Nigeria’s software testing professionals have issued warnings over the country’s growing digital vulnerabilities, calling for stronger standards and a national commitment to quality. The 8th Annual Conference of the Association of Nigeria Software Testers in Lagos brought together stakeholders from the technology ecosystem to discuss the importance of software quality and testing.
ANST President Demola Adesina emphasized that software quality can no longer be treated as a technical afterthought but must be recognized as a matter of national interest. He stressed that Nigeria’s future competitiveness depends on building digital trust, which is the foundation of trust, safety, innovation, and national competitiveness. Adesina cautioned that quality assurance must not end once an application is deployed, as the country is increasingly exposed to system failures that disrupt services and diminish confidence in homegrown solutions.
Industry leaders underscored the dangers of neglecting software testing, with Chief Technology Officer of Afripie Technology Oladipo Olasemo describing Nigeria’s cybersecurity situation as a ticking time bomb. He revealed that the country lost N53.4bn to cybercrime in 2024 alone, with cumulative losses of N1.1tn recorded between 2017 and 2023. Olasemo blamed chronic underinvestment in cybersecurity, weak regulatory enforcement, and a pervasive culture of complacency.
The conference also explored the future of software development, with discussions on the growing influence of artificial intelligence on quality assurance. Director of Testing Academy Nigeria Soji Ononuga urged testers to evolve with technology or risk being left behind, and encouraged organisations to invest in upskilling rather than downsizing. The need for disciplined software development was also emphasized, with Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of Sterling Financial Holdings Olayinka Oni arguing that quality must be built into systems from the foundation.
The conference highlighted Nigeria’s rising capacity for homegrown innovation, with presentations on indigenous testing solutions gaining traction in the market. ANST awarded 50 free training scholarships to strengthen the next generation of testing professionals, underscoring the association’s commitment to expanding the country’s software testing capacity. The conference ended with the ANST Community Awards, which honored individuals and organisations that have significantly contributed to software quality and digital trust in Nigeria.
The significance of software quality and testing in Nigeria’s digital future was a recurring theme throughout the conference. As the country deepens its shift toward technology-driven systems, the reliability of these systems will be crucial in determining national progress. The conference reinforced the importance of prioritizing software quality and testing to build digital trust and ensure the country’s competitiveness in the global market.