General News
Research & Development Key to ICT Growth —Madu
Engr, Peter Madu, chief executive officer of ACTI-Tech Limited is a thorough breed engineer in electrical electronics. Within his over 20 years working experience in engineering and computer, he has worked both at home and abroad in key computer companies. He spoke to chris alu in Abuja on industry issues as well as ACTI-Tech.
About ACTI-Tech
We are playing in the information technology space of the economy, but specifically we are very active in the Audio visual sector, computer networking be it Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN), also we are partner to Cisco as well as distributor to major information and communications technology manufacturer in Germany, Beyerdynamic.
More so, we provide security surveillance equipment to organizations as well, which includes access control and finger print. Through our partnership with them, we provide the most reliable and efficient electronic field unit that capture biometric information. At ACTI-Tech we render such other services like data, video and voice engineering.
Market strength
There is a large market here, compared to other countries in fact Nigeria is the highest consumer of ICT in the whole of Africa, you are looking at a country of 140 million people and if you talk about the active people that are expose to ICT it should be up to 40 to 60 percent of the population. People consume our products in the villages than anything else. And there is large market and demand for ICT products and most of it is untapped. This creates a business opportunity for organizations in expanding deployment of ICT products and services to the rural people, which will bring about total transformation of life in those areas.
Quality of Audio Visual Network
The audio visual technology is essential product to the growth of ICT and most of the technology has not really penetrated into the Nigerian market, for the past 8 or 9 years, we have been involved in audio visual technology and partnering with Beyerdynamic. We have attend trade shows and exhibition in Germany them include the co-light and sound workshops which is actually focus on audio visual technology manufacturers and users. In Nigeria, it is not properly understood by many people, for instance who are the greatest users of this technology? It is the churches and Muslims. But very few of them know the important of audio visual technology which they used in carrying out their activities. About 90 percent of them patronize fake visual products which are cheap and make unnecessary noise, beside they use untrained hands that use these products.
Unfortunately, there is nobody of government that is regulating the use these substandard products. For example, in some of the churches it is common for one to find a hip of audio speakers some of them work for just one mouth and they pack up.
So, you see that nobody is actually regulating what is coming into the market, and even the noise they pollute in the air is nobodies business. This is as a result of fake visual and audio products, I hope if a body is created to over see what people are buying and what they stand to gain and the impact on the environment it will help to check the proliferation of substandard products.
The market is full of substandard product, which mostly we assume are coming from the far Asian countries, they are cheap but don’t last long and the adverse impact they create on the environment is great.
Security Surveillance equipment
You know, the security aspect of technology is an important issue, first of all, we don’t talk about security garget but what kind of design do you have for your company or organization’s protection from the beginning. The threat to life and property is always there, and the criminals are always modifying ways to beat both the people, police and the garget, one have to be up and doing and the key part of it is how do criminals beat seemingly installations or systems, then you can now talk about who is gathering the data or compelling them.
In UK for instance, once there is a security incident, the first thing they do is to carry out the data investigation collated by the surveillance team and find out why there was such incidence in the first place, and then go back to the garget to know weather the installations did not provide the necessary means to dictate the incident, from there they intensifies efforts of tightening the installations to make it easier for proper policing. For instance, I have a house with close circuit television (CCTV) installations that guide it for me to view movement of persons in and around it, l should also have a recorder, I should also ensure that there is constant power and of course the recorder shouldn’t be expose to public and then somebody comes in and breaks in, if he succeed in breaking in, the question is does the recorder able to capture the image of the person, if this is done they will be able to start investigations from there.
In essence, one need to have a good design system and reliable equipment that will be able to give accurate data and the image of the criminals, apart from that, they leave foot and finger print that can be traced even if it is ten years.
Another thing is that our police don’t have some of the equipment to read and study those data if at all you present such investigation materials to them, they are not in the picture of it, that is why at times government use to bring in expert from abroad to read foot prints and finger print and image of people that committed crime here in Nigeria.
Information and Communications Technology surveillance is one good thing that every body should embrace. Now we are talking about security doors, security poles and so on, take the case of the terrorist act that took place in London, how were they caught? Of course they would have succeeded in exploding the bomb, but for the security cameras and recording systems, which was not accessible to them. If they knew such things were on ground they would have accessed it and erase the pictures completely, but such cameras were very far away from were they operated, beside some cables were on street lights and even walls that nobody knew something like that was there, so the police were able to trace them through this electronic security surveillance and they were caught.
Surveillance in Nigeria
We are also consultant; I think we are capable of installing such security equipment in major cities in the country if we are approached to do so. However, we still have to fall back to infrastructure, we don’t have the cable that can handle that now, for instance if we have cameras in our street we need constant power to operate them. Nonetheless, this can be provided through solar panel or generators to empower this camera and then lay fibre optics to the control room. There is also need for proper policing, so that you don’t wait until a crime is committed before talking action, you see, we still have a very long way to go, we need to have effective designed, and the technical manpower to handle the technology.
These technicians are trained to handle data inspection and collection for the day and how they are transmitted into folders and so on. Like I said, this is a holistic approach and the earlier we tackle them the better for us, because we are witnessing and hearing about pipe line vandal and kidnapping, and there is no way to trace them, is very dangerous to our country. These are what ICT helps to address in developed countries, but here we are very far behind because it is the only method that can be used to fight crime.
Computer Penetration in the Country
Computer business now is a very appreciable and fast growing business unlike the previous years, when people where scare about it, but now almost every body want to be computer literate, and more and more people are realizing that computer is very essentials to man kind. It makes things easier in every business transactions, in fact almost everything we do in life needs computer, like I said Nigeria is very fast in adopting the use of this system in all facets of our life, it is advancing and increasing every now and then. If we look at the case of laptop, I must say that there is a very large market here for laptop.
The use of computer fastened work capacity and make it easier and faster, a job that 20 persons can do in a day can take seconds for a computer to do it, and more perfectly than human labour. So there is a deep awareness and penetration of the use of computers in the country.
Consistent Innovations in the System
The rapid changes only point to the productivity and the prolific nature of the research and development (R&D) of the manufacturers. Come to think about it, why are we not active in the productive aspect of the equipment? This is because; we don’t have any research and development going on anywhere in computer system. Beside, you can not continue with the same system on and on because the next manufacturer will bring some thing new and attractive that would draw consumers, just like in GSM handset product, cars, electronic and even houses or fashion. There must be new innovation meant to attract people to buy. So the changes show how much is done in the R and D department of the computer manufacturers or any other sector. In Europe greater percentage of their budget goes into these areas for modifications, they also partner with schools in this regard; you can not find any university that does not have a link with manufacturers of all the ICT products. The manufacturing companies provide the funding for research going in such schools, in addition to what goes on in their own laboratories, and the outcome is that, one is finding new and better product coming out every time to satisfy end users.
We still have a long way to go because the research and development aspect is not there and is been neglected, our universities lack this research and to a large extend can not bring out something substantive for production. Even when they do the money is not there to support them. Manufactures are suppose to partner with schools, been the engine of development of a country not only in computers but in all industries, so right now we are still at a zero stage in research and development.
Challenges in the Market
The challenges are many, especially here in Nigeria, else where when you set up an initiative, if it is good to the public, the banks comes in, or government itself supports you or partner with you, because you really can’t do any meaningful thing that would serve the public generally on your own without productive partnership. But here, it is different. Banks collect your money and just keep it without any investment and if they give you loan, they hasten to deduct their charges which do not help matters, and then interest rate is very high even if the loans are made available. The only people who can take such loan are people who are into buying and selling for quick turnover. The government also act as catalysts to development through implementing polices that encourage both small and medium player in the market, first of all they should provide you with tax holidays, and also the needed infrastructure so in return you are hiring labour to do the job, for that you are reducing unemployment. In taxation, the tax rates are uniformed both small and big enterprises pay the same amount as tax which is quite unfair. So the challenges are many, we can also talk about the debt issue, how frequent do you get you money as soon as the service are provided.
Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has called for stronger collaboration among government regulators to accelerate the establishment of Nigeria’s National Regulatory Sandbox, describing inter-agency cooperation as the cornerstone for building an innovation-friendly regulatory ecosystem.
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, represented by the National Coordinator of the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), Mrs. Victoria Fabunmi, delivering his remarks at the National Regulatory Sandbox Governance and Implementation Planning Workshop held in Abuja.
Speaking through the National Coordinator of the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), Ms. Victoria Fabunmi, at the National Regulatory Sandbox Governance and Implementation Planning Workshop in Abuja, Inuwa said the success of the initiative depends on regulators working collectively to develop a framework that promotes technological innovation while preserving regulatory integrity and public trust.
He noted that the workshop marks a significant transition from the design phase of the project to its implementation stage, where regulators are expected to jointly refine and validate the proposed governance structure before its rollout.
According to him, ONDI has spent several months laying the foundation for the initiative through extensive stakeholder consultations, ecosystem mapping, regulatory assessments and the preparation of a draft governance and implementation framework.
“The work completed so far provides a solid foundation, but the National Regulatory Sandbox can only achieve its objectives through collective ownership by all relevant regulatory institutions,” he said.
The NITDA Director General explained that the Technical Working Group was deliberately established as a collaborative platform to harness the expertise, experience and statutory mandates of participating agencies in shaping a regulatory model tailored to Nigeria’s innovation landscape.
He said the workshop was designed to critically review the proposed governance framework, test its assumptions and incorporate practical recommendations from stakeholders to ensure that the final model is inclusive, effective and adaptable to the country’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
Inuwa observed that while government institutions have different regulatory responsibilities, those differences should be viewed as strengths that can support the development of a coordinated and flexible implementation framework capable of responding to emerging technologies.
He further stated that the engagement would also establish clear implementation pathways, strengthen institutional partnerships and identify priority actions required to operationalise the National Regulatory Sandbox.
Expressing optimism about the outcome of the deliberations, the NITDA boss said the workshop would help build a shared national vision for the initiative while creating an enabling environment where innovators can safely develop, test and scale new technologies under appropriate regulatory supervision.
He commended participants for their commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s digital innovation ecosystem and encouraged them to make meaningful contributions that would shape a practical, innovation-driven regulatory framework capable of supporting sustainable economic growth and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.
Speaking on the National Regulatory Sandbox journey and current worksream, Ms Ojonoka Yusufu, Implementing Partner Druve, said the initiative would provide a coordinated framework through which innovators and regulators can work together to test emerging technologies while ensuring compliance with existing laws and regulations.
She explained that the workshop was convened to build a shared understanding among participating regulators and stakeholders, develop consensus on the Sandbox’s operating model, identify implementation gaps before rollout and agree on the next steps for its successful implementation.
“We do not have anything set in stone yet. The idea is to work together to build a common understanding and ensure that all participating regulators and stakeholders are aligned on the objectives and implementation of the National Regulatory Sandbox,” she said.
Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Yusufu noted that Nigeria’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector remains one of the country’s highest contributors to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while the nation’s startup ecosystem continues to attract significant global investment.
She observed that Nigerian startups are creating jobs, attracting foreign investment and positioning the country as a leading innovation destination in Africa. According to her, the rapid expansion of startups beyond traditional sectors such as financial technology into healthcare, mobility, agriculture and other industries has made closer regulatory coordination increasingly necessary.
Yusufu added that the National Regulatory Sandbox is backed by the Nigeria Startup Act, providing the legal foundation required to drive responsible innovation and improve the country’s regulatory environment.
She described the Sandbox as a collaborative, multi-agency innovation governance mechanism that complements, rather than replaces, existing regulatory institutions.
Techeconomy, a leading technology and digital economy publication, will celebrate its ninth anniversary with a one-day conference and awards ceremony aimed at promoting conversations on Nigeria’s digital economy and recognising excellence in innovation and technology leadership.
Techeconomy
The anniversary event, scheduled for Sept. 24 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, will feature GrowthX by Techeconomy, a conference expected to bring together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, investors and innovators to examine the future of Nigeria’s digital economy.
The event will also host the Technology Innovation and Leadership Awards (TiLAwards), which will honour organisations and individuals for outstanding contributions to innovation, leadership and digital transformation across various sectors.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by Peter Oluka, Editor of Techeconomy and organiser of the event, said, the anniversary celebration is intended to reflect on Nigeria’s technology journey over the past nine years while fostering dialogue on emerging opportunities and challenges shaping the country’s digital future.
Oluka said the event would provide a platform for stakeholders from the public and private sectors to exchange ideas on technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, digital policy and economic growth.
He added that the conference would feature keynote presentations, panel discussions and networking sessions involving industry experts, government officials, business executives and technology entrepreneurs.
According to him, the TiLAwards will recognise outstanding organisations and individuals whose innovations and leadership have significantly contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s technology and business ecosystem.
As part of activities marking the anniversary, Techeconomy has invited media organisations to partner with the event through news coverage, publicity and participation.
The publication also expressed appreciation to members of the media and industry stakeholders for their support over the past nine years, describing their collaboration as instrumental to its growth and continued coverage of Nigeria’s technology, business and digital economy.
The organisers said details of the conference programme, speakers and partnership opportunities would be unveiled ahead of the event.
International Trade Union Confederation, (ITUC-Africa), representing trade unions from countries in Africa, has called on Nigeria and other African governments to ensure that industrialisation translates into improved living standards for workers and ordinary citizens.
According to ITUC-Africa, economic growth must lift Nigerians and other Africans out of poverty rather than deepen inequality, frowning at Nigeria’s government plans to remove subsidy on electricity.
Delivering his opening remarks at the New Energy for Africa 11 Convening: African Workers’ Contributions to Energy Sovereignty, Green Industrialization, and a Common African for COP31, Akhator Joel Odigie, general secretary of ITUC-Africa, said, industrialisation remains central to Nigeria and Africa’s liberation and development agenda but warned that it would be meaningless if it failed to improve the welfare of the continent’s people.
He faulted the plans by the Nigerian government to remove so-called subsidy on electricity in 2027, arguing that it is aimed at satisfying the Bretton Woods institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, IMF, and the World Bank.
According to him, such removal would worsen the poverty rate in Nigeria and regress any marginal progress towards industrialisation. Subsidy removal will make electricity inaccessible to workers and the majority of the citizens.
He said, “As we speak now, Nigeria is talking of subsidy removal on electricity. The plan is not to satisfy or help Nigerians, but IMF, World Bank and other donor countries. The talk that subsidy is bad economics is a lie. All developed economies depended on public sector-driven electricity and not private sector.
“For us as Africans, industrialisation is central to our liberation and development. It is part of our aspiration to define our own identity and achieve shared prosperity through an industrialised Africa. Unfortunately, that vision has yet to be realised.
“We have also come to understand that lamenting our circumstances is not enough. Identifying the barriers to Africa’s development or pointing fingers at those who may be responsible does not move us forward. The more important question is: What next? What solutions can we pursue together?
“It is from that perspective that we confront the reality that more than 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, while privatisation continues to deny many people affordable access to energy. This compels us to ask: What can we do differently?”
According to him, organised labour believes industrialisation can be achieved without worsening the climate crisis if governments, workers and development partners commit to energy justice.
Odigie noted that “When we speak about sustainable industrialisation, we are asking how Africa can industrialise without increasing environmental degradation or worsening the climate challenges our people already experience every day.
“We know this is possible. But it will require negotiation, compromise and genuine partnerships. It demands serious discussions on technology transfer, skills development and financing.”
He stressed that developing technical skills and mobilising investment for energy infrastructure are essential if Africa is to industrialise sustainably, saying “These are not impossible skills to acquire. With the right investment and commitment, Africa can build them. Equally important is access to finance and the resources needed to develop the infrastructure that will support sustainable industrialisation.
“An industrialised Africa has little meaning if it does not improve the lives of our people. Our vision is an Africa where prosperity is shared.
“We must reverse the growing phenomenon of the working poor. We must end the situation where women, children and older persons bear the greatest burden whenever governments attempt to balance national budgets.
“What does prosperity mean if ordinary people cannot enjoy a decent quality of life? A worker who returns home after a long day’s work should be able to switch on a fan during hot weather, watch television, listen to the news and spend meaningful time with family because electricity is available, reliable and affordable.
“If our people cannot enjoy these basic necessities, then what kind of prosperity are we really talking about?
“Energy justice means energy that is accessible, affordable and capable of improving people’s lives.”
Odigie also renewed ITUC-Africa’s campaign for stronger public participation in Africa’s energy sector, citing Finland as an example of how governments can ensure affordable electricity while working with private investors.
“Recently, we visited Finland, where we observed a successful model that combines public and private participation, with strong public leadership. Energy there is affordable. In fact, electricity costs less in Finland than it does here in Nairobi.
“Our hosts explained that this is possible because the state retains an important role in the energy sector, including the ability to influence pricing to ensure affordability for everyone.”
Ahead of the COP31 climate negotiations, he called for closer collaboration between organised labour and the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), saying trade unions are partners in governance rather than adversaries.
“Trade unions are not antagonistic to governments, even though we are sometimes misunderstood.
“Our responsibility is to strengthen accountability and help governments perform better because, from time to time, leaders can become too comfortable.”
Using a metaphor that drew applause from participants, Odigie likened the role of trade unions to keeping leaders “close to the fire.”
“Our responsibility is to keep the feet of our leaders close to the fire so that their heads do not become too cold. We want them to continue thinking clearly, making sound decisions and remaining connected to the realities faced by ordinary people.
“That is why we are not in opposition. We are not enemies.”
He said organised labour’s partnership with the AGN is intended to ensure African governments enter international climate negotiations with the full backing of workers across the continent.
Speaking, Dr Nana Amoah, chair of the African Group of Negotiators, AGN, said Africa’s energy transition presents both an urgent challenge and a historic opportunity, lamenting that “More than 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, even though our continent possesses exceptional solar, wind, hydro and geothermal resources. Yet Africa continues to receive only a very small share of global clean-energy investment.”
Represented by Dr George Manful, AGN Senior Advisor, Amoah, said: “This imbalance must be corrected if the transition is to support Africa’s development rather than reproduce existing patterns of dependence, extraction and inequality.
“For the African Group of Negotiators, a just transition cannot be measured solely by installed megawatts, emissions reductions or new electricity connections. It must also be measured by the quality of jobs created, affordability of energy, protection of workers, participation of women and young people, development of local industries, and the capacity of African countries to retain value from their natural resources.
“Initiatives such as Mission 300 must therefore go beyond expanding access. They must strengthen public institutions, mobilise affordable and debt-sensitive finance, support local manufacturing and skills development, and guarantee that no worker, community or vulnerable group is left behind.
“Africa’s critical minerals must similarly become a foundation for green industrialisation—not another chapter of raw-material extraction. Our policies must promote local processing, technology transfer, decent work, environmental integrity and equitable participation in global value chains.”
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