General News
Gionee Brands will Checkmate Fake Phones, Other Devices-Nwabueze
Gabriel Nwabueze, is a senior executive of Gionee Communications Equipment Limited.
In the last two years Gionee, a Chinese company has been studying the Nigerian mobile device market with the intention of addressing some challenges associated with quality of devices flooding into the country.
The company also has comprehensive plan to combat the e-wastes surge; research and development (R&D); and development of local talents. Nwabueze spoke to peter ugwu on these and other issues.
About Gionee Communications Limited
Gionee is an international brand. We started in Nigeria about two years ago.
We have plans for Nigeria and other African countries; we want to enrich the market with products that could satisfy the people and at affordable prices.
We are the first to launch such slimmest Smartphone and feature ones; we are launching deeper into the market with the slimmest phones and long lasting battery lives.
We have also recorded a number of firsts in terms of quality of our devices and meeting the consumers demand.
We are also bringing in mass intelligence and feature mobile phones for the customers’ convince. We know the existing level of mobile devices in the market.
Since 2011, Gionee had rapidly moved for branding in Nigeria, Vietnam, Taiwan, Myanmar, India, Thailand, Philippines, and so on.
And once launched one product, it soon became a best seller in the market, even in some cities and countries customers need to wait for new deliveries. Gionee is a hot word as everyone is talking about where to buy one. Gionee is working speedily for the number one brand which is most welcomed by customers.
What Makes Your Devices Unique?
Before we launch into the market we usually carry out feasibility studies to ascertain the desires of the consumers; this lasts up to six months.
So we have seen that Nigerians like quality and they want devices that the battery life can last due to the power challenges.
At the stage of designing the phones, we tried to use material that can be converted to other use after several years of the phone’s life.
How do I mean, we are coming in not as other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) whose primary objective has been to flood the market with devices without thinking on how to give back to the society.
We are coming in with a different business mindset. We are working toward partnering the government and institutions to unleash our plans for the market, which are going to benefit the people.
Gionee as a brand is recognizable as durable, long standby and easy to use, Gionee now is featured with new tags like fashionable, stylish, and premium user experience.
Many Asian super stars have high praise for Gionee products and they are willing to tell people how nice the products are.
As a matter of emphasis, we have been able to understand what the Nigerian market loves and what the users tend to align themselves with.
Competition in the Nigerian Market
The Smartphone industry in Nigeria is actually been beclouded by brands that are there to just launch devices.
Most time, they end up encouraging digital divide among the people.
How do I mean? When you are producing high end devices without considering those below the cadre definitely some people will believe you are not for them.
So, we have feature phones that can meet the needs of those people and add value to what their do, their social lives, among other.
Meanwhile, a tight partnership with MediaTek and Qualcomm allows Gionee to offer a wide product portfolio covering both low end feature phone and high end Smartphone.
As all products are designed and manufactured by Gionee and as the company is only working with tier-1 suppliers, Gionee is awarded the Best Quality Mobile Phone Manufacturer in China.
Local Partnership
Presently, we are into partnership with one of the major local telecommunication company. Surely, we are going to deepen our relationship, embrace as many as that would come to around.
In fact, in the couple of months we have seen tremendous enthusiasm among some industry players, that is the among the telecoms who have approached us, we have made presentations to them as regards the functionality, durability and integrity of our phones, they are willing to partner with us.
The interest has been massive since we launched into the market. It is a win-win situation for both parties, because it is like a contract for mutual benefits.
Of course, there are tenets in every relationship. We can always add some extra agreement, if need be. So, presently we can boost of having local backings and the market is ripe for us.
Research and Development (R&D) Platform
In Gionee we believe that technology entails the strength of an enterprise and R&D is the key to sharpen the competitive edge of mobile phone industry chain roundly.
Gionee has over 10,000 employees, out of which 1000 belong to R&D and 8000 belong to the factory. So, we shall always insist on the strategy of independent R&D and innovation.
At present, Gionee’s R&D system mainly comprises six professional R&D organs: Application R&D Institute, Smartphone R&D Institute, overseas BU R&D Institute, CDMA R&D Institute, GOSO R&D Institute and AORA R&D Institute.
As a matter of fact, persistence in quality is the impetus for Gionee’s sustained development. With deep R & D as core, lean manufacturing as foundation, outstanding after-sale service as guarantee and high-tech products as core competitiveness, Gionee has kept developing practical and handy products.
Gionee has persisted in independent R & D by establishing professional R & D institutions in cities like Shenzhen, Shanghai and Hangzhou, thus ensuring its outstanding R & D performance.
Form of Your R&D in Nigeria
For now, we know that the Nigerian market has suffered so much in terms of people who turn it into a dumping ground; they come with the intention to dump their e-wastes here, which is unwholesome.
Therefore, in our discussions with the regulatory bodies like the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), we had some preliminary talks on the need for Gionee to have some investments in the form of R&D in Nigeria.
Although in Nigeria, it is still at preliminary stage, but it is something we have been doing, and we replicate same in all the places we have established strong relationships and strong presence. We hope to achieve that in Nigeria in the nearest future. In essence we are looking at tackling the issue of e-waste as may come from our side.
Nevertheless, statistics showed that for every one thousand unit of Gionee phones sold, we do not record up to ten damages, meaning that our phones are durable and that is the first step to tackle e-waste.
Gionee has over the years built a strong reputation and we do not intend to tarnish it in Nigeria. We cannot be part of the people that do that; we are going to represent our brand and image even in Nigeria.
Challenges in the Last Two Years in Nigeria
One of the challenges is actually the issue of grey material which cuts across the products not limited to phones.
They copy and normally the sub-standards are replicated.
The problem is usually that the original equipment manufacturers cannot actually affect a control over their products.
We are here to phase out such practice, bringing in originality and quality.
The only people that actually help to affect control are those in government; however in Gionee due to our excellence in R&D we are very innovative and can adapt, create a change tailored towards more customers’ satisfaction.
Plans to Manufacture Tablets and Notes
We are actually discussing on growth issues and it will be an excitement moment when we eventually go into that.
Developing Local Talents
Already we have Nigerians working with us and they are doing excellently well. Of course a company launching into any market with the intention of surviving there must embrace the local talents.
So, the answer is yes. At the same time, our products are meant to satisfy the local consumers and we are not going to leave Nigeria behind in the quest to achieve that. And that will give us a leverage to grow.
Following our strong international presence and reputation, we hope to establish a strong presence in Nigeria as well, thereby erasing the impression that all products from China are inferior. It is not true and we are going to prove to the people that genuine, durable and long lasting devices are coming from our factory.
Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, governor, Anambra State, has approved an indefinite ban on graduation ceremonies in kindergarten, primary and secondary schools across the state as part of efforts to reduce the financial burden on parents.
Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, governor, Anambra State,
The directive was confirmed by Dr. Law Mefor, commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, in a statement issued on Friday.
According to the commissioner, the government deemed it necessary to clarify the policy following public inquiries and concerns over the scope of the ban.
Mefor explained that the directive applies to all graduation-related ceremonies in both public and private schools across the state.
He said the ban covers events described as graduation, passing-out, crossover or any other ceremony organised to mark the completion of kindergarten, primary or secondary school levels.
The government said the decision was taken to discourage unnecessary financial obligations often imposed on parents through elaborate school celebrations.
The commissioner clarified that students completing Senior Secondary School (SS3) are exempt from the directive.
However, he stressed that graduation ceremonies for SS3 students are not compulsory and may only be held without imposing any financial burden on students or their parents.
According to him, schools choosing to organise such ceremonies must ensure that no levies, compulsory contributions or hidden charges are demanded from parents.
Mefor warned that the state government would not hesitate to sanction any school that violates the directive.
He said schools found organising prohibited graduation ceremonies or imposing illegal charges on parents risk severe penalties, including possible closure.
The commissioner urged school proprietors and administrators to comply fully with the directive in the interest of parents and the education sector.
The state government said the policy is part of broader efforts to make education more affordable and eliminate unnecessary expenses associated with school activities.
Many parents have previously complained about the increasing costs of graduation ceremonies, including compulsory levies for gowns, entertainment, souvenirs and other related expenses.
The government expressed optimism that the directive would ease the financial pressure on families while encouraging schools to focus more on academic excellence than ceremonial activities.
General News
Universities, Polytechnics Submit 169 Entries for NASENI Research Commercialisation Grants
About 169 proposals from Nigerian institutions including universities, polytechnics, and research institutes spread across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones have entered for the NASENI Research Commercialization Grant Programme (NRCGP).
NASENI
The programme, an initiative of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), aimed at bridging the gap between research and industry, is designed to identify innovative research with strong commercial potential and support its transition from laboratories to the marketplace.
Speaking on the latest episode of the NASENI Window Podcast, recorded on yesterday at NASENI Studio, NASENI headquarters, Abuja, the Team Lead of the NRCGP and Deputy Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms. Joy Elugbe, said the team received 169 proposals from eligible institutions across the country, including Universities, polytechnics and other research institutions.
Following the close of applications, and to ensure transparency and a rigorous selection process, NASENI engaged 21 professors with expertise across the Agency’s approved thematic areas to evaluate the originality and technical quality of the shortlisted proposals.
According to her, a rigorous preliminary screening reduced the number to 49 proposals after removing duplicate entries and submissions that failed to meet eligibility requirements while the Agency’s Innovation Hub assessed their commercial viability to determine their potential for market adoption.
“12 proposals, two from each geopolitical zone, have progressed to the due diligence stage before the final selection of six grant beneficiaries will be done. The objective is not simply to fund research but to invest in innovations that can successfully reach the market and deliver real impact,” Elugbe explained.
The NRCGP was conceived to address one of Nigeria’s longstanding innovation challenges which is the research breakthroughs that remain on the shelves due to inadequate funding.
She said the initiative, championed by the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, targets promising research proposals with the capacity to generate economic value, create jobs and contribute to Nigeria’s industrial development.
“The idea behind the programme is to identify innovative and commercially viable research outputs that have remained on the shelves because of lack of funding, and provide the support needed to transform them into products that can impact the economy,” she said.
Explaining the concept of commercialization, Elugbe described it as the process of transforming an invention, research outcome or service into a profitable product that meets market needs. The NRCGP aligns with NASENI’s strategic focus on Collaboration, Creation and Commercialization (3Cs), stressing that innovation only achieves its full value when it reaches end-users.
She disclosed that following the launch of the application portal, the Proposal Evaluation Team went on nationwide sensitization campaigns across the six geopolitical zones to educate prospective applicants on the programme requirements and application process.
The sensitization exercise, complemented by radio awareness campaigns, significantly improved participation and the quality of submissions.
She further revealed that NASENI’s support would extend beyond grant disbursement, noting that successful innovators would be linked with the Agency’s Innovation Hub for continuous technical guidance, market advisory services and commercialization support to ensure their products achieve sustainable market success.
The NASENI Research Commercialization Grant Programme was inaugurated in March 2025 to promote innovation, technological advancement and the commercialization of research outcomes in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
General News
NITRA Conference: Stakeholders Seek Policy Reforms, Grassroots Innovation to Bridge Nigeria’s Digital
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector have called for comprehensive policy reforms, stronger infrastructure investment and grassroots innovation to bridge the country’s digital divide and improve global competitiveness.
NITRA Conference
The stakeholders made the call on Thursday during the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) Innovative and Scientific Conference held at Citi Height Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The conference, themed “Bridging Nigeria’s Digital Divide With Scientific Innovation,” brought together government agencies, technology experts, regulators, telecom operators, private sector players, academics and policymakers to examine strategies for accelerating digital inclusion through science and innovation.
A panel session titled “The Place of Policy and Infrastructure in Nigeria’s Quest for Global Competitiveness through Scientific Innovation: Roles of Different Stakeholders in Grassroots Mobilisation” examined the policy, infrastructure and human capital requirements for driving Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Panelists identified multiple taxation, high right-of-way (RoW) charges, inconsistent state government policies, poor electricity supply, inadequate digital infrastructure and limited grassroots innovation support as major impediments to expanding broadband access and improving Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.
One of the speakers noted that transporting internet bandwidth from Lagos to Canada is cheaper than extending connectivity to some parts of Nigeria because of infrastructure bottlenecks and multiple charges imposed by sub-national governments.
According to the panelist, although some state governments claim to have abolished right-of-way charges, operators are still subjected to numerous levies under different names.
“When we talk about right-of-way limitation, it affects the cost of providing services in some states.
“Some states say right of way is free, but when they grant free right of way, they introduce development charges, education levies and infrastructure fees, making the so-called free right of way meaningless,” the panelist said.
The speaker called for harmonised national policies that would eliminate multiple taxation and reduce the cost of deploying telecommunications infrastructure across the country.
Another panelist representing telecommunications operators stressed that government policies should encourage fair competition rather than favour dominant market players.
According to the representative, improved collaboration between regulators and industry operators is necessary to ensure that policies support innovation, cybersecurity and sustainable sector growth.
Speaking on innovation development, a representative of a private sector innovation fund said Nigeria must begin identifying and nurturing innovators from an early age.
The representative said the organisation supports young innovators through essay competitions, grants and educational programmes aimed at exposing students to science, technology and entrepreneurship.
“We believe innovation begins from childhood.
“By helping children in primary and secondary schools think creatively, they become better positioned to seize opportunities as they grow.
“Innovators exist everywhere, including rural communities. What many of them need is exposure and opportunity,” the speaker said.
On cybersecurity, another panelist advocated greater investment in developing indigenous cybersecurity professionals through structured internship and mentorship programmes.
The panelist also suggested that young people involved in cybercrime should, where appropriate, be rehabilitated and equipped with legitimate digital skills rather than relying solely on imprisonment.
“Part of what we are known for is developing local talent.
“We recruit interns from schools and train them in cybersecurity.
“We should find ways to harness the abilities of young cyber offenders instead of simply sending them to prison,” the speaker said.
A representative from the computer society sector emphasised that Nigeria’s digital transformation should begin with reforms in basic education.
According to the representative, pupils should be introduced to coding, robotics, artificial intelligence and innovation at the primary school level.
“If Nigeria wants to become globally competitive, we must start from primary school.
“Our schools should not merely prepare students for examinations; they should become innovation clubs where children learn robotics, coding and problem-solving,” the panelist said.
The speaker also referenced the recent launch of an artificial intelligence university portal in Lagos designed to create a talent pipeline from primary education through tertiary institutions.
Addressing regulation, a media analyst cautioned against excessive government control that could discourage technological innovation.
According to the analyst, regulatory frameworks should emerge through stakeholder engagement and strike a balance between consumer protection and innovation.
“Regulation must come with dialogue.
“If regulation becomes excessive, it will stifle innovation.
“As Nigeria develops policies on artificial intelligence, there is a need to strike the right balance,” the analyst said.
On infrastructure protection, another panelist called for stronger public awareness campaigns to discourage vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure.
The speaker said community ownership and public education are essential to safeguarding digital infrastructure.
“When telecommunications infrastructure is vandalised, everyone suffers, including regulators, operators and consumers.
“People need to understand that protecting infrastructure benefits the entire society,” the panelist said.
Participants also highlighted the affordability of digital services as a major challenge to digital inclusion.
One speaker urged the Federal Government to consider subsidy mechanisms that could reduce the cost of internet-enabled devices.
“Telecommunications companies are businesses, not charity organisations.
“If government introduces subsidy policies similar to what has been done in other sectors, device prices can become more affordable,” the speaker said.
Another panelist stressed that reliable electricity remains fundamental to Nigeria’s digital competitiveness.
“The child who enjoys uninterrupted electricity and internet access cannot be compared with one who has gone months without power.
“For Nigeria to compete globally, every child should have reliable electricity, internet access and opportunities to acquire digital skills,” the speaker added.
Earlier, NITRA Chairman, Mr Chike Onwuegbuchi, said the conference was organised to provide a platform for stakeholders to examine policy options capable of strengthening scientific innovation and promoting grassroots technological development.
He noted that the Federal Government had demonstrated increasing commitment to building an innovation-driven economy through various strategic initiatives.
Founded in 2013, NITRA is the umbrella body of journalists covering Nigeria’s information and communications technology sector.
HURIWA, CLO Protests Bill Asking Social Media Firms’ to Open Shops Nigeria
Anambra Govt Bans Graduation Ceremonies in Anambra Schools
Airtel Secures Another 10-year Spectrum Renewal in Nigeria
Moniepoint as a Key Driver in Expanding Financial Access for Businesses in Nigeria
Nigeria, Israel Strengthen Research, Technology Collaboration
NRC, Ponzi Scheme Collapses Resulting Loss of Billions of Naira
NASENI Moves to Digitize CCB’s 5m Assets Declaration and Operations
Tokenization, Blockchain Technology will Transform Financial Institutions – IMF
EFCC Busts NIS Visa Overstay Racket, Uncovers N700m in an Account
From Scarcity to Scale: What Africa Can Learn from India’s Agricultural Transformation
E-Financial3 days agoFG Says Rumours, Fear, Can Crash Banks
Telecom3 days agoCourt Dismisses Pan African Towers’ Bid to Halt Ex-CEO’s Suit, Awards ₦500,000 Costs
E-Business3 days agoKaspersky Warns of a Phishing Campaign Abusing Microsoft Authentication Mechanism
Telecom3 days agoTelcos Seek Clear Regulatory Framework on Airtime Credit Services
News3 days agoIMF Sees 4% AI Growth Boost for Africa
Telecom3 days agoMTN Nigeria Announces 2026 mPulse Spelling Bee, Opens Entries for Students Nationwide
Telecom3 days agoMTN Warns Customers against Fake Promo
E-Financial3 days agoEU Debunks Fake Compensation Scheme Targeting West African Bank Customers