Tag: technology

For Victor Daniyan, a techpreneur runs Nearpays and Yourrider, two business entities that provide solutions to teething problems confronting businesses and also at the forefront of technology and innovation. He spoke with Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

What inspired your interest in building solutions that address everyday economic activity in Africa?

Growing up in Nigeria, I saw firsthand how everyday people struggled with basic financial transactions – from sending money to family to paying for goods at markets. A pivotal experience was working with a local fintech startup early in my career, where I saw the power of tech in solving these everyday economic challenges. Witnessing how simple innovations could make transactions faster, cheaper, and more secure sparked my passion for building solutions that address real economic pain points in Africa. It’s about making economic activity easier for everyone.

Your company operates without extra hardware. How does this lower barriers for Nigeria’s informal sector and small businesses?

Our hardware-free approach is a game-changer for Nigeria’s informal sector and small businesses. By letting merchants turn their smartphones into POS terminals, we’re slashing upfront costs and tech hurdles – no expensive hardware needed. This means market vendors, street traders, and small shops can accept digital payments instantly, boosting sales and efficiency. It’s about meeting them where they are: on their phones, in their businesses. This drives financial inclusion and unlocks growth for the informal sector, which is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.

Nearpays softPOS offering lower fees than traditional POS terminals is a huge relief for businesses grappling with rising costs in Nigeria. With inflation biting and operational expenses soaring, every naira counts – and by reducing transaction fees, we’re helping businesses keep more of their hard-earned money. This is particularly crucial for small and medium enterprises with thin margins; lower fees mean they can invest more in growth, stock, or even just staying afloat. It’s about easing the burden and letting them focus on what matters: serving customers and growing their business.

You’ve mentioned Kaizen as a guiding principle. How does continuous improvement manifest in the day-to-day operations of Nearpays and Yourrider?

Kaizen is more than a buzzword for us; it’s how we breathe. At Nearpays and Yourrider, continuous improvement is woven into our DNA. Every team member is empowered to suggest tweaks, big or small, to our products, processes, or customer interactions. We have “Kaizen Fridays” where teams focus on refining something specific – whether it’s streamlining our onboarding flow or enhancing a feature. It’s about making small, consistent improvements that add up to a big impact.

This mindset trickles into everything we do. For example, our dev team constantly iterates on our softPOS platform based on user feedback, pushing updates that make transactions smoother or adding features like offline payments. Customer support teams feed insights back into product design. It’s a loop of listening, iterating, and improving. By fostering this culture, we stay agile, responsive, and always pushing to make payments and energy access better for our users.

What drives your ongoing commitment to financial inclusion and access through technology?

I’m driven by the belief that technology should serve everyone, not just the privileged few. Seeing how financial exclusion holds back individuals, businesses, and entire communities in Africa – it stays with you. Our mission is to break those barriers, making financial services accessible and affordable for all.

With tech as our tool, we’re pushing boundaries to include the underserved, empower entrepreneurs, and fuel economic growth from the ground up. It’s about building a future where everyone participates, transacts, and prospers.

With over 60,000 SMEs using your platform, why is now the right time to scale AI-driven payments across Africa?

With over 60,000 SMEs on our platform, I believe now is the right time to scale AI-driven payments across Africa because we’ve cracked the code on trust, scale, and tech readiness. Our SMEs have shown us that simplicity, security, and speed drive adoption – and AI takes these to the next level. By leveraging AI for smarter fraud detection, personalized services, and seamless transactions, we can supercharge financial inclusion and meet the continent’s growing demand for digital payments. Africa’s young, tech-savvy population is ready; our job is to deliver solutions that make sense.

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Awards like GITEX highlight global recognition. How do such accolades reflect your journey and ambitions for Nearpays?

Awards like GITEX are a huge validation of our team’s hard work and vision. It’s not just about the recognition; it’s about knowing we’re on the right track in solving real problems for Africa and beyond. These accolades reflect our journey of pushing boundaries in fintech and energy access, and they fuel our ambitions to do more – to scale impact, innovate relentlessly, and put Africa on the global tech map. It’s a nod to our users, partners, and team; we’re just getting started.

Payments and EV charging are seemingly different sectors. What synergies do you see between the two in Africa’s emerging markets?

I see massive synergies between payments and EV charging in Africa’s emerging markets. Both are about enabling transactions for critical services – payments are the lifeblood of commerce, and EV charging is the fuel for the future of mobility. In Africa, where cash is still king but digital adoption is rising fast, integrating payments into EV charging ecosystems is a natural fit. Imagine drivers paying for charging via mobile money or merchants offering charging services and accepting digital payments – we’re building the rails for this future.

The bigger synergy is in solving infrastructure gaps. Africa’s EV adoption is nascent, but with leapfrog tech, we can shape the narrative. By marrying payments with EV charging, we enable pay-as-you-go models, reduce upfront costs, and drive adoption. Our softPOS tech, for instance, can turn any merchant into a potential EV charging point. It’s about creating an ecosystem where energy access, mobility, and payments converge to unlock new opportunities.

What is your vision for the intersection of fintech and clean energy in Africa?

My vision for the intersection of fintech and clean energy in Africa is one of explosive growth and impact. I see fintech as the enabler of Africa’s clean energy revolution – powering solar home systems, EV charging networks, and pay-as-you-go energy solutions through accessible, affordable digital payments. By bridging energy access gaps with smart financial services, we can drive mass adoption of clean tech, empower households and businesses, and leapfrog traditional infrastructure hurdles. It’s about creating a future where energy access fuels economic growth and inclusion.

Babatunde Esanju is a senior software engineer, open-source contributor, and technology entrepreneur. In this interview with Gbenga Bada, he talks about his career and other issues. Excerpts:

Your career spans multiple industries, such as LegalTech, FinTech and CareTech. What drives your passion for exploring different sectors, and how do you see technology bridging gaps across these fields?

I have always been fascinated by how technology can solve real, everyday problems. That curiosity has taken me from LegalTech to FinTech and now CareTech. In law, my goal was to ease processes for lawyers and banks. In finance, I wanted ordinary people to access tools like remittances and investments. In care, my focus is on enabling carers to spend more time with people rather than paperwork. What ties these industries together for me is simple: people struggling with inefficiency, and technology helping to close that gap.

At LawPavilion, you enhanced case management systems for major banks. Can you share some insights into the challenges you faced and how you overcame them to achieve a 40 per cent reduction in case processing time?

The biggest challenge was fragmented information. A single case often involved paper files, countless emails, and disconnected systems. Professionals were wasting time chasing documents instead of resolving cases. We built a platform that consolidated everything, automated repetitive tasks, and delivered real-time updates. Naturally, there was initial resistance to change, so I personally led training sessions and highlighted small wins. Once users experienced the time savings firsthand, adoption followed; and that’s how we achieved a 40 per cent reduction in processing time.

Your work on the Loan Management Portal at LSETF was said to have increased productivity. What specific features or innovations contributed to this success, and how do you think such platforms can be scaled for broader impact?

At LSETF, manual processes were slowing everything down. Loan officers were buried in spreadsheets, which delayed funds for entrepreneurs. We built a digital portal to handle applications, credit scoring, and repayments automatically. Productivity rose by a wide margin because staff could focus on decision-making rather than paperwork. The bigger vision is scaling platforms like this across Africa to give small businesses faster, easier access to funding.

As the Chief Technical Officer of Gen Financial Limited, you led the creation of Wyrr and GenCapita. What inspired these platforms, and how do you see them contributing to financial inclusion in Africa?

Wyrr was personal. I had family and friends abroad losing significant amounts to remittance fees just to support loved ones at home. That frustration inspired me to create a cheaper, faster way to transfer money. GenCapita came from another gap I observed. Young professionals wanted to invest globally but lacked access. By opening that door, we gave everyday Africans the same opportunities as investors in London or New York. Both projects were ultimately about financial inclusion and dignity.

At QOOP, you are said to have designed a Buy Now, Pay Later platform that increased revenue. What lessons did you learn from that project, and how do you think BNPL solutions can be optimised for different markets?

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The biggest lesson was that BNPL is less about the tech and more about trust. We created a transparent system; no hidden fees, flexible repayment schedules, and fair risk scoring. That trust drove adoption and revenue growth up. I also learnt how local context shapes success. In Nigeria, repayment systems tied to salaries or cooperatives worked best. In the UK, the focus was on regulation and transparency. Financial products only succeed when they respect cultural and market realities.

As co-founder and CTO of Aisiki, you built a logistics and agriculture-tech platform that greatly reduced food waste. Can you tell us more about the challenges you faced in developing this platform and its impact on the agricultural supply chain?

The problem we wanted to solve was heartbreaking: farmers losing tons of produce, because there was no efficient system connecting them to buyers or transport. We built a platform that matched farmers with buyers and optimised delivery routes. The challenge was low digital literacy among farmers, so we kept the app mobile-first, simple, and available in local languages. Seeing food waste drop by 90 per cent and farmers earn more was one of the proudest moments of my career. It wasn’t just about technology, but transforming lives.

You’re leading development on Caresyntra, a care management platform. How do you think technology can improve care services, and what specific features are you focusing on to modernise compliance and communication?

Caresyntra has shown me how much carers carry; from compliance paperwork to scheduling and patient updates, all while striving to provide quality care. We built digital records, automated compliance checks, and tools for seamless communication between managers, carers, and families. One feature I’m particularly proud of is real-time updates: when a nurse logs a medication, families see it instantly. For me, it’s about using technology to restore dignity and efficiency in care.

At TixTrack, you are said to have built enterprise-grade ticketing systems. What are some of the key technical challenges you’ve encountered, and how have you addressed them to ensure scalability and performance?

Ticketing is high-pressure because thousands of people can try to buy tickets in seconds. Without the right systems, everything can collapse. At TixTrack, we implemented distributed caching, asynchronous messaging, and scalable cloud infrastructure. Fraud prevention was also critical, so we built strong validation layers. Looking back, I’m proud not just of the technical solutions, but of the fact that millions now enjoy a smooth, stress-free ticket-buying experience.

Your open-source project, PayBridge.SDK, simplifies payment integration for developers. What inspired you to create it, and how do you see it benefiting the developer community?

It came from my frustration as a developer. Every time I integrated a new payment gateway, I found myself repeating the same tedious steps. I thought, “There has to be a better way.” So I built PayBridge—a single SDK offering a consistent API that saves weeks of work. Making it open-source was important to me because I wanted others to benefit as well. It’s about freeing developers to focus on building real value instead of reinventing the wheel.

Through your technical blog, tundehub.dev, you share insights on microservices, cloud computing, and more. What motivates you to contribute to the developer community, and how do you think knowledge sharing can drive innovation?

I started the platform because I’ve learnt so much from blogs and open resources myself. Sharing my experiences felt like a way to give back. Writing also sharpens my own thinking. If I can explain microservices or cloud architecture simply, it means I truly understand it. Knowledge sharing saves others from repeating the same mistakes, and that’s how innovation spreads more quickly.

With TechNaija FM, you’re amplifying voices in fintech, edtech, and digital transformation. What goals do you have for this platform, and how do you see it contributing to the tech ecosystem in Africa and the UK?

It began as a passion project to spotlight African innovators who don’t always get recognition. Over time, it has grown into a bridge between Africa and the UK, where I’m based. My goal is to evolve it beyond a podcast into a hub for networking, mentorship, and collaboration. The most rewarding part is hearing young people say, “I listened to your show and now I believe I can do this too.” That’s impact.

Your work has touched many. What do you believe is the most impactful aspect of your career, and how do you measure the success of your projects?For me, impact isn’t just about numbers; it’s about stories. It’s the farmer who earned more because his produce reached buyers in time, the young professional who invested for the first time through GenCapita, the fan who bought a ticket stress-free because the system didn’t crash. Metrics matter, but it’s those human outcomes that stay with me. That’s how I measure success.As someone with expertise in FinTech, open source, and community building, what do you see as the most pressing challenges in these fields, and how do you think they can be addressed through technology and collaboration?

In FinTech, the biggest challenge is trust. People need confidence their money is safe. In open source, it’s sustainability. Too many projects rely on unpaid volunteers. And in communities, inclusivity remains a gap. The solutions lie in collaboration: regulators working closely with startups, companies funding open-source maintainers, and communities intentionally creating space for diverse voices. None of us can solve these challenges alone.

You’ve worked on several projects that aim to drive financial inclusion and empower communities. What role do you think technology plays in bridging socioeconomic gaps, and how can it be leveraged more effectively?

Technology is one of the strongest equalisers we have. Mobile banking, for example, gave millions of unbanked Africans access to financial services. GenCapita opened global investment opportunities for those previously excluded. But I’ve also seen that simply copying Western models rarely works. The real breakthroughs come when solutions are designed around local culture, income levels, and habits.

Looking to the future, what are your aspirations for your career and the impact you want to make through your work in technology and innovation?

I want to keep building technology that makes life easier and fairer. In the near term, I’m focused on scaling Caresyntra to improve efficiency and humanity in care services. Long term, I hope to expand open-source projects like PayBridge to support developers and grow TechNaija FM into a global platform for African and UK innovators. At the core, my aspiration is simple: to create solutions that outlive me and continue empowering people.

Pharmacists across Nigeria must urgently embrace technology to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, Pharm. John Omale has said.

Speaking at the opening of the 3-day Business Summit 3.0 organized by the Abuja chapter of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Omale stressed that outdated practices can no longer address today’s challenges.

“Our practices as professionals must evolve to remain meaningful and effective. We cannot continue doing things the same way and expect different results.”

Technology must be at the heart of that transformation” he said.

Delivering the keynote on the theme: ‘Technology Infusion in Healthcare Practices: The Panacea for the Future of Community Pharmacy’, Omale argued that digital tools are no longer optional, stressing, “Technology enables us to solve problems, improve efficiency, and achieve sustainable growth.

“However, we must also recognize that the market, regulations, and mainstream practices are shifting. To survive and thrive, we must adapt, innovate, and adopt standards that ensure quality and profitability without compromising ethical values.”

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He linked sustainability in pharmacy to innovation and problem-solving, not inefficiency, “Money flows to solutions. When we solve problems effectively, opportunities and resources naturally follow

“Stronger reliance on data-driven decision-making, collaboration, and innovation is the only way to go,” Omale said.

Omale highlighted the growing complexity of modern healthcare, stressing the need for patient-specific care and safety in drug use.

“Technology can help us manage these complexities, improve patient safety, and deliver higher-quality services,” he noted.

He warned that the benefits of technology would not materialize without investment in people, emphasizing, “We must also prioritize training and continuous learning.

“The world of healthcare is dynamic, and professionals must stay ahead of developments in science, technology, and regulation. Only then can we build a system where every patient receives appropriate, safe, and effective treatment”.

On the challenges facing the profession, Omale identified outdated practices, resistance to change, inadequate standardization, limited access to digital tools, and gaps in regulatory compliance and ethical delivery.

“Our collective goal should be to modernize our systems, standardize practices, and ensure ethical service delivery. By embracing change and adopting new tools, we can transform healthcare into a system that is patient-centred and sustainable for the future,” he noted.

The Chairman of ACPN, FCT chapter, Aloba Olatunji, described the summit as a platform to empower members and sustain continuous professional learning.

“As professionals, we don’t stop learning. This summit is designed to put knowledge back into our members, helping us adapt to what is trending in society. The theme for this year is ‘Technological Infusion into Healthcare Practice,’” he said.

He noted that while artificial intelligence is being projected as a disruptor, Africa’s peculiar health realities mean pharmacists remain indispensable.

“Pharmacists in Africa deal with tropical medicine, which technology cannot fully replace. Our members need to be empowered to integrate technology into their practice,” he explained.

He said an incentive initiative put in place during the summit was necessary to support members facing difficult business environments.

“Some of our members are doing well, while others are not. Collectively, many are struggling. Information is power, so we need to constantly pass it across so they can blend with what is happening in society,” he said.

Olatunji also appealed to Nigerians to be patient with government reforms and always seek professional guidance in drug use. “A beautiful diagnosis without the right drug, dose, and duration will not give you a beautiful result,” he cautioned.

On drug regulation, he assured: “No pharmacy manned by a licensed pharmacist will dispense prescription drugs irrationally. Your license is at stake. On fake and substandard drugs, ACPN is working with NAFDAC and NDLEA to ensure they are flushed out of society.”

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Board of Pharmacist Fellows for Abuja and Nasarawa commended ACPN for hosting the summit, describing it as “a valuable platform to advance pharmacy practice.”

He urged members to “remain focused on professional goals despite distractions” and stressed the importance of unity in pursuing common objectives.

Also delivering goodwill on behalf of the NDLEA FCT Commandant, a representative reaffirmed the agency’s close partnership with pharmacists, calling them the “frontline interface with the people.”

He warned of the rising tide of substance abuse and stressed that pharmacists must play an ethical role in preventing misuse.

He commended ACPN for creating a platform to strengthen collaboration, saying the summit was vital in “tackling substance abuse and promoting responsible healthcare delivery.”

The empowerment incentives, sponsored by one of the stakeholders include cars, televisions, refrigerators, and other consolation prizes, while the FCT chapter also packaged inverters for members to power their premises in case of outages.

Oluwatodimu Ige is the Principal Partner at Oluwatodimu Ige and Associates. Fondly called Oga theLawyer, he is also a social media content creator and legal influencer with an impressive followership across the different social media platforms. In this interview with Gbenga Bada, he speaks about his career, passion for justice, social media advocacy amongst other issues. Excerpts:

What inspired you to study law?

The journey to study law was a bit hectic, filled with stumbling blocks, but resilience and a firm focus on the target saw me through. My passion for helping others and hatred for injustice motivated my study of law.

What challenges did you face early in your legal career, and how did you overcome them?

I started my law firm relatively early in my career, and I had to be proactive because I had a clear idea of where I wanted to be— at the top. Hard work, speed, loyalty, and quality were my watchwords.

At what point did you decide to start your firm, and what was that transition like?

I started my firm in 2017, and I had to hit the ground running with a mindset of building a practice that would be a force to reckon with in Africa and the world.

How have digital tools and technology shaped the way you run your practice today?

The importance of technology and digital tools cannot be overstated. They have helped make the job easier to execute, research easier to carry out, and allow for transborder reach to clientele and relationships.

What inspired you to start your social media advocacy platform, Oga thelawyer, and what was your vision when you began?

I started the page in January 2019 because I discovered a serious gap in knowledge. Most people were and still are unaware of their rights, and lack an understanding of how the law works. I felt a strong need to bridge the gap and educate people in a less formal way that would not bore them, but in a friendly and easily understandable manner.

With over 200,000 followers, how do you decide what kind of legal content to share with your audience?

I usually produce content to educate my followers, and issue a call to action for them to stay on the right side of the law. To achieve this, I analyse trending issues, new laws, and messages sent to my inbox by followers who seek clarification.

What are the most common legal questions you get from the public?

Landlord and tenant-related questions, dissolution of marriage, police-related matters, and debt recovery issues are usually top of the line. But, people also ask other law-related questions, while some reach out to get some form of comfort.

How do you manage backlash or legal pushbacks that arise because of your online content?

At times, some people make harsh comments that border on distrust, stemming from the perceived inapplicability of our laws, or the lack of equality. Some even go as far as saying I have not been realistic when, in the actual sense, I am only stating what the law provides for, and educating them about their rights.

In what ways has Oga_thelawyer influenced your traditional legal practice?

I have had to do more research to be on top of my game. Also, colleagues look up to me as a “master of law” who should always uphold the ethics of our profession. Clients have high expectations as well. I cannot afford to drop the ball, or let them down.

What role do you think digital legal education plays in improving access to justice?

Digital legal education makes access to information easier. People can, at the press of a few buttons, gain access to rich and comprehensive materials on any topic agitating their minds. The implication of this is that people have been able to self-educate, speak out when they feel their rights have been breached, and we have seen regulatory bodies yield to the call to action on social media.

How has your upbringing or family background influenced your professional path?

Growing up, I had access to quality education and quite a large number of books, thanks to my parents, and that gave me a thirst for excellence and making a difference.

Your expertise spans several complex areas of law. How do you stay updated and effective across all of them?

I am an avid reader, and I also stay abreast of issues by watching documentaries and anything that will broaden my knowledge.

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Which area of legal practice do you find the most fulfilling and why?

I always like to help out, particularly indigent people who are oppressed. Going to court to assist them makes me feel fulfilled. Educating them on social media also gives me a sense of fulfilment.

Can you share a memorable case or deal that profoundly impacted your professional outlook?

One particular experience that really shifted my professional mindset was handling a transborder transaction. Before then, I used to think within local frameworks—Nigerian law, Nigerian clients, Nigerian terrain. But that deal opened my eyes. It made me realise something profound: there are no walls anymore, because the world is one big global marketplace. The laws might differ, the jurisdictions may vary, but the principles of value, clarity, and competence are universal.

That transaction taught me that if you want to thrive in today’s legal and business landscape, you must position yourself to engage beyond borders. You must learn to speak the language of global relevance. Whether it’s tech, finance, entertainment, or real estate; the world is your playing field. That case didn’t just impact my outlook; it completely upgraded my ambition.

As someone with experience in both local and international negotiations, how would you compare the two contexts?

It is the same game, but different stage and audience. For international negotiations, the bar is raised and the level of delivery is optimal.

What is your approach to dispute resolution, especially in high-stakes arbitration?

My view is that it should be a win-win situation; one can be magnanimous in victory. You need not be rigid. Be flexible and stand your ground when there is a need to.

What distinguishes your law firm from others in the industry?

Loyalty, speed, quality, and integrity.

How do you select or groom legal talent within your firm?

We ensure constant training, a robust reward system, and incentives for every delivery.

What are your firm’s core values, and how do they guide your operations?

Our core values are loyalty, speed, quality, and integrity, and they are at the foundation of everything we do. We don’t just state them; we live them.

Loyalty means we are committed to protecting our clients’ best interests at all times. Speed ensures that we deliver results efficiently, without compromising on quality. And at the heart of it all is integrity. We operate with transparency and honesty, no matter the stakes.

There is zero tolerance for deviation from these values. They guide our decision-making, shape our client relationships, and define how we show up every day. It’s how we ensure our clients always get the best of us consistently.

You sit on the board of several companies. How do you balance these responsibilities with running your firm?

It is all about structure, systems, and delegation. First, I don’t do “vibes and cruise” with my calendar; time-blocking is my superpower. Every board I’m on knows the value I bring, but they also understand that I run a firm. I am intentional with my availability, and I only take up board roles where my impact is strategic, not operational. I’m not here to micromanage. I advise, guide and open doors.

At the firm, I have built a solid team. I don’t just hire bodies; I hire brains. That way, whether I’m in a board meeting, on a flight, or deep in advisory work, the firm keeps moving. Systems run the business, and the team runs the systems.

Also, I’ve learnt that saying “no” is a leadership skill. I don’t take every board invitation. I only sit where I align with the vision and where my presence can shift things meaningfully. Quality over quantity, always.

So yes, it’s a lot, but with discipline, the right people, and a clear sense of purpose, everything flows.

What’s one leadership lesson that has consistently helped you in both law and business?

Clarity before movement; that’s the principle. Before I take any step—whether it’s signing a client, launching a product, or expanding the team—I seek clarity. As a leader, you must know where you’re going and why. Law taught me precision; business taught me vision. Together, they’ve helped me lead with intentionality, not impulse.

How do you balance being a husband, father, lawyer, entrepreneur, and content creator?

Balance, for me, isn’t about doing everything at once; it’s about doing the right things at the right time. My family is my first ministry, so they don’t get the leftovers. I have built structure into my life— calendars, boundaries, and non-negotiables. Also, I’ve learnt the power of delegation. You don’t have to do everything yourself to get everything done. And let’s be honest—grace carries me too.

You’re passionate about community development. Can you tell us about specific initiatives you’re involved in?

Absolutely. I am heavily invested in legal literacy; bridging the gap between the law and the people. Through content, workshops, and partnerships, we are demystifying legal concepts for everyday Nigerians. We also run youth mentorship programmes, especially for law students and young professionals, helping them navigate real-life issues beyond the classroom. It’s bigger than law; it’s about legacy.

What advice would you give to young lawyers trying to find their voice or niche in the profession?

Two words: Start now. Don’t wait till everything is perfect before you show up. Explore, experiment, and express. The legal profession isn’t one-size-fits-all; there’s space for your personality, interests and unique voice. Be excellent, stay curious, and don’t let tradition box you in. You are not just building a career; you’re building a brand.

Where do you see Oga_thelawyer and your law firm in the next five years?

Global, but still grounded. In five years, I see the firm operating at an international level, serving both African businesses and global companies looking to enter African markets.

For Oga_thelawyer, the platform will be a full-on legal-entrepreneurial ecosystem: content, consulting, community. Still rooted in authenticity, but scaling with strategy.

Are there any upcoming projects we should watch out for?

Yes, actually! We are launching a digital platform for legal education and business compliance, tailored for startups and SMEs. Think of it as a legal plug for business owners; straight to the point, no jargon. My e-books will be made available to the public soon. Also, there’s a new season of the Oga_thelawyer Masterclass Series coming, focused on helping young professionals monetise their skills the right way—legally and ethically. Community outreaches are in the pipeline too. We move with impact, not just noise.

A social enterprise dedicated to assistive technology, Accesstech Innovation and Research Centre, has called on the Federal Government to remove import duties on all assistive technology products.

A zero-import duties is significant  for enhancing accessibility and empowerment for persons with disabilities across the country, according to the CEO of Accesstech Innovation and a certified professional in Accessibility Core Competencies, Mr.Opeolu Akinola.  He made the submission in commemoration of 2025 World Assistive Technology Day.

“Nigeria faces an assistive technology famine. The vast majority of disability equipment in Nigeria is imported, and without local manufacturing support, fluctuating foreign exchange rates are driving prices prohibitively high.

This creates an enormous barrier for Nigerians with disabilities, preventing them from acquiring essential tools for work, education, and recreation.

The lack of affordable assistive devices directly impacts their standard of living and that of their families.

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 “This isn’t about pity; it’s about empowerment and inclusion; providing assistive tools increases accessibility, allowing persons with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to national development.” 

He said while persons with disabilities constitute over 15per cent of the population, they are inadvertently pushed into being a socio-economic liability when denied the assistive technology they need to function. “Even laws on mandatory employment quotas for persons with disability are meaningless if they lack the tools to work,” Mr. Akinola who is also a member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals said.

Accesstech Innovation, according to the firm’s Chief Operations Officer, Mrs. Emmanuella Akinola, is committed to finding sustainable solutions and expresses its willingness to partner with the Federal Institute for Industrial Research and similar agencies. The goal is to prioritise local development of disability equipment, which would not only mobilize the local disability community but also position Nigeria as an exporter of these vital products to other African countries.

Technology has become a game-changer in Nigeria’s freight forwarding industry, transforming operations, streamlining processes, and reducing human contact in trade facilitation. However, despite its many advantages, experts argue that technology’s effectiveness is being undermined by abuse, inadequate infrastructure, human resistance to change, and systemic corruption.

Founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Boniface Aniebonam in a chat with The Nation, described technology as an essential tool for trade facilitation. However, he warned that its benefits are being diluted by the improper handling of digital systems.

“Technology is an enhancement, a tool for trade facilitation,” he said.

“The intentions behind its adoption are good, but the main challenge lies in the abuse of processes. To reduce physical interactions and curb corruption, human-driven obstacles must be tackled as they make it seem as though technology is not delivering its full value.”

According to Aniebonam, technology functions on the principle of “garbage in, garbage out.” He explained that if the data fed into the system is flawed or manipulated, the outcomes will be equally unreliable. He cited an example of incentives meant for manufacturers, which are often misused by businesses importing finished products instead of raw materials.

He said: “The government’s intention is to boost capacity and create employment for Nigerians, however, many businesses exploit these incentives by importing finished products instead of raw materials, completely undermining the government’s original intent.

“At its core, the issue is corruption, and unless it is effectively addressed, progress will remain limited.”

On the concern that automation might lead to job losses, Aniebonam argues that technology does not necessarily eliminate jobs but rather changes how work is done. He points out that journalists, for example, no longer need to visit offices physically for interviews, as they can conduct them remotely.

“Technology offers immense benefits—it drives development, boosts productivity, and even reduces costs.

“It is meant to enhance productivity and make business operations seamless. You can work from home, and contact is still happening—just not physically. The physical interactions that often lead to corruption are being reduced, not employment opportunities,” NAGAFF founder explained.

He said, while technology aims to make operations seamless, its impact depends on proper policy implementation and ethical use.

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For the industry to fully benefit from digital transformation, Aniebonam underscored the need for orientation and a shift in mindset stating: “We must build integrity and enforce compliance with best practices. The problem is not the technology but how we implement and use it.”

Similarly, CEO of Obokun Freight Forwarders Ltd and National Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Olumide Fakanlu, acknowledged the improvements technology has brought to port operations. He noted that automation by Customs and other agencies has enhanced efficiency but remains limited by human error and low orientation.

“Technology is improving efficiency, but its full potential is yet to be realised due to human errors and resistance to change,” Fakanlu explained.

He outlined the need for increased orientation and compliance to ensure that technology-driven processes are followed correctly while stressing the importance of upgrading ICT infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency.

“More orientation and compliances to the dictation of the new technologies being implemented, improvement of the ICT servers will aid more efficient capabilities and performances,” Fakanlu added.

On his part, CEO of Waltolye Limited, Atoloye Adebowale Joseph, views digitalisation as the future of freight forwarding in Nigeria. He believes technology has significantly simplified freight operations, allowing professionals to complete a substantial portion of their work without being physically present at ports or other logistics hubs.

“Compared to the past, technology has revolutionised freight forwarding. It enables professionals to work more efficiently, reducing errors and enhancing the customer experience,” he stated.

According to him, freight forwarders can now complete up to 50 to 60 per cent of their tasks remotely, relying on digital platforms for shipment planning and execution. This shift toward digitalisation, he reaffirmed, is expected to drive productivity and operational efficiency.

While technology has reshaped the freight forwarding industry in Nigeria, experts agree that its success depends on reducing human interference, enforcing compliance, and improving infrastructure.

Stakeholders have emphasised the need for stronger orientation and training to help freight forwarders and port users effectively utilise technology. Proper education, they maintain, will ensure that digital tools are used correctly while minimising the risk of system manipulation.

To tackle corruption, they suggest stricter enforcement of policies to prevent the abuse of technology. Ensuring transparency in digital processes, according to them, will help technology fulfill its role in trade facilitation rather than becoming a tool for exploitation.

Infrastructure improvement is another key recommendation, particularly the urgent need to upgrade ICT systems. Enhancing Customs servers and other digital platforms, industry players note, will eliminate technical inefficiencies and improve operational performance.

Furthermore, they have reinforced the importance of strict policy implementation. They argue that while technological advancements are beneficial, their success depends on proper execution and adherence to government regulations to drive real improvements in trade and economic growth.

As Nigeria continues to embrace digital transformation in freight forwarding, stakeholders believe addressing these challenges will be crucial in maximising the potential of technology in trade facilitation.