General News
IT Counterfeiting is Economic Sabotage – Amuchinwa
Rita Amuchienwa is the channels programme and infrastructure manager (English Speaking Africa), Hewlett-Packard (HP). She has over 11 years of professional channel sales and development experience in the IT Industry in Africa.
Amuchienwa knows the nitty-gritty of partnership business and channel management. She spoke to peter ugwu on the pains and gains HP has recorded so far in its push against fakers of her products.
Fighting Counterfeit
We are stopping at nothing to see how best we can manage and reduce the faking of our products to about 90 per cent or totally eradicate it.
We have engaged tirelessly on educating people and awareness creation to inundate them on the differences between our products and others, especially the counterfeits.
We are also collaborating with some agencies like the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON); the collaboration is for them to assist us in eradicating some of these things.
HP, as a company employed some individuals who work as pseudo-partners (face-less) to check on our partner premises unannounced, check what they do – if they are mixing our products with fakes.
So, we receive feedback from them. And if any of our partner is caught sabotaging our efforts we actually sanction them.
Counterfeiting Implies
Fake simply means refilling of HP products into another cartridge using our logo or emblem or hologram without our knowledge and portraying same as genuine HP product.
The perpetrators of such crime refilled these implements without our permission.
Deterrents
Those who were caught in the past, were sanctioned and we removed them from our partnership programme.
We further make public announcements to sensitise customers on their state of relationship with us, so that they stop patronizing them or buying HP products from them since they deal on counterfeit HP products. We also ensure they are listed on our official website.
Collaboration with the Customs
HP is a global brand. We collaborate with the Customs because we are focused on every necessary step to tackle the problem through alliance with bodies involved in trade.
And Nigeria customs personnel are quite relevant in what we are doing because they are always at the ports and will be apt in checkmating the entry and exit of fake products in the country.
Impacts of Counterfeits
The first thing one must bear in mind is that it will spoil your product or printer.
So, on the customers’ side when they are buying fake toner or ink it does not anchor well with their equipment, which continues to economic lose.
And it voids the warranty that HP gives out to customers.
It also brings down time on their side; their time will be pending the time such printer is restored.
That is why we would always ask them to watch out where they buy their products.
Training
Basically, the people we call our partners do not sell fake products. We have a group we call preferred partners and unattended partners.
The unattended partners carry out their programmes without consulting HP; they are not part of our partnership venture, probably they have not heard about this platform.
In fact, counterfeiting is driven by avalanche quest for quick money.
And we have a lot of them; people who would enter into business without even learning what are involved rather they are desperate to make money.
However, we don’t just hand pick anybody to be part of this partnership.
They are criteria.
Product Authentication
We are engaging the IT platform or product authentication because we believe ICT is relevant in fighting counterfeiting.
Meanwhile, during our events we get feedback from people and get them back to our headquarters where those involved in research and development (R&Ds) would ultilise them optimally and subsequent implementation.
So, on yearly basis HP engages on trends aimed at combating the counterfeiting menace. Before now there is what is called HP-Invent, a structure that enables us come up with new things.
HP is determined stop at nothing to see that people are empowered to have value for what they do particularly now the emphasis is ICT.
Nigeria and other Africa Markets
The Nigerian market is not there yet, but we have done a lot, which means we will get to our destination soon
We have gone more than halfway.
However, I can assure you that African markets are the same in terms of identification of products and the counterfeiting headache.
I manage about 20 English speaking countries in Africa and can tell you that no country you would say is worse or better than the other because it is like we have the same life style. Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra-Leone, Botswana, Cameroon, Kenya, name them, we are all the same. And we speak English language.
The only difference is that we have different dialects. And that tendency of quick-fix is always in Africans.
But this anti-counterfeiting message is taking place in all the countries that I manage.
Changing of Logo
Why we oftentimes change our logo is because we found out initially that the fakers would always copy our logos.
That prompted us to frequent changing of the logo or emblem to something more fantastic and difficult for them to copy.
For instance, the new hologram we have has proved difficult for them to copy because of the twist on it. So, we have maintained the hologram because it is something somebody somewhere cannot just copy and paste.
Government Regulations
There are a lot of areas government needs to come in, although they have been trying on their own part.
For instance, if all should embrace the intellectual property law, some of these things would not come up.
Having said that, government has to intensify public campaign against counterfeit, because the more people become aware about the regulation the more abating it will become.
We need to pursue more vigorously the issue of getting people become computer literate. Such empowerment would help in championing collaborative spirit in fight against crime in the society, because everybody will be involved.
Impact of R&D
The impact has been very massive.
If not through the R&D, people would not know there is something like anti-counterfeiting war going on.
Although we spend a lot on it on yearly basis, but it has helped us a lot.
Breathe Life Foundation partnered with Teach Nigeria Fellow, Ms Bunmi Rotimi, to deliver a respiratory health awareness session for over 200 senior students of Cleggs Girls High School, Surulere, Lagos.
The session equipped students aged 15–19 years with practical knowledge about the risks associated with smoking, vaping, and shisha, while challenging the misconception that shisha is a safer alternative to cigarettes or other substances.
Through an engaging and interactive discussion, students explored the influence of peer pressure and learned practical strategies for making healthier, more informed lifestyle choices.
They also gained a better understanding of common environmental triggers of asthma and other respiratory conditions, including cigarette smoke, generator fumes, bush burning, mosquito coil smoke, candles, charcoal, and firewood.
The session highlighted an important reality: young people may not always recognise how seemingly routine lifestyle choices and environmental exposures can gradually affect their respiratory health, quality of life, and long-term wellbeing.
For Breathe Life Foundation, this reinforces the importance of shifting the conversation from treatment to prevention through awareness and education. By equipping young people with the knowledge to identify risks and make healthier choices early, the Foundation is helping to build a generation that is more conscious of – and better prepared to protect – its respiratory health.
Breathe Life Foundation is dedicated to advancing respiratory health, an often-neglected public health priority. Healthy lungs are essential to life, yet respiratory diseases remain among the world’s leading causes of death and disability, even though many are preventable and treatable.
Nigeria’s technology retail landscape reached another significant milestone on Monday, August 3, 2026, as global technology giant ASUS, in partnership with Konga, officially commissioned its first flagship experience store in West Africa.
Strategically located at 16 Otigba Street, Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos; the heartbeat of Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, the state-of-the-art facility represents a major investment in customer experience, product accessibility, and digital innovation.
The launch also reinforces Konga’s growing reputation as a preferred gateway for leading global technology brands into the Nigerian market.
The landmark event attracted Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who officially commissioned the store.
Also in attendance were the Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh; Chief Operating Officer of Konga, Dave Omoregie; VP Omni-channel & Commercial Planning, Melvin Onochie; and Head of Marketing and Communications at Konga Group, Victor Oluwaleye.
The ASUS team was led by E.EMEA General Manager, Aaron Tsai, alongside Business Development Manager, Sunnie Chen; Sales Manager, Mohammed Kazim; Gaming Product Manager, Joy Chen; Marketing Manager, Adeola Odeleye; and Sales Specialist, Williams Okenna.
The Honourable Minister described the facility as a defining achievement for Nigeria’s digital economy, noting that it is far more than the opening of a retail outlet.
He called it a strong vote of confidence by a global technology brand in Nigeria’s innovation, science, and technology ecosystem and the immense potential of its market.
He noted that his presence underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, describing such partnerships as essential to achieving Nigeria’s ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy driven by private enterprise and enabled by government.
The Minister paid tribute to Leo Stan Ekeh, describing him as one of the foremost architects of Nigeria’s digital transformation.
He announced that Ekeh had recently agreed to champion the Federal Government’s Youth and Students in Innovation initiative, a flagship programme aimed at equipping young Nigerians with entrepreneurial and technology skills.
According to him, Ekeh’s decades of visionary entrepreneurship have played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s technology ecosystem and attracting prominent technology companies into the Nigerian market.
Using the occasion to address the international business community, the Minister encouraged global investors and brands to look beyond establishing commercial operations in Nigeria and actively partner with the government in driving national development.
He assured investors of the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that safeguards investments and delivers sustainable returns.
Speaking at the event, ASUS E.EMEA General Manager, Aaron Tsai, expressed appreciation to partners, government representatives, and customers for their support.
He explained that the flagship store was conceived to provide consumers with direct access to authentic ASUS products, and expressed confidence that the partnership with Konga will further accelerate the brand’s growth and strengthen customer engagement in the region.
The experience centre features dedicated sections showcasing ASUS’ complete portfolio of premium laptops, gaming devices, AI-powered PCs, and cutting-edge innovations. A standout attraction is an interactive digital display that allows visitors to explore ASUS’ latest technologies virtually before making purchase decisions, creating a more engaging and informed customer journey. Plus, every ASUS device purchased through the flagship store or online on Konga comes with a special one-year replacement warranty at no extra cost.
In his remark, Chief Operating Officer of Konga Group, Dave Omoregie, said the flagship store reflects Konga’s deliberate strategy to give Nigerian consumers a seamless blend of online and offline retail.
He noted that Konga’s logistics network, payment infrastructure, and nationwide retail footprint uniquely position the company to support global brands like ASUS at scale, while ensuring customers enjoy authentic products backed by reliable after-sales service.
According to him, the partnership demonstrates what becomes possible when world-class technology brands trust Nigerian platforms to deliver exceptional experiences, adding that Konga remains committed to setting the operational standard for authentic technology retail across the country.
The launch further reinforces the enduring partnership between ASUS and Konga, built on shared values of innovation, authenticity, and customer satisfaction.
It also highlights Konga’s continued evolution beyond traditional e-commerce into a comprehensive omnichannel technology ecosystem that combines online convenience with physical retail experiences.
For Nigerian consumers and businesses, the new ASUS Flagship Experience Store represents more than a retail outlet; it is a symbol of confidence in Nigeria’s technology market. It highlights Konga’s commitment to bridging the gap between global technology brands and Nigerian consumers. With its robust logistics infrastructure, digital payment solutions, and nationwide physical retail presence, Konga continues to set the standard for authentic, accessible, and reliable technology retail across Africa.
The flagship store opening featured guided product demonstrations, immersive technology experiences, exclusive launch-day offers and customer engagement activities celebrating this historic milestone.
Customers can begin shopping immediately at the ASUS Flagship Experience Store, located at 16 Otigba Street, Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos. Visitors can explore authentic ASUS products, experience live product demonstrations, receive expert guidance, and access dedicated Starlink customer-support services.
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), attorney general of the federation and minister of Justice; Olatunji Rilwan Disu, inspector-general of Police, and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate allegations that more than ₦6.79 billion in public funds were missing, diverted or misapplied within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs.
The allegations are contained in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2022 Annual Report, published on September 9, 2025.
In a letter dated August 1, 2026, and signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, deputy director, SERAP, the organisation urged the government to ensure that anyone implicated in the report is prosecuted and that all missing public funds, firearms and ammunition are recovered.
“Anyone suspected to be responsible—including contractors, companies and public officials implicated in the report—should be promptly prosecuted, while all missing public funds, firearms and ammunition should be fully recovered, secured and properly accounted for.”
SERAP described the Auditor-General’s findings as a serious breach of public trust.
“The Auditor-General’s findings suggest a grave betrayal of the public trust and raise serious concerns about corruption and the management of public funds, police exhibits, firearms and ammunition.”
The organisation also expressed concern over allegations involving missing firearms, unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, and poor storage of weapons.
“The report also raises serious concerns over missing firearms and ammunition, the unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, failures to properly account for exhibits, and the insecure storage of firearms, creating significant risks to public safety and national security.”
According to SERAP, the alleged diversion of funds meant for policing and the reported irregularities have weakened the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The diversion of funds meant for policing, abandoned security projects, missing firearms and ammunition, and the misuse of police exhibits undermine the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force, weaken public confidence and may contribute to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.”
The organisation said the Auditor-General’s report documented several alleged financial irregularities, including payments for projects that were never executed, abandoned contracts, inflated contract costs, irregular procurement, unretired cash advances, unsettled insurance claims and payments for services allegedly not rendered.
“The report documented numerous alleged financial irregularities within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs, including payments for projects that were never executed, abandoned contracts, inflated contract costs, and irregular procurement.”
“The report also documented unretired cash advances, unsettled insurance claims, payments for services allegedly not rendered, and other suspected diversion and misapplication of public funds amounting to over ₦6.79 billion.”SERAP further cited allegations of missing firearms and ammunition, failures to properly account for recovered weapons and exhibits, and insecure storage of firearms.
“The allegations also include missing firearms and ammunition, the unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, failures to properly account for recovered firearms and other exhibits, and the insecure storage of firearms, posing serious risks to public safety and national security.”
The organisation gave the Federal Government seven days to act on its demands, warning that it would pursue legal action if no response is received.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal action to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
SERAP also argued that the allegations, if left unaddressed, would violate constitutional provisions requiring the government to combat corruption and safeguard the welfare and security of Nigerians.
Among the specific findings cited from the Auditor-General’s report were allegations of payments for abandoned and unexecuted police projects worth hundreds of millions of naira, inflated contract values, unretired cash advances, irregular procurement processes, unsettled insurance claims exceeding ₦681 million, over ₦1 billion in uncleared insurance policy liabilities, missing firearms and ammunition, unauthorised release of police exhibits, and contracts allegedly awarded without due diligence by the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs.
NBC Files Fresh Appeal against Judgment Barring it from Imposing Fines on Broadcast Stations
Nigerians Lost N25.85Bn to Digital Payment Fraud in 2025 –CBN
NRS Announces 30 Percent Tax on Corporate Crypto Income
Kaspersky Identifies Cyberespionage as a Growing Threat Across Africa, Others
PalmPay’s Transaction Guard Gives Users More Control, As Fraud Tactics Evolve
NRC, Ponzi Scheme Collapses Resulting Loss of Billions of Naira
From Scarcity to Scale: What Africa Can Learn from India’s Agricultural Transformation
EFCC Busts NIS Visa Overstay Racket, Uncovers N700m in an Account
BON Establishes Six Ad Hoc Committees to Modernize Broadcasting
Tokenization, Blockchain Technology will Transform Financial Institutions – IMF
News1 day agoAtte, Nigerian Develops AI Algorithm for Hair Transplants
E-Financial1 day agoCBN Exposes over 13,000 BVNs Tied to Fraud as Banks Tighten Security
E-Financial1 day agoFCT Court Awards Ex-Customers N15m against Stanbic IBTC over Data Privacy Breach
News1 day agoFG to Abolish Subsidies in Power Sector in 2027 – Minister
General News1 day agoDare Tackles Onaiyekan over Criticism of Tinubu, Says Economic is Working
General News1 day agoSERAP Asks Tinubu to Probe Alleged N6.79Bn Missing Police Funds, Firearms
General News1 day agoLenacapavir, HIV Injectable Drug Offers Pregnant, Lactating Mothers 100 Percent Protection – Study
Telecom1 day agoStarbase Technologies Introduces Yolly, a Reward-Based Social Entertainment Platform