Market note · Regional markets
A Nigerian SME owner's guide to buying custom software
Questions to ask about scope, payments, ownership and support before approving a build.
By OwnerBriefing Editorial · 12 Sept 2026 · 9 min read
Custom software can remove a real operational constraint, but only when the buyer and builder agree on what success looks like before development begins.
Buy an outcome in stages
Ask for milestones you can see and test. A useful proposal explains what each stage delivers, what approval means and which assumptions could change the price.
Clarify the handover
Confirm ownership of code and accounts, documentation, backups, hosting costs and the support period. These details determine whether the system remains an asset after launch.