Connect with us

General News

How Edge Computing Can Transform Businesses in Nigeria

Published

on

Kindly share this post

By Valentine Chime

I recall reading a story, at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, about a top executive of a major technology company who had taken ill and while in isolation, was unable to hold virtual meetings because he could not figure out how to navigate his way around Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

While we may, rightly or wrongly expect a top tech executive to understand seemingly basic technology, the fact is that in today’s hyper-energized tech space, innovation moves so quickly that it is easy for most people, including business leaders, to be overwhelmed.

Nevertheless, business leaders often must chart a technological path for their organisations and, therefore, need to stay updated on potentially game-changing technologies for their businesses.

Tech-savvy business leaders drove the generational shift to cloud computing and are at the forefront of the increasing recognition of Edge computing as the future of business in Nigeria and globally.

As MD of a leading-Edge computing provider in Nigeria, inq. Digital Nigeria, I am keenly aware of the immense benefits that Edge computing can bring to Nigerian businesses and would like to discuss some of these here.

As you may know, Edge computing is essentially a distributed information technology architecture which allows client data to be processed as close to the originating source as possible, thereby minimizing the need for data to be transmitted to a remote processor.

The elimination of data transmission and the attendant reduction in latency, i.e., the time it takes for data to be moved from one point to another, results in a massive improvement in processing speed.

Although data is currently processed at supersonic speeds, consumers are demanding even faster transactions and as more data is generated and shared, edge computing will be crucial in meeting our speed and reliability requirements.

So how can it help businesses in Nigeria? Let’s start with the Fintechs, with Nigeria being the fintech capital of Africa (attracting 63% of funding raised by African start-ups in 2021) and the rapid growth of the country’s fintech ecosystem enabled by the ability of developers and consumers to enjoy high- speed processing services.

Edge computing will unleash the untapped potential of the fintech ecosystem by providing lower latency and more reliable processing capabilities, which will form the backbone for optimising current fintech applications and developing innovative services in the future.

Based on current statistics, the agricultural sector remains, by some distance, the largest contributor to Nigeria’s GDP, accounting for over 25% of 2021 GDP. It, therefore, remains the backbone of the Nigerian economy and Edge computing can help to increase the sector’s yield, profitability and contribution to GDP.

Edge computing solutions can help farmers track soil condition, crop growth, weather and climatic changes, input usage and stock, crop yield, quality, and water usage among others. This data can help farmers improve yield by improving planning, farming methods and output.

The data can also help farmers anticipate and address environmental factors in addition to continually improving crop growing algorithms towards ensuring that crops are in peak condition when harvested.

In Manufacturing, Edge computing can be used to monitor processes: applying machine learning and real-time analytics to identify production errors and enhance product quality.

Edge computing can enable the addition of various types of sensors throughout the plant which will provide and analyse data relating to the production processes, output of the various production stages, product quality and stock levels for production inputs.

This data can help manufacturers accurately forecast production supplies and outputs as well as optimise the manufacturing process to minimise waste and increase efficiency.

What about the Nigeria healthcare industry businesses that are enjoying significant private investment? This private sector-led growth is producing data-driven hospitals and Health Maintenance Organisations (HMO).

Electronic records are replacing paper-based patient notes used by doctors, and the availability of electronic records provides the possibility for this data to be analysed in order to optimise healthcare delivery.

Edge computing can support the collection and analysis of patient records by hospitals and HMOs with the resulting data guiding patient care by hospitals and financial planning by HMOs.

Healthcare data can also be provided to patients to encourage the adoption of healthier lifestyles and reduce the need for repeated or prolonged hospitalisation.

Today, many Nigerian companies maintain a fleet of vehicles as staff buses, operational vehicles and status cars for executives.

Edge computing can significantly help to improve fleet management by helping to gather data such as vehicle location, speed, road and traffic conditions, weather and service cycles, which can enhance fleet planning and management.

Edge computing can also help to considerably improve workplace safety by analysing, in real-time, data from cameras, sensors and safety devices to alert businesses to potential or actual safety issues which can subsequently be proactively addressed to minimize accidents.

Tracking and analysing workplace safety data can also help businesses monitor compliance with safety protocols and provide a basis for the review of these protocols where necessary.

The potential applications of edge computing in Nigeria highlighted above are only a sample of the numerous ways in which Edge computing can significantly improve business operations and profitability in Nigeria. inq. Digital is proud to be at the forefront of Edge computing in Nigeria and I am incredibly optimistic about the opportunities that this technology can unlock for Nigerian businesses.

Valentine Chime is Managing Director, inq. Digital Nigeria

 


Kindly share this post

Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

General News

World Bank Blocks Social Media Comments from Nigerians over Loan Backlash

Published

on

Kindly share this post

World Bank has restricted comments on its Instagram page after thousands of Nigerians flooded the platform begging them to stop lending money to Nigeria.

World Bank Blocks Social Media Comments from Nigerians over Loan Backlash

The protest erupted after reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is seeking a fresh $1.25 billion dollar loan for approval on June 26.

Some Nigerians asked the World Bank to provide more details about the purpose of the loan and how the funds would be managed.

Others said the country should reduce dependence on foreign loans and focus on improving local revenue.

The federal government has continued to defend its borrowing plans.

Officials say the funds will support economic reforms, development projects and efforts to strengthen the economy.

Nigeria remains one of the major borrowers from the World Bank in Africa, with different administrations securing loans over the years for infrastructure, social programmes and economic support.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

General News

Lagos Plans New Cybersecurity Centre

Published

on

Kindly share this post

The Lagos State Government plans to establish a Cybersecurity Operations Centre to strengthen protection of government systems, digital services and citizen data amid rising cyber threats linked to the city’s expanding digital economy.

Tunbosun Alake, Lagos commissioner for innovation, science and technology, said the centre would help secure the infrastructure supporting online payments, e-government services, cloud platforms and technology-driven business operations across the state.

According to Alake, the facility will monitor, detect and respond to cyber threats targeting government networks, digital transactions and sensitive public data.

The move comes as Lagos accelerates its smart city agenda through investments in broadband infrastructure, digital identity systems and automated public services.

Alake said Lagos had already deployed 109 Data Protection Officers across Ministries, Departments and Agencies, which he described as the highest number among Nigerian states, to strengthen compliance with data protection regulations.

Alongside the proposed cybersecurity centre, the state also launched the Lagos Campus Network Upgrade project aimed at improving digital infrastructure within the public sector.

The upgrade is expected to improve network performance, automate internal government processes and enhance digital engagement with residents. The cybersecurity initiative follows the release of Lagos State’s cybersecurity guidelines in April.

The framework recommends measures including multi-factor authentication, vulnerability testing, encrypted backups and tighter endpoint security controls.

The guidelines align with Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act 2024, the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy 2021.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

General News

LG Electronics Strengthens Household Energy Efficiency in Nigeria with Advanced Inverter Refrigerator Solutions

Published

on

Kindly share this post

LG Electronics (LG) is reinforcing its commitment to smarter and more energy‑efficient living by spotlighting its range of inverter‑powered refrigerators designed to meet the evolving needs of Nigerian households.

As electricity costs continue to rise and inflationary pressures shape consumer spending, LG’s refrigerator portfolio is positioned as a practical solution that combines dependable performance with responsible energy consumption.

Refrigerators are among the most frequently used appliances in Nigerian homes, operating 24 hours a day and accounting for a significant share of household electricity usage. LG addresses this challenge through its proprietary Inverter Compressor technology, which intelligently adjusts cooling power based on actual usage conditions.

By reducing unnecessary energy draw, the system delivers stable temperature control while helping households lower energy consumption and manage monthly utility costs more effectively.

Beyond energy savings, LG refrigerators are designed to support food security and reduce waste, an increasingly important consideration for families navigating rising food prices. The inverter system enables faster cooling recovery after power interruptions and helps maintain consistent internal temperatures, preserving food freshness for longer periods. With fewer friction points in the compressor design, LG refrigerators also offer enhanced durability and long‑term reliability, minimizing maintenance costs over time.

LG’s energy‑saving refrigerator lineup includes Top Mount, Side‑by‑Side, and Door‑in‑Door models, each tailored to different household sizes, storage needs, and lifestyle preferences. The Top Mount refrigerators offer practical, space‑efficient designs ideal for everyday family use, delivering reliable cooling with optimized energy efficiency.

The LG GN-F452PFAQ model keeps food perfectly fresh with FRESH Converter+ that optimizes temperature as per food items and never runs out of ice with the Auto Ice Maker.

For households that require larger storage capacity and improved organization, Side‑by‑Side models provide generous interior space, improved visibility, and consistent cooling across compartments.

For more design‑conscious consumers, LG’s Door‑in‑Door refrigerators reduce cold air loss by allowing quick access to frequently used items, supporting both energy efficiency and long‑lasting freshness.

At the premium end, LG continues to innovate with advanced models such as the MoodUP™ refrigerator, which combines customizable aesthetics with functional energy‑saving features like the InstaView panel, allowing users to view contents without opening the door and reducing unnecessary cold air loss. This refrigerator comes with a washing machine as a bundle promotion.

According to LG, this range‑based approach reflects a deep understanding of how Nigerian households differ in size, consumption habits, and lifestyle needs.

“Nigerian consumers are becoming more intentional about how they use energy and manage household costs,” said Mr. Oktai Kim, General Manager, Home Appliance Solutions, LG Electronics Nigeria. “By offering a diverse range of inverter‑powered refrigerators, we are giving families the flexibility to choose solutions that suit their homes while delivering long‑term value through energy efficiency and dependable performance.”

Rather than focusing on technology alone, LG’s energy‑saving refrigerator portfolio emphasizes everyday benefits, efficient operation, reliable cooling, and designs that adapt to real living conditions. Available nationwide, LG refrigerators continue to support smarter living and economic resilience, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering durable, consumer‑focused home solutions for Nigerian households.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending