The National Population Commission (NPC), on behalf of the Federal Government, has reached a significant agreement with Nigerian tech brand Zinox for the provision of technology components and other supplies for the 2023 national census. This highlights the Buhari administration’s dedication to promoting local content.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has ratified a contract worth over N85 billion, awarding it to Zinox for the supply of components and accessories for the 2023 national census. Zinox, recognized as a local technology leader with global connections, was chosen as the preferred technical partner after a competitive bidding process against other local and international contenders.
The Federal Government has endorsed Zinox for the 2023 national census project due to its previous successful involvement in Nigeria’s voter registration exercise in 2006 and 2010. When international tech companies contracted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were unable to deliver, Zinox stepped in and used its Z-Pad smart device to lay the foundation for Nigeria’s digital democracy. This added to Zinox’s reputation as a competent and capable indigenous company.
The Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, stated that the company has a system of integrity and a record of excellence both in Nigeria and internationally. The Managing Director of Zinox Technologies, Mrs. Kelechi Okonta, said it was an honor for the Federal Government to consider the company among many others and that they are deploying all resources to ensure success. The 2023 census, to be conducted between March and April, will be the fifth since independence in 1960 and the first since 2006.
The NPC Chairman, Alhaji Nasir Isa Kwarra, stated that the 2023 census would bring a new era to housing and human headcount in Nigeria by ensuring accurate counts through the use of commissioning devices and digital enhancements. He commended Zinox for its dedication and capacity in executing the contract. The software that would activate the PDAs was locally developed, fulfilling President Muhammadu Buhari’s Executive Order on local content and NITDA regulation on local OEMs in procurement.
The NPC Chairman said that the Mobile Device Management would secure and manage the data provided by Nigerians, and the geospatial resources acquired by NPC would ensure all Nigerians are counted where they live, allowing for better physical and social planning by the government. The homeless, nomads, migrants, and people in transit will also be counted, as all Nigerians count.
Source: Guardian News