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Nigeria Apps Developers Individually Motivated, Economically Starving

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Tobi Asehinde, chief executive officer, Vibe Web Solutions Limited,
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Mobile Apps are really changing the way people communicate, work and play. At the global level, app development has grown into a massive, profitable industry estimated to be worth over 120 billion dollars by 2016, according to Ovum and Gartner, who hinted also that apps are winning over mobile web.

Even in Nigeria, the trend is catching-on, but challenges before apps developers are innumerable.

Most of the publicity and media spotlights currently fall on superstar consumer apps like such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, BBM, etc.

These success stories have certainly highlighted the massive scale and revenue potential of mobile apps, reaching from zero to billions of users in record-breaking time.

Recently, market research firm, Gartner, estimates that this year alone, mobile users across the globe will pay more than $25 billion to buy “mobile applications”, games, social net-working tools, productivity and entertainment-based mini programmes for mobile phones despite the fact that 80 per cent of these will be free downloads this year.

So far, apps have become the business with the fastest turnaround time in the software industry.

Of course, the obvious success of international apps like twitter, facebook, WassApp, EverNote, etc, has contributed to lure young Nigerians to the space.

These have helped people who have ideas see how that one simple app can become a global player in business. Now, people are taking apps or software development as a career.

Although, it is one that still in its infancy, but about five years ago it was not, probably, as common and for obvious reasons. We have seen App brands like BudgIT, Traclist, Efiko, Jobs In Nigeria, WeCyclers, Genii Games and Maliyo Games come out from Co-Creation Hub Nigeria and they are trending.

However, the state of technology, generally, in Nigeria is still not a way of life.

That whole space of application development or software industry is one that is gradually growing, because people are beginning to see more, opportunities that exist.

The odious task of making people realize how important it is to their lives holds the fulcrum to swing the ball afar.

There are glisters of hope in the industry.

For instance, Mr. Tobi Asehinde, chief executive officer, Vibe Web Solutions Limited, told Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, that there is a huge potential in app development in the Nigeria Market, especially the mobile applications because of the presence of low cost smartphone manufacturers that run Android OS.

Etching to 200 million connected lines and over 132 million active lines according to NCC statistics, it is unarguable that mobile application development has a huge potential.

Well, this is a good market share number for any mobile application owner to leverage on.

Asehinde cited TNS Africa and Middle statistics which shows that 25% of mobile line subscribers use smart phone meaning, developing an app relevant to this 25% which a population of over 25 million people is already a ready market and bargaining power. “The interesting part of the trend is that this number is growing exponentially every year,” he said.

Essentially, consumer apps are trending, however, the game changers will become enterprise apps, as organisations of all shapes and sizes are integrating mobile apps within their business processes.

This mobilisation creates a demand for off-the-shelf or custom mobile apps and services, translating into new and bigger opportunities for mobile app developers.

The Vibe Web’s CEO subscribed to this as “growing number of businesses now depend on apps like Box, Evernote and Trello to help them be more productive in their work.

Enterprises are now allowing employees to use the apps they love at work, inside the corporate Intranet. These are fanning up the desires in many young Nigerian developers to queue-in and make changes in our environment”. 

Statistics are hard to come by on the financial worth of the Nigeria’s apps market, however, Mr. Tunji Eleso, director of Incubation, Co-Creation Hub (Cc-Hub), Nigeria also told Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, optimistically that, there are prospects that soon locally developed apps will fly at the international arena, creating employments, and will shoot up the IT contributions to the nation’s gross domestic project exponentially.

He believes the notion that app publishers that target business and productivity markets have a much better chance of generating sustainable revenue than those targeting consumer markets.

“We should not forget that, although, about four year ago everybody was interested in cloning. For instance, Facebook for students, Facebook for Nigerians or Facebook for traders, it became quite obvious that it will not work, because Facebook is unique; they have the power and machinery to make it a global business. Gradually, people are shifting away from that towards solving local problems. That is why we are seeing a lot of prospects on applications that can compete globally,” he added.

He swiftly affirmed that prospects in the industry revolve round identifying challenges in one’s immediate environment, regional, Africa as a Continent; then the global relevance cannot be denied.

Eleso said, “For instance, the Tropal app, a fitness and life-style application has the potentials to serve the global market, because it is helping in galvanizing a community of people who are interested in fitness. That is locally identifiable problem, but it can be easily spotted across the globe. The truth is that scalability of the business is important; if you must play at the international arena, you cannot just be locally minded.

On how apps developers make their money, Mr. Yinka Adenaike, application Service Delivery Manager of Vibe Web Solutions Limited, said making money as a app developer is very straight forward, “you either charge for developing for others or you develop one for yourself targeting a good market niche and leverage on numbers of users of your app to get advertising revenues however, if your app is an essential tool then you can charge for each download. Basically you can even go as far charge for subscription especially if it is a mobile application for a magazine”.

But, Eleso thinks enterprise application is an interesting area. Apparently, a lot of people are not very aware of it for obvious reasons.

“So, when you have a solution that works, you need the link to be able to get into the organizations. For those in the consumer-goods-service such as good tracking, and things like that, are what people are thinking of doing. Therefore, the right network to get into places like the oil and gas industry to help with their operations or the banking sector; some people are doing it for a while, but in the current dispensation, a few people are beginning to think about enterprise apps as the way forward. Even though the market pays, but it is a very smaller market that requires technical know-how and the ability to know link up,” he added.

Literally speaking, there have been interventions to help app developers heave sigh of relief, nevertheless, the journey has not been palatable for start-ups, basically for societal misunderstanding of the relevance.

For example, the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Communication Technology launched the National ICT Incubation Programme tagged Information Technology Developers Entrepreneurship Accelerator (iDEA) in Lagos and Cross River States; original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Samsung, Nokia, Tecno, and data & cloud management companies like Google, IBM, Microsoft, and network providers-MTN, MainOne, etc., have at some points intervened.

More so, private incubation hubs are not giving up, yet it remains a drop of water in an ocean.

As shocking as it may sound, Nigeria cannot boost of having at anytime, 50-100 app developers working on a particular project at same time.

To add insult to the injury, many government agencies are out of touch with technology, thus, they view anyone coming around as a threat.

Mr. Peter Ihesie, chief executive officer of ComplurTech, told Nigeria CommunicationsWeek how the Nigerian Police Force and societal disbelieve initially truncated the launch of iPolice app. iPolice was developed by Ihesie and his team last year as a community policing application.

Ihesie, while alluding to the growth potentials of the industry, said, “I will say that the industry is gradually growing. People are beginning to appreciate the importance of apps and with the increase in adoption of mobile devices especially the low cost devices that are hitting the market. We foresee a lot more adoption. It has been encouraging compare to what it has been in the last three years.

The future of the industry lies on the shoulders of the younger generation. They are growing up, meeting the mobile devices. They way they interact with the devices, is entirely different from the way the older generation do.

We are looking at the exactly the way they are going: gaming, enterprise; in any case, the industry has shown glisters of a multi-million dollar strength in Nigeria.

“The issue we had in the process of developing i-Police app revolved around data. It is a data intensive application. It is a personal security application that allows users access to all police contacts, emergency numbers of all the States; security situations around your neighbourhood: office, home, in fact, it is a community policing app. But the issue of data gathering to feed the app was challenging.

“If you go to the websites of relevant agencies you can get enough facts, figures or current issues addressed. Even when we contacted some police stations, they were like we are treats to them, but this is such an app they need to make their operations easy.

“Organizations that understand that technology has come to stay are now open to change. That is why those who got the hint earlier are ahead of others. For instance, GTBank is one that understands the essence of mobile apps and they quickly integrated it into their system. Today, they are recognized as the smartest bank in Nigeria. No sector should be left behind”.

To Eleso, scaling is a challenge and will continue to pose challenges in the sub-sector, because the know-how is still the biggest challenge in the market.

“Skills: people having the fundamental skills to tackle challenges and the skills to build or turn them to what people can consume. It is the biggest challenge because our university system is still not really producing talents at the rate that will help the ecosystem scale. Those we are celebrating like IrokoTv, IbakaTv, Jobberman, etc, are self-motivated. They took the time, burnt the mid-night candles to learn what they are producing today. That is not a scalable model; what we need is such that from the Secondary School level people are taught.

“That way they can take the skills and build things. I don’t think I have a team of 50-100 developers working on a particular solution. The truth is that you cannot find them in that kind of number. To develop a solution for global relevance requires a lot of skills, the OEMs giving trainings and for people to see apps or software development as a career”.

Speaking from experience, Adenaike backed up Eleso’s remarks, hence he said, the challenges faced by mobile developers are mainly around (organic) discovery and acquisition as well as retention and monetization.

“However,” he said, “This is a core issue that depends on your business idea, strategy and customer lifecycle marketing strategy. The problem here is that many app developers focus on acquisitions only rather than a process that put all four into consideration discovery, acquisition, retention and monetize. The major or end goal is to monetize, however, the idea needs to be one that would bring people back to your app, it has to be essential or encourage retention then only would your discovery and acquisition strategy yield good returns and numbers for monetizing”.

Way forward

Just as it is with social apps, it’s about analytics with mobile apps. “When you’re competing with hundreds of thousands of other mobile apps (and short user attention span), you need to figure out the essential triggers quickly.

What appeals to your highest lifetime value (LTV) users–that is, those who are more likely to spend and spread the word about your product with their friends and family? How can you keep them more engaged? What makes them return? You need to answer these questions and leverage on them,” Adenaike.

Actually, Nigeria expect that in the next three to five years the IT industry would have tripled its contribution to the nation’s GDP, because it is one area youths can be engaged.

With the right support and mentoring, it can become a very viable force for employment generation, which is another area we must look at beyond contribution to the GDP.

Also, like Eleso said, “The more you create interesting applications; technology becomes a way of life for the general masses. People still do not consume technology as a way of life and that needs to happen. The sub-sector has potentials to rival other sectors of the economy”.

It still falls back on education, education and education, which remains the currency to buy a lucrative tomorrow. Universities should start thinking of replacing boring lecture sessions with CodeCamps, to say the least.

 


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Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

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Artificial Intelligence: The Indispensable Catalyst for Nigeria’s Agricultural Revolution

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By Diana Tenebe, Chief Operating Officer, Foodstuff Store

Nigeria’s agricultural sector, a cornerstone of its economy, faces a critical crossroads. While employing a staggering 40% of the population and holding over 84 million hectares of arable land, the industry is hobbled by deep-seated challenges. Low productivity, a fragmented supply chain, poor infrastructure, and a lack of access to financial services are just a few of the hurdles that prevent the sector from reaching its full potential. Coupled with the unpredictable and severe shocks of climate change—from prolonged droughts to devastating floods—these issues threaten the food security of a rapidly growing population.

Diana Tenebe

To truly transform this vital sector, a new approach is needed, one that moves beyond traditional methods and embraces the power of technology. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just a futuristic buzzword; it is the imperative for Nigeria’s agricultural revolution. AI holds the key to unlocking higher yields, building resilience, and fostering an inclusive and sustainable food system that can feed a nation and drive economic growth.

The most immediate impact of AI is in the area of precision farming. By integrating AI with technologies like Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, drones, and satellite imagery, farmers can gain an unprecedented understanding of their land. AI-powered systems can analyse real-time data on soil moisture, nutrient levels, and plant health, providing actionable insights for targeted interventions. For instance, smart irrigation systems can optimize water usage, a critical resource in a country facing increasing water scarcity. AI-enabled drones can survey vast farmlands in minutes, identifying early signs of pests or disease and allowing for precise application of pesticides, reducing chemical use and cost. Early trials of these technologies in Nigeria have already demonstrated significant gains, with some reports showing a remarkable 60-70% increase in crop yields.

Climate adaptation is another area where AI’s role is indispensable. Nigeria’s farmers are on the front lines of climate change, enduring erratic rainfall and extreme weather events. AI can provide a shield against this volatility. By analyzing historical weather data and real-time forecasts, AI models can offer accurate, localized predictions. This allows farmers to proactively adjust their planting schedules, select climate-resilient crop varieties, and plan for potential risks, effectively mitigating the devastating impact of droughts and floods.

The economic benefits extend far beyond the farm gate. A significant portion of Nigeria’s agricultural produce is lost due to an inefficient and fragmented supply chain. AI can streamline logistics, optimize transportation routes, and enhance inventory management. By reducing spoilage and waste, AI ensures that more of what is harvested reaches the market, thereby boosting the incomes of farmers and providing a more stable supply of food for consumers. The success of Nigerian agritech companies like Crop2Cash, which has reportedly helped over 500,000 farmers increase their income by up to 70%, demonstrates the tangible economic impact of these technologies.

AI is a powerful tool for promoting financial inclusion and education. Millions of smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Nigerian agriculture, are often excluded from formal financial systems due to a lack of collateral and credit history. AI-driven fintech solutions can bridge this gap by assessing creditworthiness using alternative data, making it easier for farmers to access the loans and insurance they need to scale their operations. AI-powered mobile apps and chatbots can also serve as virtual extension agents, providing personalized advice on best farming practices, pest control, and crop management, democratizing knowledge and empowering farmers to make better decisions.

Despite this immense potential, the journey towards widespread AI adoption is not without its hurdles. High upfront costs for AI-enabled equipment, a general lack of understanding and experience with these tools, and a preference for traditional methods are all significant barriers. Furthermore, infrastructural gaps, including poor roads and inadequate storage facilities, hinder the seamless implementation of these technologies. Data availability and computational capacity are also key challenges that need to be addressed.

However, the Nigerian government and a burgeoning ecosystem of agritech startups are already paving the way forward. The government’s vision is articulated in initiatives like the National AI Strategy, which aims to establish AI research centers and support R&D. Programs such as the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme (NAIRS) and the NITDA AI Developers Group are building the necessary skills among entrepreneurs and farmers. Strategic partnerships between government bodies, financial institutions, and innovative startups are creating localized solutions that are tailored to the unique conditions of Nigerian agriculture.

Ultimately, AI is not a luxury but an imperative for Nigeria to unlock its agricultural potential. Its successful integration will transform the role of the farmer from a manual laborer to a strategic planner and overseer of a smart, efficient, and sustainable food system.

By investing in infrastructure, fostering strategic partnerships, and prioritizing education and capacity building, Nigeria can harness the power of AI to feed its people, drive economic prosperity, and secure its place as a leader in the African agricultural revolution.


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How to Avoid NIN Portal Lockout under New Restrictions — NIMC

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National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced new restrictions for users accessing its self-service modification portal, introducing tighter security controls that may lock users out if not properly followed.

How to Avoid NIN Portal Lockout under New Restrictions — NIMC

In a statement issued on Thursday, Dr Kayode Adegoke, head of the Commission’s Corporate Communications Unit, NIMC, the agency revealed that self-service accounts are now restricted to the specific browser and device originally used during account registration.

“Your self-service account is uniquely tied to the browser and device used during registration. Access to your account is therefore limited to that specific browser on that particular device,” the statement reads.

The Commission explained that the changes are part of broader efforts to enhance data protection and preserve the integrity of the National Identification Number (NIN) system.

NIMC warned users that attempting to log in with a different browser or device may trigger access issues. “Additionally, clearing a browser’s cache may reset its identity, which could also result in the user being locked out.

“If this occurs, the account will require an unlinking process to regain access,” it added.

To further tighten access control, NIMC also announced a limit on the number of unlock attempts permitted per account.

“Once your browser and device are locked, you are permitted a maximum of five unlock attempt requests. Please be advised that no further requests will be processed after this limit is exceeded,” the Commission stated.

These new rules come as part of ongoing reforms in the NIN service delivery framework, including a recent 75 per cent increase in the cost of correcting a date of birth on the NIN database, from N16,340 to N28,574.


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FG Unveils Visa Application Platform to Eliminate ID Fraud, Unauthorized Agents

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Federal government has launched a groundbreaking e-visa application platform aimed at curbing identity fraud and eliminating the influence of unauthorized agents in the visa processing system.

FG Unveils Visa Application Platform to Eliminate ID Fraud, Unauthorized Agents

The new platform, unveiled by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), is designed to streamline visa applications, enhance security, and ensure a transparent, user-friendly process for both citizens and international visitors.

The initiative, announced on Wednesday, comes in response to growing concerns over fraudulent activities in visa applications, including document forgery and exploitation by unlicensed agents.

The platform integrates advanced identity verification technologies, leveraging the National Identity Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to authenticate applicants.

This move aligns with the government’s broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem and restore trust in its immigration processes.Speaking at the launch event in Abuja, Kemi Nandap, comptroller-general of the NIS, emphasized the platform’s role in modernizing Nigeria’s visa system.

“This is a significant step toward eliminating fraud and ensuring that only verified individuals can apply for visas. The days of middlemen exploiting applicants are over,” Nandap stated.

She added that the platform would provide a seamless experience, allowing applicants to submit documents, track their applications, and receive real-time updates from anywhere in the world.

The e-visa platform, accessible via the NIS website, incorporates biometric authentication and real-time data cross-referencing with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

This ensures that all applicants are verified against Nigeria’s national database, significantly reducing the risk of identity theft.

Additionally, the platform eliminates the need for physical submissions at embassies or consulates, cutting down on bureaucratic delays and reducing opportunities for corrupt practices.

The launch has been met with mixed reactions. While many have praised the government’s efforts to modernize and secure the visa process, some applicants have expressed concerns about accessibility, particularly for those in rural areas with limited internet access.

The NIS has responded by announcing plans to establish support centers across the country to assist applicants with the online process.

The platform’s introduction follows reports of widespread visa fraud, with a 2023 report claiming that Nigerian visa applications were being rejected abroad due to suspicions of forged documents.

The new system aims to address these issues by centralizing and digitizing the application process, making it harder for unauthorized agents to operate.

The Federal Government has also partnered with private tech firms to ensure the platform’s cybersecurity and scalability.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Interior, the system is expected to process over 500,000 visa applications annually, boosting Nigeria’s tourism and business sectors by making the country more accessible to legitimate travelers.

 

 

 

e scammers,” the statement added.


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