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Local Computer Systems are for Nigerian Environment – Balogun

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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.


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EAIF Commits Additional US$30M to Support Indorama’s Expansion with Third Urea Plant in Nigeria

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The Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), a Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) company, has committed a US$30 million senior debt facility to Indorama, a leading producer and exporter of fertiliser.

The investment enables the construction of a new plant, port terminal, handling stations, and storage facilities in Nigeria, providing a major boost for the country’s agricultural sector, which is a crucial driver of the country and region’s economic growth.

EAIF acted as a co-lender within a broader debt financing package arranged by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), mobilising US$1.25 billion from a syndicate of impact investors, development finance solutions, and commercial banks.

EAIF’s investment increases the Fund’s lending to the company to $111 million, reflecting a joint-ambition to accelerate Indorama’s growth strategy and Nigeria’s aspirations for diversification and industrialisation.

The new funding unlocks fresh capital to enable the construction of a dedicated port terminal and state-of-the-art urea fertiliser plant, anticipating an increase in its current capacity from 2.8 million metric tons to 4.2 million metric tons per annum.

The expansion leverages the company’s strategic location as a freight-competitive supplier serving the needs of significant urea markets in the southern Atlantic, including Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, as well as West Africa, South Africa and the USA.

The facility bolsters Indorama’s capacity, extending its complex beyond the current two urea fertiliser plants, which is well poised to meet the entire demand of the Nigerian market.

The third urea plant aims to maximise output to meet the food demands of growing populations as disruptions precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine crisis affect food security around the globe.

Global crop production is reliant on the international supply of fertiliser. The landmark project is expected to position Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, as a leading producer of urea among the top 10 producers worldwide.

Contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals 8 and 9 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, EAIF’s loan forms part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) objective for new infrastructure to drive action on climate and nature.

The construction of the port terminal and third plant is set to begin in 2024, with commercial operations expected to commence in 2026. During the construction phase, it is estimated that over 500 jobs will be generated, further contributing to economic development in Nigeria and beyond.

Commenting on the transaction, Olivia Carballo, Managing Director, Emerging Market, Fixed Income at Ninety One, the fund manager of the EAIF, said: “Our continued support for Indorama demonstrates EAIF’s commitment to harnessing the region’s significant economic prospects.

Africa’s potential for industrialisation is tremendous, and this landmark project is a testament to Nigeria’s enhanced ability to produce and export competitively priced, high-quality fertiliser to farmers in regional and international markets, which will remain a priority for years to come.”

Munish Jindal, CEO, Indorama, said: “Indorama will utilise state-of-the-art technology and adhere to stringent environmental standards to ensure optimal efficiency, product quality and sustainability.

We believe that the establishment of this fertiliser will position Nigeria as a key player in the global agricultural market. We are committed to maximising the potential of this project to benefit farmers, communities, and stakeholders across the value chain.

The involvement of esteemed lenders like the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund will not only help Nigeria’s in becoming one of the largest exporter of the fertilisers in the region but will also address the issues of global food security. We extend our sincere appreciation to all our partners, lenders, and stakeholders for their unwavering support and dedication to our shared vision.”

Sérgio Pimenta, IFC Vice President for Africa, said: “Reliable access to high quality fertiliser is essential for food production and food security around the world. IFC’s investment in Indorama, along with African, Asian, European, and American partners, signals our joint commitment to support the agriculture sector, Nigeria’s economy, and the expansion of Indorama, an important supplier in the global food chain.”


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Lifi.net Achieves 500mbps Speed to Rank among Fastest Internet Providers in Nigeria

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Lifi.net, a fast-growing internet service provider, has attained internet speed that is many times faster than the documented average internet speed in Nigeria as at January 2024.

Lifi.net Image

Latest disclosure by LIfi.net shows that the company now delivers up to 500 megabits per seconds (mbps) internet speed in unlimited services provided to homes and offices. This is higher than the country’s average internet speed of 26.74mbps.

As internet subscriber base increases in Nigeria and hit 161.68 million in January, the quality of internet service provided by operators to their users still constitutes concerns as 2G network which has limited speed dominates the space by covering 57.78%.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealed through its latest data that while 3G is responsible for 9.36% of internet users in the country, 4G covers 31.75% of internet access and 5G internet only serves 1.11% of internet users in the country.

This combination explains why Nigeria ranked 93rd on the global mobile internet speed test out of 144 countries tested by Ookla, a U.S-based internet speed analysis firm, in January, putting the country’s median internet speed at 26.74 megabits per second (mbps).

However, Lifi.net (NT/007/22), a licensee of NCC, is among few Internet service providers (ISPs) that deliver fastest internet speed in Nigeria with up 350mbps for homes and 2500mbps for offices while assisting new ISPs with speeds over 5000mbps at the data centre and delivering the capacity to their various hubs at no extra cost.

“For over five years Lifi.net has been a leading network company, providing quality internet solutions at the speed of light and at affordable rates. We have highly technical and hard-working personnel and partners. We are very skilled at managing Cisco and Mikrotik Routers’ deployment, configurations, and integrations, fibre laying, and splicing,” says Abraham Oluwambe, Chief Operating Officer of Lifi.net.

He added that as operators attract more subscribers to their respective networks, they should equally place a premium on upgrading the quality of services to deliver broadband at the fastest internet speed possible.

“Our services are not only widespread but also affordable. We believe in making quality connectivity accessible to all. We understand the importance of budget-friendly solutions. Our cost-effective broadband plans ensure you get the best value for your investment without compromising on quality.

“While providing high-speed and reliable broadband connectivity, operators may choose the floor or the peak performance of its service. At Lifi.net, we always go for the latter,” he said.


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Our 2023 Ads Safety Report

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By Duncan Lennox, VP & GM of Ads Privacy and Safety

Billions of people around the world rely on Google products to provide relevant and trustworthy information, including ads. That’s why we have thousands of people working around the clock to safeguard the digital advertising ecosystem. Today, we are releasing our annual Ads Safety Report to share the progress we’ve made in enforcing our advertiser and publisher policies and to hold ourselves accountable in our work of maintaining a healthy ad-supported internet.

The key trend in 2023 was the impact of generative AI. This new technology introduced significant and exciting changes to the digital advertising industry, from performance optimization to image editing. Of course, generative AI also presents new challenges. We take these challenges seriously and will outline the work we are doing to address them head-on.

Just as importantly, generative AI presents a unique opportunity to improve our enforcement efforts significantly. Our teams are embracing this transformative technology, specifically Large Language Models (LLMs), so that we can better keep people safe online.

Gen AI Bolsters Enforcement 

Our safety teams have long used AI-driven machine learning systems to enforce our policies at scale. It’s how, for years, we’ve been able to detect and block billions of bad ads before a person ever sees them. But, while still highly sophisticated, these machine learning models have historically needed to be trained extensively – they often rely on hundreds of thousands, if not millions of examples of violative content.

LLMs, on the other hand, are able to rapidly review and interpret content at a high volume, while also capturing important nuances within that content. These advanced reasoning capabilities have already resulted in larger-scale and more precise enforcement decisions on some of our more complex policies. Take, for example, our policy against Unreliable Financial Claims which includes ads promoting get-rich-quick schemes. The bad actors behind these types of ads have grown more sophisticated. They  adjust their tactics and tailor ads around new financial services or products, such as investment advice or digital currencies, to scam users.

To be sure, traditional machine learning models are trained to detect these policy violations. Yet, the fast-paced and ever-changing nature of financial trends make it, at times, harder to differentiate between legitimate and fake services and quickly scale our automated enforcement systems to combat scams. LLMs are more capable of quickly recognizing new trends in financial services, identifying the patterns of bad actors who are abusing those trends and distinguishing a legitimate business from a get-rich-quick scam. This has helped our teams become even more nimble in confronting emerging threats of all kinds.

We’ve only just begun to leverage the power of LLMs for ads safety. Gemini, launched publicly last year, is Google’s most capable AI modeI. We’re excited to have started bringing its sophisticated reasoning capabilities into our ads safety and enforcement efforts.

Our Work to Prevent Fraud and Scams

In 2023, scams and fraud across all online platforms were on the rise. Bad actors are constantly evolving their tactics to manipulate digital advertising in order to scam people and legitimate businesses alike. To counter these ever-shifting threats, we quickly updated policies, deployed rapid-response enforcement teams and sharpened our detection techniques.

  • In November, we launched our Limited Ads Serving policy, which is designed to protect users by limiting the reach of advertisers with whom we are less familiar. Under this policy, we’ve implemented a “get-to-know-you” period for advertisers who don’t yet have an established track record of good behavior, during which impressions for their ads might be limited in certain circumstances–for example, when there is an unclear relationship between the advertiser and a brand they are referencing. Ultimately, Limited Ads Serving, which is still in its early stages, will help ensure well-intentioned advertisers are able to build up trust with users, while limiting the reach of bad actors and reducing the risk of scams and misleading ads.

  • A critical part of protecting people from online harm hinges on our ability to respond to new abuse trends quickly. Toward the end of 2023 and into 2024, we faced a targeted campaign of ads featuring the likeness of public figures to scam users, often through the use of deepfakes. When we detected this threat, we created a dedicated team to respond immediately. We pinpointed patterns in the bad actors’ behavior, trained our automated enforcement models to detect similar ads and began removing them at scale. We also updated our misrepresentation policy to better enable us to rapidly suspend the accounts of bad actors.

Overall, we blocked or removed 206.5 million advertisements for violating our misrepresentation policy, which includes many scam tactics and 273.4 million advertisements for violating our financial services policy. We also blocked or removed over 1 billion advertisements for violating our policy against abusing the ad network, which includes promoting malware.

The fight against scam ads is an ongoing effort, as we see bad actors operating with more sophistication, at a greater scale, using new tactics such as deepfakes to deceive people. We’ll continue to dedicate extensive resources, making significant investments in detection technology and partnering with organizations like the Global Anti-Scam Alliance and Stop Scams UK to facilitate information sharing and protect consumers worldwide.

Investing in Election Integrity

Political ads are an important part of democratic elections. Candidates and parties use ads to raise awareness, share information and engage potential voters. In a year with several major elections around the world, we want to make sure voters continue to trust the election ads they may see on our platforms. That’s why we have long-standing identity verification and transparency requirements for election advertisers, as well as restrictions on how these advertisers can target their election ads. All election ads must also include a “paid for by” disclosure and are compiled in our publicly available transparency report. In 2023, we verified more than 5,000 new election advertisers and removed more than 7.3M election ads that came from advertisers who did not complete verification.

Last year, we were the first tech company to launch a new disclosure requirement for election ads containing synthetic content. As more advertisers leverage the power and opportunity of AI, we want to make sure we continue to provide people with the greater transparency and the information they need to make informed decisions.

Additionally, we’ve continued to enforce our policies against ads that promote demonstrably false election claims that could undermine trust or participation in democratic processes.

Overall 2023 Numbers

Our goal is to catch bad ads and suspend fraudulent accounts before they make it onto our platforms or remove them immediately once detected. AI is improving our enforcement on all these fronts. In 2023, we blocked or removed over 5.5 billion ads, slightly up from the prior year, and 12.7 million advertiser accounts, nearly double from the previous year. Similarly, we work to protect advertisers and people by removing our ads from publisher pages and sites that violate our policies, such as sexually explicit content or dangerous products. In 2023, we blocked or restricted ads from serving on more than 2.1 billion publisher pages, up slightly from 2022. We are also getting better at tackling pervasive or egregious violations. We took broader site-level enforcement action on more than 395,000 publisher sites, up markedly from 2022.

To put the impact of AI on this work into perspective: last year more than 90% of our publisher page level enforcement started with the use of machine learning models, including our latest LLMs. Of course, any advertiser or publisher can still appeal an enforcement action if they think we got it wrong. Our teams will review it and, in the cases where we find errors, use it to improve our systems.

Staying Nimble and Looking Ahead

When it comes to ads safety, a lot can change over the course of a year: the introduction of new technology such as generative AI to novel abuse trends and global conflicts. And the digital advertising space has to be nimble and ready to react. That’s why we are continuously developing new policies, strengthening our enforcement systems, deepening cross-industry collaboration and offering more control to people, publishers and advertisers.

In 2023, for example, we launched the Ads Transparency Center, a searchable hub of all ads from verified advertisers, which helps people quickly and easily learn more about the ads they see on Search, YouTube and Display. We also updated our suitability controls to make it simpler and quicker for advertisers to exclude topics that they wish to avoid across YouTube and Display inventory. Overall, we made 31 updates to our Ads and Publisher policies.

Though we don’t yet know what the rest of 2024 has in store for us, we are confident that our investments in policy, detection and enforcement will prepare us for any challenges ahead.


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