General News

Nigeria to become “Christmas tree” in Bandwidth- Kruyt

Published

17 years ago

May 19, 2009

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David Kruyt, managing director, Dimension Data West Africa has over 20 years experience in the ICT industry.
Kruyt joined Dimension Data in 2003 as customer advocate: sales, operating in South Africa’s Western Cape Province but in his current position, he is responsible for the management of the entire Western African region, from Cameroon to Liberia.
Over the past four years, Kruyt, has been instrumental in establishing Dimension Data’s Nigeria office.

Cisco Telepresence
I have taken customers to Cisco to sell them the option of Telepresence. Our biggest challenge in Nigeria is bandwidth, and Telepresence is largely dependent on bandwidth. Companies want to communicate internationally or locally – then Telepresence could be an option. Provided it is international, the bandwidth required to deploy it becomes very expensive. International connectivity here is going to stifle any growth in the Telepresence market. Telepresence is a fantastic product but the problem is bandwidth. If there is enough bandwidth – no problem. The issue is that you have a supply and demand situation here, so as long as the demand exceeds the supply, we are going to have issues. If the bandwidth is good and you can afford to pay for it, fantastic!
Environmental Monitoring Solutions and Businesses
Environmental monitoring can be related to a situation whereby you have a bank which is running multiple branches throughout the country, and they have requirements to keep their operations running at 99.99 percent. For power generation, environmental monitoring helps in monitoring the fuel level or charging the batteries. That and a number of others are the kinds of environmental monitoring solutions we put in place. It could be remote access control – for someone accessing a cell site of a GSM company without the right permission, we can have monitoring on that, whereby we send SMS or e-mail to the company, if it is connected. To ensure that technicians are not deployed to field for no reason, this kind of solution connects you pin-point to business-critical areas and issues are brought to your attention. You can understand sometimes if an ATM at The Palms or some remote village goes down, the priority is to get the one at The Palms up before that at the village. Those kinds of solutions would give you detailed information to make decisions around business.
Fibre Backbone
Dimension Data is an infrastructure company but it has a subsidiary called Internet Solution (IS), which is an ISP. IS leverages the likes of MTN using multiple options. Dimension Data does not provide their own infrastructure, but takes existing infrastructure, carry along on top of that and then maximize it for customers.
Putting in Place Customer Interaction Solutions
It all depends on the business needs. You have different applications around business requirements. If you look at the GSM world, their customers need to get information around their billings and issues concerning the network. In their interactions with their customers, the first touch point is the call centre. Now the call centre is not just about the telephone; it is a multiple channel to get hold of call centre agents whether by voice, e-mail, fax, SMS or whatever. So, the complexity of the solution that the service providers put in place to communicate with their customers, determines the kind of service we can offer such service provider. A call centre that cannot be reached either by e-mail, SMS or phone call has a big problem. As it is, 90 per cent of the call centres are over subscribed – you can never get through and you end up getting an automated message. I think there is a lot to be desired around the management of a call centre. The technology is the easy part; it is only about 10 per cent. Actually, the staffing, training and understanding of customers’ requirements are very crucial in the field. In the banking sub-sector, Internet banking, telephone banking, require a mature call centre agent to understand the needs of the customer and also have a history of what the customer has done. If I have an issue about a money transfer that was meant to have been deposited the day before and my feedback is that it is not in yet and I should call later; if I call the agent later on, he/she would be required to have a history of how many times I have called. The trend worldwide was to reduce the number of bank branches and go to call centres, but I think generally people like to have human contact. You see that in Nigeria now, and that is why you find numerous bank branches scattered all over. There are challenges around call centres per se, but you cannot do without them.
Idea of Good Network Security Solution
Security is not just network security, there is internal security, wider area network security – there is a bunch of stuffs which goes around security. So, I would say that security is something that needs to be monitored all the time, and you have to have a security provider who would actually proactively update from inside the business through the edge of the business, to the external business. Our biggest challenge today is data integrity and people stealing data. There are lots of good solutions coming up to address that issue. Dimension Data has a security business which uses the best of breeds from various vendors, and we put them together to give customers a holistic solution.
What are the implications of using products that have reached end-of-life?
Manufacturers provide support which lasts for a period of time – say 3 or 5 years. Once it gets to end of life, the support either ceases or becomes very expensive. There are certain devices that can run forever and you would never have an issue. The problem is, if you are running mission critical applications say banking, oil & gas applications or payroll, can you afford to run on equipment that are of end of life with no support? I would say no! If you are an enterprise business, you need to be able to provide services to your customers, it is imperative that you ensure you stay ahead of the game because if you do not, your competitors are going to provide a better service with innovations. That is what it is all about. People develop equipment that cannot last forever. Things change, we change; we want more out of our lives while doing it with less.
Strengths of IT as a Service
IT as a service is becoming a real part of our business now. An enterprise with a massive IT department could call on a company like Dimension Data that has a pool of resources in all levels that can be deployed on time required basis. IT as a service is difficult for customers to understand, but we are getting to a stage where we have the outsource and the in-source model – we would be providing manpower to do the job and the customer makes some service level agreements. If the system goes down or if the manpower is not available, we have to provide an alternative. Dimension Data is not a company where we provide services and not meet our service level agreements. We provide 100 per cent service level agreements, and are priority driven. That is a great opportunity for customers to leverage their kind of solutions. So I believe IT as a service is going to grow tremendously in the next 18 months to 3 years as the demand for it increases.
Dimension Data’s Global Services Operating Architecture in Nigeria
GSOA literally is a global services operation which cuts across the entire world. If a call is logged today in Nigeria, that call can be tracked to Europe, America and Asia. If we have an engineer who is based in London, he should able to offer support without stress. So we have become a global support centre. Having said that, Dimension Data does not manufacture anything. We provide 1st, 2nd and 3rd level and sometimes 4th level support. With the right agreement with the OEMs, we pass on the 4th level support to them to sort out. We are in global partnership with Cisco, Microsoft, IBM and a score of others.
Collocating for Best Results?
I am baffled how six operators can lay their own fibre throughout the country while in elsewhere, there are two or three national providers who provide infrastructure and everybody leverages on them. The infrastructure on ground in Nigeria now is non-functional. It could have provided a platform for every GSM and fixed line operator to carry their traffic on. Now with a situation whereby each operator puts his own fibre in the ground, I think there would come a time when all the operators realize that they need to work together, and would cooperate and provide interconnect not just on the GSM platform but in infrastructure, in order to make the best use of it. When two or three more offshore Internet cables come into this country, Nigeria would become like a “Christmas tree” in terms of bandwidth. When offshore cables arrive here, I think we would see a lot of interactions among all the operators – using one another’s fibre to get Internet and voice traffic to the end of Nigeria. So, maybe it is not a bad thing that these cables are laid now, but it is at a cost to the end users of ICT services. Mark my words, when reliable offshore cables come into this country, you are going to see business, education, healthcare and government grow to a higher level. Moreover, the more offshore cables, the better because those would drive down the cost of bandwidth in the country.

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General News

FG to Balance Innovation with National Security with Stronger Drone Regulations

Published

21 hours ago

May 14, 2026

Ebere Melum-Nwogbo

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Federal government said it is committed to the implementation of stricter, more organized drone regulations to balance innovation with national security.

FG to Balance Innovation with National Security with Stronger Drone Regulations

This came as stakeholders at the 6th Dronetecx Conference and Exhibition in Lagos called for stronger regulation and a comprehensive national policy framework for unmanned aircraft systems as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) launched a Drone Portal.

Speaking at the conference, representatives of Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and NCAA, said Nigeria is intensifying efforts to balance innovation with national security as drone operations continue to expand across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, oil and gas, logistics, construction and security.

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser, represented by Commodore Oscar Mbanu, deputy director, Defence Affairs, said the federal government had adopted a strict but innovation-friendly regulatory framework requiring security clearance, end-user certification and operational approval before drones can be deployed.

He disclosed that a multi-agency drone task force involving the NCAA, security agencies and other relevant bodies had been established to strengthen monitoring, enforcement and accountability, while the End-User Certificate system would help track imported drones and prevent misuse.

Also speaking, Mahmud Kambari, permanent secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, represented by Mrs Rubiyatu Aliu, director of Air Safety and Administration in the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, announced the launch of a new digital drone registration portal and Flyer ID scheme introduced by the NCAA in partnership with Dronetecx to improve oversight and proper registration of operators.

She urged drone operators to comply with regulatory requirements, warning that innovation must operate within the law.

Captain Chris Najomo, director general of NCAA, said the Federal Government was moving from policy discussions to implementation with plans to establish a comprehensive national drone policy and roadmap approved by Mr Festus Keyamo, minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

He noted that the framework would complement existing aviation regulations and provide clearer direction for investors and operators in the rapidly growing industry.

Mr Fortune Edu, conference organiser and founder of Dronetecx, said Nigeria must urgently position itself as a leading player in Africa’s emerging drone economy or risk losing opportunities to countries already advancing in the sector.

He explained that the proposed national framework would support innovation, research, advanced air mobility and job creation while preparing the country for future drone applications including cargo delivery and passenger transportation.

Stakeholders at the conference expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between government agencies and industry operators would accelerate the safe growth of drone technology and support national development.

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General News

Olusi, BOI MD Harps on the Media as Nigeria’s Biggest Development Partner

Published

21 hours ago

May 14, 2026

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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Dr. Olasupo Olusi, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Industry, has described the media as Nigeria’s most important development partner, noting that effective communication remains critical to national growth and institutional impact.

Speaking during an interactive session with media partners in Lagos, Olusi said journalists play a central role in shaping development outcomes by amplifying progress, accountability, and national aspirations.

“The media is the biggest agent of development anywhere,” he said. “Communicating what needs to be done and what has been done is critical in the journey of any development institution.”

Olusi used the engagement to unveil major milestones in BOI’s ongoing transformation agenda, which he said is focused on strengthening support for Nigeria’s private sector and driving inclusive economic growth.

On the BOI he met when he was appointed, Olusi said: “I inherited a very strong institution. The Bank of Industry was already one of the leading development finance institutions in Africa, and certainly a respected institution in Nigeria. I usually describe it as inheriting a Rolls-Royce.” He noted that the current leadership is innovating and repositioning the Bank to become even more effective in delivering long-term financing and developmental impact for Nigeria’s private sector.

“I came with the mindset of a development economist who truly believes in impact-making,” he said.

Olusi revealed that BOI has established an Impact Fund financed through a percentage of the Bank’s annual profits to support strategic national investments.

According to him, the Fund invested $15 million in the New Africa Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja and N25 billion in the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC) to improve access to financing for MSMEs lacking collateral.

“The objective is to remove the long-standing barriers preventing small businesses from accessing finance,” he explained.

The BOI boss also announced plans to commence non-interest banking operations following final regulatory approvals from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

He said the initiative would provide inclusive financing options for Nigerians who prefer non-interest financial products.

In addition, Olusi disclosed that BOI has established more than 20 youth and skills hubs nationwide focused on ICT, agro-processing, fashion, printing, and entrepreneurship development.

“These hubs are designed to help young Nigerians learn, innovate, package products, and eventually establish sustainable businesses,” he stated.

Reaffirming BOI’s commitment to Nigeria’s economic transformation, Olusi said the Bank remains focused on creating measurable impact across communities and sectors nationwide.

“The opportunities for making a difference in Nigeria are enormous across all sectors and spheres of life,” he added.

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General News

Google Just Changed Android Forever With 12 New Gemini-Powered Features

Published

21 hours ago

May 14, 2026

Ugo Onwuaso

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Google’s annual I/O developer conference is a hub for exciting product updates. This year, “The Android Show: I/O Edition” offered an early preview of Android’s future. Packed with groundbreaking news, these updates will transform our Android interactions. Android, the world’s most popular OS with over 3 billion active devices, continues to innovate, bringing practical benefits and new possibilities.

Google

For people in Nigeria, these advancements promise easier, safer, and more personal digital lives driven by Gemini Intelligence. From handing off your to-do list to unbreakable theft protection, dive into how Android’s 12 latest offerings will empower users across the continent:
1. Hand Off Your To-Do List with Gemini App Automation

Google is introducing Task Automation, allowing Gemini to navigate multi-step tasks across your apps so you can focus on other things. Instead of manually switching between apps and copying data, you can simply point your camera at a travel brochure in a hotel lobby and say, “Find a tour like this on Expedia for a group of six.” You can also long-press your power button over a grocery list in your notes app and ask Gemini to build a shopping cart with all the items for delivery. Gemini handles the logistics in the background while keeping you in complete control.

Availability: Already in beta on S26 and P10 Pro devices, and launching on Galaxy Fold8 and Pixel 11 later this year.

2. Speak Naturally with “Rambler” (Powered by Gemini)

Google is announcing Rambler, a revolutionary voice typing feature in Gboard that captures your underlying intent rather than just transcribing your exact words. Because we don’t always speak the way we want to write, Rambler lets you talk naturally—including self-corrections, repeats, and filler words like “ums” and “ahs”—and turns those raw thoughts into a polished, concise message. It is built for a global community and can seamlessly switch between multiple languages, like blending English and Hindi, within a single sentence.

Availability: Rolling out first to Pixel devices starting in Q3 2026.

3. A Personal Browsing Assistant with Gemini in Chrome

Google is announcing a built-in personal browsing assistant for Chrome on Android, designed to help you research and understand web content without ever leaving the app. By tapping the Gemini icon on your toolbar, the assistant opens at the bottom of your display so you can ask specific questions about the webpage you are currently viewing. Whether you need a quick summary of a long article or a detailed explanation of a complex topic, this tool seamlessly enhances your mobile web experience.

Availability: Rolling out to select Android 12+ devices with 4GB+ of RAM in the U.S. starting at the end of June.

4. Instant Image Customization with Nano Banana

Google is introducing Nano Banana, an innovative feature that lets you instantly create and customize images directly within your Chrome browser. For example, if you are studying for an online exam, you can simply ask your browsing assistant to turn a text-heavy page into an informative infographic. Similarly, if you are scrolling through apartment listings, you can ask the assistant to alter a photo of an empty room to include modern living room essentials, allowing you to instantly visualize ideas on the go.

Availability: Available in Chrome for Android starting next month.

5. Share with Anyone Using Quick Share & AirDrop

Google is announcing a massive expansion to Quick Share, making it compatible with AirDrop to solve the universal hassle of sharing files between different phone brands. If you are at a family gathering and want to share a video with friends using iOS, you can simply use Quick Share on your Android phone to generate a QR code. Scanning this code lets you instantly share high-quality media across devices via the cloud, breaking down the barriers between operating systems.

Availability: Expanding to more partners including Samsung, OPPO, OnePlus, Vivo, Xiaomi, and HONOR this year.

6. OSmosis: Wireless iOS-to-Android Transfer

Google is announcing OSmosis, a completely overhauled, wireless iOS-to-Android transfer process that makes switching phones easier than ever. You can now wirelessly migrate your passwords, photos, messages, favorite apps, contacts, and even your precise homescreen layout directly from your iPhone to your new Android device without needing a cable.

Availability: Launching first on new Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices later this year.

7. Pro-Grade Creator Tools Natively on Instagram

Google is announcing an expanded partnership with Meta to bring pro-level camera and editing features natively to the Instagram app on Android flagships. Android creators can now enjoy Ultra HDR capture for lifelike, vibrant colors, along with built-in video stabilization to keep footage smooth while walking or dancing. The update also includes deep Night Sight integrations, ensuring you can capture the perfect shot even in the dimmest settings.

Availability: Rolling out to flagship devices throughout Q3 and Q4 2026.

8. Reclaim Your Time with “Pause Point”

Google is introducing Pause Point, a new digital wellbeing tool designed to help you stop mindless, autopilot scrolling. When you try to open an app you have identified as distracting, Pause Point gives you a mandatory 10-second breather to ask yourself, “Why am I here?” During this pause, you can do a quick breathing exercise or set a strict timer for your app usage. To ensure you stick to your goals, turning the feature off completely requires you to restart your phone.

Availability: Available in Q4 2026 across all countries and languages.

9. Unbreakable Biometric Theft Protection

Google is announcing a powerful new anti-theft measure that enhances the “Mark as lost” feature with biometric authentication. If your device is snatched, you can now lock it using your fingerprint or face in addition to the standard passcode. This provides an immediate, unbreakable layer of security, meaning that even if a thief spied on your PIN before stealing your phone, they will not be able to turn off device tracking or re-access your personal data.

Availability: Rolling out as a built-in feature on devices running Android 17.

10. Express Yourself with Noto 3D Emoji

Google is announcing Noto 3D, a massive update to the way we express ourselves with nearly 4,000 newly designed emoji. Moving away from flat 2D icons, these new 3D emoji bring a touch of physicality and weight to your digital conversations. Whether you are sending a wrapped burrito or a joyful smile, this visually vibrant collection bridges the digital divide, representing the difference between a message simply being received and a true presence felt.

Availability: Available across Google platforms, starting with Pixel phones later this year.

11. Fill Out Forms in a Single Tap with Gemini Personal Intelligence

Google is announcing an evolution to Autofill with Google, powered by Gemini’s Personal Intelligence. This new feature allows Android to automatically fill in complex forms across your apps and Chrome browser. By securely pulling relevant information from your connected apps or saved photos—such as passport details or frequent flyer numbers—your device saves you from the universal hassle of typing out tiny text on a mobile screen.

Availability: Rolling out in Q2 2026 for phones, and Q4 2026 for laptops and tablets.

12. Build Custom Widgets with Gemini Intelligence

Google is introducing Create My Widget, taking the first step in generative UI to give you more ways to make your device truly yours. You can now build entirely custom widgets just by describing what you want using natural language. For example, a meal prepper can ask for a widget that suggests high-protein recipes every week, or a cyclist can create a weather dashboard that surfaces exact wind speed and rain stats right on the home screen.
Availability: Launching in Q3 2026 for phones, watches, laptops, and tablets.

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