General News
Local Content Plan will Boost Domestic OEMs – Onawola
Bolarinwa Onawola, is chief operating officer, Brian Integrated Systems Limited, a 100% owned Nigerian company with a factory for the assemblage of high quality and reliable its branded desktops, laptops, netbooks and classmate computers.
It recently launched a Windows Tablet in partnership with Intel & Microsoft.
Onawola spoke to peter ugwu on Brian’s plan for mobile devices market, among other industry issues.
OEMs in Nigeria
The main thing is that Nigerians are still after foreign brands, not minding that there are competitive brands developed locally by Nigerians.
That has been an undoing to the original equipment manufacturers. We should consider the fact that before those brands enter our markets; they usually look at their own market.
But we are not deterred by that. We are rolling out and it is our believe that the local content drive of the Ministry of Communication Technology, the policies, programmes and deliberate actions been taken will help push locally made IT equipment into the market.
OEMs and Low Standard Products
Nigerians should know that gone are the days any company would want to gamble with its fortunes. Recently, I was in a conference organized by the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), we were discussing issues relating to standards and how the gap can be bridged.
With what SON said, I think they are working towards ridding the market of fake standards. As a company you wouldn’t want to be caught napping; meeting the standard is a must, if you want to sustain your business in the contemporary business world.
SON was at our lab few days ago, to assess our products and processes and we got top rating for it. No doubt, there are still some sub-standard good in Nigeria, but the level such good penetration in the market is being checkmate.
Local Manufacturing
Presently, we assemble computer products. However, we are working towards building a world class factory in a short period, where we can manufacture the computer components in Nigeria.
It will take the market by surprise; although there are others who could boost of that already, but we are looking at a plant that will drive employment generation in the country, and add value to the country’s economy too.
There are challenges why companies actually delay in setting up plants in the country. The issue of power is still there, multiple taxations, but what we are thinking is that partnership is a good idea for businesses to grow, however, for the countries that produce these products, how did they get started.
They started from somewhere; basically from research and development. We need to put more resources and drives towards research and development.
A wealthy country is not the one that consumes, rather the one that produces. In the case of Brian, that is what we intend to achieve. We want to produce locally, for us and others. Our drive is to start in Nigeria and take such Nigerian brand to other parts of Africa. For us to do that, we need to invest heavily in research. We have mentors we need to follow for guidance.
R&D in Nigeria
Let me start by reminding us that oil and gas market is pass through a phase that it might not rise to compete with IT on the global market.
How do I mean, IT now provides the currency for any nation to measure in the global competitive market. To diversify our economy means infusing IT into the facets of the economy. Unfortunately, we are not doing enough as regards R&D.
We are not there yet. Until we realize that no country succeeds consuming, we will not get there. It might be capital intensive, but we need to put in the capital now. Today is the right time to invest on developing the R &D for the sake of the future generation.
Software Industry
India today has not drip of oil, but the Software market is worth over $70 billion per annum. We need to wake up to the fact that the IT industry is a big industry. I see it as becoming bigger than the oil and gas, both in the global and local scenes.
While oil is dwindling, IT is just increasing. Of course, in the early 20th Century, you didn’t get to hear about students in the Universities studying building applications, but now they do. It is a step in the right direction, but all we need to do is that, not just the government, rather collective measures to encourage the youths.
We need specialized courses tailored into developing apps. Recently, I was in a commercial bus and besides me was a lady. Before she boarded, as the bus was approaching the bus stop she was penning something down. When she joined us, she continued. That got me thinking; I was able to understand that she was putting pen on paper regarding an application the team was working on; the processes to develop the apps. That tells you the resilience of an average Nigerian youth.
People are beginning to tap into that area of ICT sector. All we need to do as a nation is to encourage them. We have the human resources to achieve whatever we want to achieve in the sector.
We need to start experimenting theories we have heard all these years. It is unacceptable that a Computer Science graduate he might not know the rudiments of Computer Science. I think our school curriculum should be reviewed to the school curriculum to catch the youths at their prime age and tailor their minds to the happenings in the ecosystem.
Why Brian Tablet?
We wanted a device that is portable and everybody can recognize and go along with; a device that will give user comfort even while in office, because it suites their work.
Through that, it makes increases the productivity level of the users. It also enables people to play due to the fact it has a combination of work and pleasure. These happen even on the go.
Differentiating Brian Tab from Others
Apart from the fact that it supports users to be productive, there are salient features in it. The RAM is 2GB, the memory size is 32GB and expandable to 64GBs.
It comes with Bluetooth, keyboard, that makes the operating very easy. You might want to detach it or use it together with the magnetic keyboard and it stands.
With the HDMI, you do not need to move about with your projector. The tab is built that you can have a seamless presentation with it. All you need to do is connect the HDMI cord to an enabled HDMI television or device and it comes live.
Another salient feature we considered will building the tablet, we thought people will have the need to print any document developed or downloaded into the device, without necessarily transferring it to anywhere such as flash drive.
We were able to achieve that, you can be able to print from any printer through the device. We made provision for a port and the connecting cable; anything that has USB port will work perfectly with it.
Market Penetration Drives
Since Nigeria is our home, for now, we need to start from here. But I can tell you that we are looking beyond the shores of the country.
We are studying the African markets and will penetrate those markets as the needs rise. By then, we have seen the good news and how it works.
At the moment, we are not relenting in making sure it becomes a well known brand and device. And I can confirm to you that there is no part of the country we are not gaining ground. We are moving from both in the corporate, industry; penetrating educational institutions too.
Partnership with Intel & Microsoft
What we wanted is a sector that is IT driven. We are moving into schools to register our strong presence, because the educational institutions are working towards IT compatibility.
To achieve that, we need giants in the industry to work with. Intel and Microsoft are global brands that are relevant to what we are doing based on their operational principles.
So, we do not want the teachers be left out, because this is a generation where students are getting smarter due to the obvious reasons of availability of smart devices that are internet enabled.
E-Learning Pack
That is one of the peculiarities we are pursuing, e-learning. We have a locally tailored application called C-fox that can be used by teachers and students alike. It has recommended courses which makes it easier for users to teach or learn.
Brian Initiatives in The Market
We started from the desktops to laptops and then now to Windows tablet. The name Brian is a known brand, because we started from the days of old with our branded laptops, desktops and we are following the dynamics of the market.
Now, everybody is going micro; they want something small they can go along with, not necessarily to large that they need to drop it somewhere to operate. That has impacted our current line of products. And we are looking at the peculiarities of this environment. For instance, the Windows Tablet, the battery life is eight hours.
Power is still an issue in our environment, and here is a device that you can be able to use when you want to use it. So, we have positioned the battery lifespan to last longer; you can work, go on break, and resume, with the device being there for you.
Federal High Court in Lagos has declined Access Bank Plc’s request to freeze the bank accounts of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc over a disputed N180.95 billion debt claim linked to a long-expired infrastructure-sharing deal with now-defunct Multi-Links Telecommunications.
Justice Akintayo Aluko, ruling on an ex parte application filed by Access Bank and three companies in receivership, Multi-Links Telecommunications Limited, Capcom Telecoms Limited, and Cyancom Limited, refused to issue an interim order freezing MTN’s funds.
The judge held that MTN must first be given an opportunity to be heard before any such drastic action is taken.
Access Bank, through its counsel Mr. Kunle Ogunba (SAN), had requested an interim injunction restraining MTN from withdrawing or tampering with funds across all its accounts in Nigeria up to the amount of N180.95 billion.
The bank claimed this figure represents a long-standing debt owed by MTN to Multi-Links.
As part of the orders sought, the applicants also requested that all financial institutions in Nigeria be directed to disclose, under oath, the balances in MTN’s accounts within seven days.
The suit, marked FHC/L/CS/1004/2025, essentially sought to lock down MTN’s funds pending the determination of the main suit.
However, Justice Aluko ruled that, while the plaintiffs presented a seemingly compelling case, MTN must be allowed to respond.
“Due to the peculiar nature of the case and the potential implications of the orders sought, especially in light of MTN’s correspondence marked ‘MTN 17,’ the defendant must be heard before any orders are granted,” the judge said, according to ThisDay Newspaper.
The court ordered MTN to appear and show cause within five days, with the case adjourned to June 23, 2025, for further proceedings.
According to Nairametric, at the heart of the dispute is a fibre-sharing agreement between MTN and Multi-Links dating back over a decade, sources say.
The deal gave both parties “irrefutable rights of use” of each other’s fibre infrastructure for 10 years, expiring in 2024.
However, due to financial and operational setbacks, Multi-Links reportedly underutilised MTN’s infrastructure while MTN made significant use of Multi-Links’ network.
As Multi-Links spiralled into financial distress, the company went into receivership under the control of Diamond Bank. Before it folded, Multi-Links attempted to sell its fibre assets to MTN, but negotiations collapsed over pricing disagreements.
Years later, a company named Hoop Telecoms emerged, claiming to have acquired Multi-Links’ fibre infrastructure. However, Hoop reportedly disclaimed any responsibility for Multi-Links’ past liabilities. Despite this, the company billed MTN nearly N170 billion, retroactively charging for years prior to its supposed acquisition of the assets.
MTN flatly rejected the demand, estimating its actual obligation under the original agreement at just over N1 billion.
The telecoms firm also took the matter to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which reportedly found that Hoop Telecoms lacked a valid telecom licence and thus had no legal standing to make such claims.
The situation grew more complex after Access Bank acquired Diamond Bank in 2019, thereby assuming control of Multi-Links’ receivership. According to sources familiar with the case, Access Bank aligned itself with Hoop Telecoms’ claims and pushed for a legal settlement, which MTN resisted.
One insider told Nairametrics that several vested interests, including political actors, saw the claim as an opportunity to pressure MTN into a payout.
“There was talk that pushing MTN to pay could benefit everyone involved,” the source said. “But MTN stood its ground and sought legal protection.”
Caught in this web of legal and commercial ambiguity, MTN sought a court’s protection.
But to the company’s surprise, Access Bank approached a court seeking a Mareva injunction, a legal order to freeze MTN’s accounts across Nigerian banks to the tune of N180.95 billion. Such orders are typically issued when a plaintiff fears the defendant may dissipate assets to frustrate judgment enforcement.
Insiders suggest that Access Bank may not have been fully briefed on the intricate history and legal background of the Multi-Links-MTN arrangement and might now be reconsidering its position.
According to one source, MTN and Access Bank have since opened lines of communication to explore an amicable resolution of the matter.
The judge’s refusal to grant the Mareva injunction offers MTN some short-term relief, but the legal battle is far from over.
The company now has until June 23 to respond formally and argue why the court should not freeze its accounts.
MTN declined to comment when contacted, stating that the case is subjudice. Access Bank has yet to respond to Nairametrics’ enquiry as of press time.
While the final outcome remains to be seen, the case raises deeper questions about the enforcement of legacy telecom agreements, the legal risks around receivership claims, and the influence of non-commercial interests in high-stakes disputes.
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved a financing package of up to $184.1 million to support the development of the Obelisk 1-gigawatt solar photovoltaic project and 200MWh battery energy storage system in Egypt, which will be Africa’s largest solar power plant.
Located in Qena Governorate in southern Egypt, the project entails the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of a photovoltaic power plant with an integrated battery energy storage system. The Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company will be the sole off-taker under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement.
The project’s total cost is estimated at more than $590 million. The Bank Group’s financing package includes $125.5 million of ordinary resources, as well as concessional funding from Bank Group-managed Special Funds the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) worth $20 million, and the Canada-African Development Bank Climate Fund ($18.6 million), a partnership of the Bank Group and the Government of Canada.
A further $20 million will come from the Climate Investment Funds’ Clean Technology Fund, with additional financing to be mobilized from a consortium of development finance institutions.
Under Egypt’s Nexus of Water, Food, and Energy (NWFE) platform, Obelisk has been granted a Golden License by the government, which recognizes it as a strategic initiative that will contribute to addressing Egypt’s energy constraints and advancing its energy transition.
Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, said “the Obelisk solar project is another important milestone for Egypt under the energy pillar of the NWFE program which has since its launch in November 2022 at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh delivered 4.2 GW of privately financed renewable energy investments, worth about $4 billion, with the support of partners such as the Africa Development Bank.
“The goal of NWFE’s energy pillar is to add 10 GW of renewable energy capacity with investments of approximately $10 billion, and phase out 5 GW of fossil fuel power generation by 2030.”
The project, expected to be fully operational by the third quarter of 2026, will generate an estimated 2,772 gigawatt-hours of clean, reliable, and affordable energy annually to the national grid. The battery energy storage system will help meet peak evening demand with renewable power while also mitigating the variability of solar power generation.
The project is expected to reduce annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by approximately one million tons and create about 4,000 jobs during construction and 50 permanent jobs during operation, with a special focus on women and youth employment.
“Obelisk is another landmark development under NWFE that leverages on Egypt’s and the African Development Bank’s leadership as well as commitment to harnessing the country’s renewable energy to enhance the resilience of the country’s energy supply to meet its fast-growing energy demand sustainably,” said Kevin Kariuki, African Development Bank Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth.
“This project also contributes to Egypt’s ambition of producing 42 percent of its power generation capacity from renewable energy sources by 2030 while spurring economic growth and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,”
Ambassador of Canada to the Arab Republic of Egypt Ulric Shannon said: “Canada is proud to support solar energy development in Egypt. This initiative is a meaningful step toward enhancing energy security and stability, with direct benefits for the Egyptian people.
“We are pleased to collaborate with the African Development Bank and other partners in supporting Egypt’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.”
The Obelisk Solar Project aligns with the African Development Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy, its New Deal on Energy for Africa, and its Country Strategy Paper for Egypt as well as SEFA’s strategic framework which aims to accelerate African countries energy transition by increasing the share of renewables and catalyzing commercial capital mobilization in the power sector. The project also advances Egypt’s commitment to achieve 42 percent generation capacity from renewable energy sources by 2030.
“This project exploits the abundant renewable energy potential in Africa and demonstrates how strong partnerships and innovative solutions contribute to balancing three core objectives in the energy sector, namely energy security, affordability, and sustainable economic development,” said Wale Shonibare, Director of Energy Financial Solutions, Policy, and Regulation at the African Development Bank. “It has high potential for replicability across the continent.”
Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGOF) and the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) have pledged to deepen collaboration in key national development areas, including geospatial data infrastructure, satellite technology, communication sector regulation, and population census operations.
This was the outcome of a high-level meeting held on Tuesday at the headquarters of OSGOF in Abuja, where Abudulganiyu Adeyemi Adebomehin, surveyor General of the Federation, received Dr. Matthew Adepoju, director general of NASRDA, and his management team.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by Henry David, head, Information and Public Relations, Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation, titled ‘SGOF Pledges To Support NASRDA For Optimal Performance.’
According to the statement, the discussions at the meeting focused on the impact of upstream and downstream operations in Nigeria’s communication sector, challenges of mast proliferation near residential areas, and the broader implications for public health. Both agencies expressed concern over the unregulated installation of communication infrastructure and its potential link to rising cancer rates.
“The downstream sector of communication companies involves placing signal-receiving stations within living communities, which poses significant health risks due to radiation,” the two agencies said in a joint position. “Co-location of infrastructure, as practised in developed countries like the UK and US, should be adopted here to reduce radiation exposure.”
The two agencies called for stronger regulation of telecommunication operators, noting that television and radio signal disruptions—commonplace in Nigeria—are largely due to a lack of oversight, a situation that does not persist in countries with stringent telecom regulations.
Addressing issues of national data management, the agencies stressed the critical need for collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPC) in the upcoming national census. “Without the input of NASRDA and OSGOF, the census will remain speculative,” they jointly noted.
On geospatial data, both parties resolved to work together to strengthen the National Geospatial Data Infrastructure, which they described as vital for national planning and development.
In his remarks, Surveyor General Adebomehin expressed firm support for NASRDA’s initiatives. “I will defend NASRDA to the best of my ability. If you need software engineers, we have capable hands here,” he said. “Keep encouraging your staff. Behind every successful organisation in the world, you will find Nigerians. We are in full support of your mission.”
Adebomehin urged NASRDA to engage the Presidency directly in acquiring high-precision satellite systems. “You need a satellite that can deliver accuracy of less than 10 centimetres,” he said. “This will reduce the government’s losses from MDAs sourcing satellite services externally.”
Duniya Magaji Joseph, director of Geodesy at OSGOF, called for improved inter-agency collaboration, especially with the military. “Anytime the military collaborates with OSGOF, the outcome is always better,” he said. “We need to overcome the tendency to work in silos driven by funding concerns and instead focus on joint advantages.”
NASRDA’s DG, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, said his agency is working with the Ministry of Steel Development on mineral exploration projects, including the identification of new sites for raw materials such as steel and limestone. He stressed the importance of OSGOF’s technical input in these initiatives.
“We’ve agreed to support the Ministry of Steel Development in identifying new resource locations,” Adepoju said. “But I don’t want NASRDA to go it alone. We want OSGOF fully involved so that roles are clearly defined, and the synergy is more impactful.”
To mark the visit, NASRDA presented symbolic gifts, including a plaque and a vest, to the Surveyor General in appreciation of OSGOF’s commitment to partnership.
The meeting, held in Abuja, concluded with both agencies reaffirming their shared mandate to support national development through technology, data integration, and inter-agency cooperation.
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