The Nigerian Software Testing Qualification Board (NGSTQB) on Friday stressed the need for robust software quality assurance (SQA) practices as Nigeria’s growing digital economy evolves.

Its president, Boye Dare, in an interview in Lagos, said software product quality determines the success of businesses.

Mr Dare noted that Nigeria’s digital economy was growing at an unprecedented rate, with the fintech sector valued at over $3 billion and e-commerce expected to reach a market size of $75 billion by 2025.

According to him, the country’s thriving tech start-up ecosystem, particularly in hubs like Lagos and Abuja, had attracted significant venture capital investments, reaching over $1 billion in recent years.

He, however, noted that the continuous growth of these sectors was hinged on well-developed software.

Mr Dare explained that poorly developed software could lead to operational disruptions, security vulnerabilities, and loss of customer confidence, ultimately affecting the business’s reputation.

He cited the example of a major Nigerian bank that experienced a software failure in 2023, resulting in the collapse of its online banking system for several days.

“The outage not only caused customers to lose trust in the bank but also led to significant financial losses for both the bank and its clients,” Mr Dare said.

He added that effective SQA practices could help businesses avoid costly errors, enhance the end-user experience, and ensure software reliability over time.

Mr Dare explained that SQA played a pivotal role in ensuring that digital products meet specified requirements and standards, encompassing all activities involved in monitoring and improving the software development process.

According to him, the board is committed to promoting excellence in software testing and quality assurance and raising awareness about the importance of SQA in the country’s digital economy.

Mr Dare also highlighted the importance of SQA in various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and education, where software failures could have serious consequences.

“In the healthcare sector, for example, software failures can have serious consequences for patients, including incorrect diagnoses and treatments,” he said.

Mr Dare called on businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions to prioritise SQA in their digital transformation efforts to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s digital economy.

He also urged software developers and testers to acquire the necessary skills and certifications to deliver high-quality software products.

The NGSTQB president expressed optimism that the right focus on SQA would enhance Nigeria’s digital economy to drive growth, innovation, and job creation.

(NAN)