Nigeria’s software testing professionals have warned that the country’s digital vulnerabilities are growing and have called for stronger standards and a national commitment to quality. At the 8th Annual Conference of the Association of Nigeria Software Testers (ANST) in Lagos, stakeholders from the technology ecosystem gathered 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; it must be recognized as a matter of national interest. He argued that Nigeria’s future competitiveness depends on building digital trust, which underpins safety, innovation, and national competitiveness. Adesina cautioned that quality assurance must continue beyond deployment, noting that the country is increasingly exposed to system failures that disrupt services and erode confidence in homegrown solutions.
Industry leaders underscored the dangers of neglecting software testing. Afripie Technology Chief Technology Officer Oladipo Olasemo described Nigeria’s cybersecurity situation as a ticking time bomb, revealing that the country lost N53.4 billion to cybercrime in 2024 alone, with cumulative losses of N1.1 trillion recorded between 2017 and 2023. Olasemo attributed these losses to chronic under‑investment in cybersecurity, weak regulatory enforcement, and a pervasive culture of complacency.
The conference also explored the future of software development, focusing 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. Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of Sterling Financial Holdings Olayinka Oni emphasized that quality must be built into systems from the foundation, highlighting the need for disciplined software development.
Presentations showcased Nigeria’s rising capacity for homegrown innovation, with 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 event concluded with the ANST Community Awards, which honoured individuals and organisations that have significantly contributed to software quality and digital trust in Nigeria.
Throughout the conference, the significance of software quality and testing in Nigeria’s digital future was a recurring theme. 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 prioritising software quality and testing to build digital trust and ensure Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market.
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