The Nigerian Computer Society has expressed concern about the federal government’s replacement of the Remita Payment Service.

The NCS president, Sirajo Aliyu, expressed the concern during a news conference in Lagos.

Remita Payment Solution is a SystemSpecs Software Technology Group subsidiary that helps individuals and organisations with payment solutions.

On March 4, the government replaced it with the Treasury Management and Revenue Assurance System.

“We are concerned that this can send a wrong signal to other indigenous IT companies,” said Mr Aliyu.

The NCS president appealed to the government to prevent anything that could make other Indigenous IT companies believe they did not have its support.

Mr Aliyu noted that it was within the government’s purview to make changes but urged that such changes should be discussed extensively with the concerned service provider for the sake of the industry.

According to the NCS president, replacing such a widely used and well-celebrated platform can come with some unanticipated challenges.

“We urge the government to reconsider its decision and engage with Remita and other stakeholders to find a solution that will benefit everyone,” he said.

The NCS vice-president, Charles Onyeukwu, urged the government to reconsider its decision on Remita.

Mr Onyeukwu said Remita was awarded the contract to manage the TSA after a rigorous selection process involving local and international companies.

He said the company had, from indications, delivered on its mandate. Mr Onyeukwu said the decision to replace Remita could create confusion in the industry and undermine the progress made so far in the implementation of the TSA.

The NCS is the umbrella and the premier body of all computing and information technology professionals, interest groups and stakeholders in Nigeria.

(NAN)