A digital development agency, Aggital Works, has called on the government to provide grants and support for digital agencies to accelerate innovation and drive economic growth in the tech sector.
The agency’s founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Oghoghozino Otefia, made this appeal at the opening of a new office located at B4-313 HFP East line Shopping Complex, Abraham Adesanya, Ajah, Lagos after nine years.
Otefia said: “The digital industry in Nigeria is largely self-funded, and many agencies rely on foreign investments or venture capital to survive. This shouldn’t be the case. The government needs to support local digital agencies with grants and incentives to help us innovate and build ecosystems that benefit the economy. We also need clear and supportive policies that foster growth, not bureaucracy that stifles innovation.”
He explained that the lack of local funding has placed undue pressure on businesses to secure resources externally, creating a dependency on foreign investors.
“It’s only when you get funding from abroad that the government starts to notice you. But why wait? We have the talent and ideas right here. All we need is support to bring these ideas to life,” he added.
Recounting the company’s beginnings in 2016, Otefia detailed how persistence and innovation transformed a modest start into a thriving business.
“We started from my house, then moved to a rented space. Today, we own our office. It’s been a journey of hard work and faith, and we are grateful to God for how far we’ve come,” he said.
The company has built a reputation for helping businesses transition to the digital age. A pivotal moment came when the team secured a project with a major client.
“They doubted our sustainability, but after successfully executing the project, we gained their trust. Now, they are one of our biggest supporters,” the founder shared.
The agency’s product, Ushoppen is a website builder tailored for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It simplifies e-commerce by allowing businesses to create websites, list products, and manage sales without technical expertise.
“Our goal is to make digital tools accessible to everyone. Unlike other platforms, we don’t charge transaction fees, making it affordable for SMEs to thrive online,” he explained.
The founder revealed the company’s ambitious five-year plan, which includes reaching five million users through Ushoppen and expanding its services to cater to SMEs nationwide.
While Ushoppen is currently the agency’s flagship product, the team plans to diversify and explore new industries, including real estate and digital services. “We’re constantly evolving to meet market needs. Affordability and accessibility will always be at the core of what we do,” Otefia said.
Reflecting on challenges encountered when starting up, the founder highlighted difficulties in hiring skilled talent and securing significant projects.
“Initially, we hired friends and family to save costs, training them from scratch. Over time, we’ve learned to balance serving high-end clients with catering to a broader audience,” he said.
He also emphasized the need for more government support for digital agencies.
“The tech industry needs grants to unlock its potential. Relying on foreign funding isn’t sustainable. The government should invest in local talent and innovation,” he urged.
Praying during the opening of the new office, Dr Austine Dairo congratulated the team, referring to the milestone as “marvelous in our sight” and expressing gratitude for the divine support that guided the process.
“The success of this venture reminds us that unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain,” Dr Dairo remarked, emphasizing the spiritual foundation of the company’s journey.
The event was a reflection of teamwork, faith, and commitment, leaving attendees inspired by the company’s strong values and promising future.
Congratulations poured in for the CEO and team, who have set a solid foundation for continued growth and success.
