The National Population Commission (NPC) says it will adopt a digitalised process and optimise local content for the upcoming 2023 census. To achieve this, the commission is partnering with RLG-Adulawo Limited, an indigenous technology firm.
The NPC on Thursday visited RLG’s technology device assembly factory in Ilesa, Osun State as part of its preparation for the exercise.
The commission team, which comprised the director-general and federal commissioners, toured the various sections of the factory, including its assembly lines, testing centres and workshop sections, where ICT gadgets are produced.
Tosin Ilesanmi, managing director, RLG, while showcasing devices produced by the firm and the daily assembly capacity of the factory, assured the NPC of the company’s readiness, capacity and track record to deliver world- class devices required for the success conduct of the 2023.
“The factory is well equipped with both manual and automated assemblage lines, RLG also has a training institute which uniquely produces the needed skills required to service the ICT devices sector,” he said.
He said over the years, the factory has successfully churned out products for programmes such as the N-Power initiative, FREE TV, StarTimes, and assisted in training over 20,000 youths in Osun State, under the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme Technology (OYESTECH).
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Clifford Zirra, chairman, information communication technology, NPC, said the inspection was part of the commission’s efforts to ensure that the census is conducted in compliance with the presidential directive on local content and global best practices, especially in the area of technology.
He added that the NPC will partner competent Nigerian companies like RLG to encourage local content in the exercise.
“We are going to conduct a digitised census for the first time in Nigeria. We want to do something of great standard, which is why we want to associate with people who can give us value that will aid our work,” Zirra, who is also NPC federal commissioner for Adamawa, said.
He added that the NPC still has a lot to do in terms of mobilisation, manpower and logistics ahead of the census, but efforts are ongoing to cover all grounds in time.
Rasaq Animashaun, chairman, RLG Adulawo Technology City, said the partnership between NPC and RLG will promote indigenous technology and local content, retain jobs locally as the devices will be assembled at the RLG facility.
“The aftercare will be in partnership with local technicians nationwide and with this, NPC can take credit for reversal of capital flight and also be in charge of championing adherence to local content executive order,” he said.
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