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.