General News
Local Computer Systems are for Nigerian Environment – Balogun
Tunji Balogun is the managing director of Brian Integrated Systems, manufacturers of world class desktops and laptops as well as other computer accessories.
He is also, president, Computer and Allied Products Dealers Association of Nigeria, (CAPDAN) and the brain behind Balog Technology, distributors of computer products. Balogun is a member of many ICT associations; Balogun started his career in the ICT industry over 35 years ago with NCR Plc.
He spoke to peter ugwu, on issues concerning the relocation of Computer Village in Lagos to it permanent site among others.
Brian Computer in Stiff Competition
In Brian Computers we have competitive edge based on research and development (R&D).
We have maintained our leading role, coming out with systems that people want and the design they love.
We are driven by innovation, not seating in a place. We are abreast with technology and will keep fate with the people.
There is no reason why we cannot be in business. Our after sales service is second to none.
Our engineers are always ready to attend to issues as they arrive. In essence we adopted customer-centric approach, which is important to us.
If you place the foreign systems side-by-side local OEMs system they are the same thing, especially with the software.
We buy our hardware from the same manufacturers; the difference among brands like HP, Dell and Brian is the final customization.
Honestly speaking, our systems go through some stringent measure when it comes to Quality Control (QC). We make sure that every part put in use is tested to adapt to the Nigerian environment before they are fused into the systems.
There is no foreign brand that can flaw any of the local brands because we all operate in the same market, using the same models and equipment to manufacture. We even go above board to ensure they are adaptable to the Nigerian environment.
Brian’s Partnership Ventures
We have executed a number of partnership programme like in River State. We have finished that and put it behind us.
Currently we have other projects with NCC, State Governments and other agencies. We are growing and moving forward.
Building Hardware
Building of hardware is a huge capital project. It is not like building mobile phone casing. That is a different project.
If you are in the business of building phone casing or cover, that is a particular specialization and different from building systems. We are concentrating on building systems; that is Brian Laptops and Desktops and we will focus on that.
Relocation of Computer Village
We are hopeful on the process, however presently we are not aware of the direction things are going on the movement of the Computer Village.
So, we cannot make categorical statement on how the movement is going to be.
CAPDAN Not Carried Along by the Lagos State Government
The piece of information we have presently is on the architectural design. Meanwhile, we have been working with the Agencies of the Lagos State Government involved in the process like the Ministry of Environment.
We have made ourselves clear on how we want the process to be, particularly on the appointment of the contactor to handle the project. We have short listed about four builders we believe are competent to give us the kind of structure needed in the new ICT hub.
Any of them chosen is supposed to execute the contract. That is the level I can say the process is now.
The State Government is yet to give us the final builder penciled to commence work at the site.
CAPDAN’s Decision to Shortlist Contractors
There are some infrastructural developments we look forward to see in that place. Is not like the State Government cannot provide a competent contractor to handle the project, but as partners in progress we are permitted to make contribution to that effect. We know what we want.
To be honest with you, we have seen the drawing and have made our input known. It is not about building a replica of what we have in the present Computer Village. What we need is an ICT park.
The new village is supposed to house all shop owners, offices, warehouses and other important platforms we have presently.
We also look forward to have training centres, banks, schools, police posts; in fact, a clear departure from what we currently have. The village is going to be an international ICT hub or edifice.
Customers’ Readiness to Visit the New Park
Well, some people have called the place a remote area, but looking at it, it is on the heart of Lagos.
Not only that, it stand by the major road; about five minutes drive to the airport. We have been partaking on the process from the beginning. So, we are not going to lose our customers.
They know the quality of services and products we offer them at the village, which we are going to ensure we maintain the quality at the new place.
It is not about new centres springing up in Lagos, most of the people opening centres outside the Computer Village received their training here. When the centres are coming up we see it as a welcome development.
This shows that we are really working.
Thus, quality services and low charges we offer to the customers will always remain incentives to drive the market. Computer Village remains the largest concentration of computer sellers and buyers in ICT industry in the whole of West Africa region, if not Africa as a whole.
Possibility of the Project Turning to White Elephant Project
Well, personally, I am not skeptical of Lagos State Government’s decision or actions concerning the project.
We are optimistic and CAPDAN as a body believes so much in the administration of Babatunde Raji Fashola that the project will see the light of the day. As far as we are concerned, this Government does not say what it does not want to do. More so, the engagements we have had with them show that everything is in good fate.
However, I think the government wouldn’t want to do anything that is not below the aspirations of operators at the Computer Village.
And they are not going to do anything putting us behind, because we have every right to reject any work that does not meet our expectations or if we are not integrated into the process. You cannot shave a man’s head at his back.
Feelings of Your Members about the Project
They are very enthusiastic about the relocation plans. I think so, firstly, the advantages we will deliver upon movement to the new site are numerous.
Like the rent, it is not going to be what is obtainable at this present computer village and they have option one to buy and own the shops there. As they become the landlords, then we can be able to control the environment.
Unlike what we have here, ‘area-boys’ (touts) everywhere.
The environment at the present Computer village is not conducive for business, so we applaud what the Lagos State Government is trying to do. In the first place, this is not a business environment rather residential quarters.
But due to pressure and the geometrical growth in information and communications technology in Nigeria the place couple with its strategic position in Lagos, was turned a business district.
Not by the government but the business people and their landlords. We should expect the kind of commotion we witness here; an environment built initially for business.
However, we have been partnering the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Environment and task-force boards to ensure there is sanity in the area.
So, when everybody is working, CAPDAN executives have not rested on their oars to ensure our members are peaceful. Meanwhile, it is left for other agencies like the State Security Service (SSS) and the local government to come to the aide of the computer village.
Multi-national IT Companies Buying into the Process
Actually, we do not have to go after them, they have no option that to come after us. We are talking about an ICT park that will have buyers coming from different places to transact business in a more conducive environment.
Most of these multi-nationals cannot find their bearings into the market if we are not there. Should they decline to move along as the process progresses, they may not find where to start marketing or showcasing their products; so they need us. I strongly believe that we are not going to be at their mercy.
General News
AfDB, AfCFTA Unite to Unlock $3.4 Trillion Continental Market Through Strategic Infrastructure Development
The African Development Bank Group, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and Africa50 have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to catalyse infrastructure development across the continent and unlock the full potential of the largest free trade area in the world since the establishment of the World Trade Organization.
Signed at the Africa50 General Shareholders Meeting in Maputo, the tripartite agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation in identifying, designing, constructing, and maintaining critical infrastructure projects that will enhance intra-African trade, accelerate regional integration, and drive digital transformation across the continent’s market of 1.3 billion people.
Currently, intra-African trade accounts for just 15–18% of total African trade, compared to 68% in Europe and 59% in Asia. The new partnership between the three institutions aims to dramatically increase this figure by addressing the infrastructure gaps that currently constrain trade flows across African borders.
It will prioritise developing multimodal transport corridors, cross-border infrastructure, logistics hubs, ports, and airports to seamlessly connect African markets and reduce the cost of doing business across borders.
Recognising the transformative power of the digital revolution, the partners will also work together to establish cutting-edge data centres and digital trade platforms, enabling African businesses to compete in the global digital economy.
“The African Development Bank has played a lead role in supporting the development and operation of regional economic corridors throughout the African continent by investing over $55 billion in the last nine years to develop road corridors, ports, railways, and expand power pools to interlink countries and boost trade,” said Solomon Quaynor, the Bank’s Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure & Industrialization.
Specifically, the Bank invested over $8 billion across 109 cross-border, economic corridors, and infrastructure projects between 2014 and 2024
He added: “The tripartite agreement between the AfCFTA Secretariat, the African Development Bank, and Africa50 underscores the paramount importance of realizing the full potential of the AfCFTA single market with its combined annual GDP of $3.4 trillion through the establishment of transport infrastructure.”
Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50, emphasized that the agreement will support “the development and financing of trade-enabling infrastructure to boost intra-African trade, one of the continent’s greatest endeavours.”
The partnership will operate on six strategic pillars: ensuring alignment with the AfCFTA Agreement and regional policies; jointly identifying bankable projects; mobilising capital through innovative finance mechanisms; establishing robust tracking systems; encouraging stakeholder dialogue; and integrating environmental, social, and governance standards throughout project lifecycles.
The three-year memorandum of understanding will be operationalised through detailed joint work plans and specific implementation agreements that will define projects, timelines, and financing arrangements. Technical working groups will be established to ensure effective coordination among the partners and alignment with national and regional development priorities.
Speaking on a panel at the Africa50 event, Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area, said: “In the global context, we are facing an unprecedented challenge in Africa.
“But this challenge is a unique opportunity for Africa; it is a wake-up call for us that we have to invest in our institutions, in infrastructure, and our skills. Infrastructure development is at the heart of trade and is a prerequisite to doubling intra-African trade to 25% by 2030.”
Vitel Wireless, Nigeria’s first Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) has entered into partnership with Slot Systems Limited for distribution of its SIM cards and other gadgets around the country.
Chudi Nwabueze, managing director, Vitel Wireless who described the partnership as a defining moment for his company said Vitel Wireles’s purpose is clear: to transform connectivity in Nigeria through innovation, affordability, and seamless access.
Nwabueze, who spoke in Lagos recently at the official engagement with Slot said Vitel Wireless, as the nation’s first Mobile Virtual Network Operator is committed to creating smart, reliable solutions that break down barriers to communication and make it easier and more cost-effective for people to stay connected anytime, anywhere.
“This partnership with SLOT is a meeting of shared values and vision. By combining our innovative mobile services with SLOT’s extensive retail presence, we are making Vitel Wireless SIM cards and the connectivity they offer more accessible than ever before. Customers will now be able to purchase, register, and top-up their SIM cards conveniently within their own communities.”
He described the collaboration as more than just distribution, ”it is about empowering people. It is about bridging the connectivity gap with technology, accessibility, and affordability at the heart of everything we do.”
Nwabueze further explained Vitel Wireless SIM card is a location technology awareness card. It can track whereabouts of a person. This information can help the police, on official demand, in case of unfortunate incident.
He said the disadvantages of tracking a person’s whereabout outweighs the advantages.
He explained that access code is given to another person for tracking.
“We operate as a core network and we have integrated with all the major networks in Nigeria, including international calls. So, on a simple language, we are a GSM company, that you do call, SMS, data and we offer more value like safety. And the good news is that we are spread out in the 36 States plus Abuja FCT in Nigeria.
Digital Realty Nigeria, a carrier-neutral data centre operator, will be launching its ServiceFabric® platform alongside opening of its new LKK2 Data Centre in Lagos today.
ServiceFabric Platform in Lagos Nigeria, aligned with Digital Realty’s commitment to enabling seamless global interconnectivity for businesses, providing enterprise customers in Nigeria with the ability to connect whenever, wherever, and to whoever they need to.
Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, managing director, Digital Realty Nigeria, said that the presence of ServiceFabric in Lagos will support the growing demand for hybrid IT and multi-cloud connectivity, empowering businesses with a secure, software-defined interconnection platform.
Located in the nearby coastal area of Lekki, LKK2 adds nearly 2MW of installed IT capacity across nearly 13,000 square feet of data hall space, supporting the growing demand for scalable, high-performance infrastructure across Nigeria and the broader region. LKK2 will be interconnected with Digital Realty’s existing LKK1 facility, which serves as the landing station for the 2Africa subsea cable, offering customers seamless access to the cable’s 46+ landing points in 33 countries across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
The integration of LKK2 with the 2Africa cable landing station at LKK1 enables businesses in West Africa to leverage low-latency connectivity and reliable access to global cloud and network services. This setup supports improved application performance and enhances access to international digital ecosystems through a carrier-neutral platform.
This new facility integrates with ServiceFabric®, Digital Realty’s global interconnection and orchestration platform, ensuring low-latency, high-throughput connectivity to local, regional, and international destinations. Through ServiceFabric®, LKK2 will interconnect with LOS1, the region’s top internet peering point, and LOS2, Digital Realty’s highly connected data centers located on Victoria Island in Lagos.
Together, this ecosystem delivers robust resilience, redundancy, speed, and scale for enterprise and hyperscale customers seeking to expand into a fast-growing digital market, ensuring continuous, reliable operations.
“LKK2 is a significant milestone in our journey to support digital transformation in Africa,” said Ike Nnamani, Managing Director, Digital Realty in Nigeria. “Our continued investment in Nigeria and the broader African region reinforces our commitment to enabling seamless global interconnectivity and providing a future-ready infrastructure platform for local and global enterprises.”
This strategic expansion reinforces Digital Realty’s commitment to advancing Africa’s digital transformation by delivering the infrastructure and connectivity needed to support innovation and growth across the continent. Recently ranked number one in Africa on Cloudscene’s Data Center Ecosystem Leaderboard, the company continues to cement its position as a leading enabler of the continent’s digital future. With the exponential growth of data and the acceleration of digital initiatives across the region, LKK2 provides the additional capacity which enterprises and content providers need to grow, scale, and connect – wherever and whenever they need to.
LKK2, due to become operational later this year, will support both local enterprises and multinational organizations seeking reliable, secure, and interconnected infrastructure in Africa.
NCC, Wikimedia Nigeria Discuss Responsible Access to Creative Works in Digital Space
Interpol Sting Sniffs Out Cyber Crime in Nigeria, Others
ATCON Commends FG for $2Bn “Project Bridge”, Pledges Support
Miden Systems Drags Bank to Court over Alleged Forgery, Misappropriation
MTN Restores Services After Planned Network Maintenance in Parts of Adamawa, Borno, and Kano
E-Financial1 day agoFBNQuest Merchant Bank Facilitates Landmark ₦5Bn Commercial Paper Programme for Accion Microfinance Bank
E-Business1 day agoNDPC Begins Probe of Banks, Others for Data Breaches
Telecom1 day agoDigital Realty Commits to Africa’s Digital Transformation @ Launch of LKK2 Data Center
Telecom1 day agoIntel–U.S. Partnership Reshapes Semiconductor Landscape with Historic Equity Agreement
E-Financial1 day agoUBA to Deepen Financial Inclusion, Boost Savings’ Culture with Super Savers’ Promo
Telecom1 day agoNITDA Alerts Nigerians to eSIM Security Flaw Deployed to Hijack Devices Worldwide
E-Financial1 day agoNigeria Leads Africa in Stablecoin Adoption with $22Bn in Transactions
E-Financial1 day agoFidelity Bank Resumes Intl Transactions on Naira Debit Cards