buy any foreign brand. But that policy is no more enforced after his regime. The subsequent administration didn’t go against us or support us.
