Nigeria Content Online

The eight ICT
companies shortlisted by the Independent National Electoral Commission
for the purchase of equipment for the voters’ registration exercise may
know the outcome of their security screening today.

The names of the
companies were submitted to the State Security Service for screening on
Monday amidst criticism that not enough Nigerian companies were
enlisted. An INEC source close to the procurement process revealed last
night that only Google and Zinox Technologies had passed initial
clearing for the supply of software and hardware respectively.

Google is the
world’s leading internet-based services provider and is being
considered for the supply of the software that will power the data
capture machines. Zinox Technologies is a Nigerian company whose
chairman, Leo-Stan Ekeh, recently pledged his company’s capacity to
deliver the 120,000 direct data capture machines within eight weeks.

The other six
companies being considered are Dimension Data, Image Technology,
Resourcery ltd, Basmak, Pacific Millenium and Joint Komputer Company.

According to the
source there were two companies in particular that faced some
challenges because of a poor supply record particularly in regards to
the last general election.

“There are two companies on that list who were not first choice to deal with,” the source said.

“It would be unfair
of me to name them in the media but they may face some challenges with
the SS because they did not supply on time before.”

The N74bn contract
for the acquisition of the direct capture machines has been split into
three key components namely, the supply of the hardware consisting of a
laptop, a web cam and a finger printing device; supply of the software
needed to drive the entire process and lastly the expertise to
integrate the various components into one functional unit.

In sending the
shortlist to the SSS, the chairman, Attahiru Jega, is aiming for
transparency and credibility according to the source. With four
indigenous companies out of the total eight, the source said that Mr.
Jega was also aiming to aid the local economy.

“There were hundreds of companies bidding and we have gone for a
blend of both local and international skill sets,” the source said.