EXAMINING THE CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS OF MARKETING NIGERIAN MADE COMPUTER SOFTWARES
ABSTRACT
The study examines the challenges and prospects of marketing Nigerian made computer softwares. Posed with the problem of inferiority complex usually associated with Nigerian made goods, various foreign products have edge over indigenous products. Objectives for the study were to critically examine attitude of people towards Nigerian made computer softwares and various ways in which the marketability of Nigerian made softwares can be enhanced. Concerning methodology, fifty (50) computer science students and lecturers were used for the study. Findings from the study revealed that most students face challenges when convincing organizations to use their indigenously developed softwares. The government should create the enabling environment to enable Nigerian computer scientist to strive in the heat of competition from foreign softwares. Quality of computer softwares should be ensured in terms of security, graphics and user friendliness.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Software produced within Nigeria by its citizens is in other words referred to as Made-in-Nigeria software. There is a big need for Nigeria to produce its own software being a third world developing country. This will drive the development, growth and stability in every sector of her economy and give her a platform for global competition.
In the year 1988 the government of the day in Nigeria, took a bold step towards encouraging the consumption and patronage of services or products that were produced in Nigerian. This is to drive and if possible help actualize the Decree for enterprise promotion at home. This decree came into being to reduce dominance of imported products in the economy, to drive local profit retainership thereby and creating more jobs amidst other reasons. Between Nigerian independence which came in 1960 till now, the Nigerian economy have experienced so many changes and undergone political and social changes as well which has resulted in both small and big companies losing their businesses. This was caused mainly by ineffective government participation, management, lack of vision or foresight and laid back leadership exhibited towards indigenous firms. There is low employment of natural resources and underutilization of manpower which has crumbled the entire economy. This scenario holds a lot of implication implications which can affect the image of a country on the global market and impede foreign exchange. This irregularities can cause short supply of products and in some cases could encourage the circulation of fake products due to decline in the income of consumers, shortages caused by fluctuation in household income, bad reputation of indigenous goods, low no zeal for advertising, poor orientation on marketing and a general discontentment for products made in Nigeria (Aire,pp.46-62, 1973:Kalegha et al 1983,p.5). However, as the system is becoming democratized coupled with the awareness for self reliance being raised by government which will enhance sustainable growth, it has increased the hope that Nigerians will eventually imbibe the habit of going for our indigenous brands other words called made in Nigeria goods.
