Frances Ovia
28 September 2005
Lagos — After four years of producing world class computers in Nigeria, the Chairman of Zinox Technologies, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, has blamed high import duties and too many delays at the nation's ports for the inability of indigenous computer makers to achieve prize reduction.
Speaking at the commissioning of the company's new multi-million head office in Gbagada Lagos, Ekeh, explained that the unnecessary delays and huge amount of money spent in clearing goods at the ports makes it difficult for most businesses to break even the biggest challenge the company is facing from its inception is import difficulties which he used the medium to appeal to the federal government to reduce logistics at the port because it delays clearing of goods at the port.
The unnecessary delays of imports due to the several agencies that needed to check and cross check, he said, "is not healthy for the economy."
Ekeh also said that the high import duties affect end users.
The Zinox boss however disclosed that despite the problems the computer company experienced in its teething years, it is now on record that together they have built a truly indigenous Nigeria company with a very strong brand equity like never before in the history of Nigeria.
According to Ekeh, financially and technically, Zinox has made a reasonable success in placing Nigeria technology where it should be, for real 24-hour on-line support and 18-hour physical support for customers.
"This office and space look small and beautiful but what makes it world class is that it is powered with the best technology infrastructures and intelligent software in the world," Ekeh said of the new office.
He said the last four years "saw us grow from strength to strength. We invested heavily on People, Technologies and processes", partnered with government on major technology driven events like COJA, CHOGM, set up a lot of digital laboratory for in schools across the country."
Ekeh disclosed that Zinox contributed majorly in achieving the growth through "strategic forcing dawn of prices of IT products, no story after sales support and IT evangelism nationwide".
He said the unnecessary delays of products due to the several agencies available which, he stated, is not healthy for the economy. In addition, he said the high import duties affect end users.
The Chairman further stated that from analysis he conducted, he had come to the conclusion that "the first four years is regarded as incubation period in our sector. From the fifth year of operation you either get it right or you are dead. No excuses are acceptable."
Ekeh commented on Zinox pet projects, the Computerized Nigeria Project (CNP) saying that "it is a clear success story. The company delivered over 55,000 discounted systems through this platform and they are working very hard to come out with better cost effective systems to sustain this project."
He commended Nigerians for their support in promoting a knowledgeable and intelligent society as there are now Zinox computers in every town in Nigeria.
"CNP has great international support and recently, a multi-billion dollar company, A-Open, signed an exclusive partnership with Zinox to support the vision of CNP and some international agencies are exploring the possibilities of working with CNP for the whole of Africa," Ekeh told the gathering at the Gbagada office of the company.
On some novel projects being embarked upon by his company, Eke told the gathering, which included the publisher of Vanguard newspapers, "From first quarter of next year, CNP shall broadcast live lectures for children of owners of CNP systems. The first phase shall be restricted to few science and Art subjects but the second phase shall include business and other courses free of charge. We are presently recruiting IT-driven lecturers who can deliver this project. CNP shall open additional office next to Otigba computer market. This office has a strategic relevance in our effort to reach futuristic IT market segment" he said.
Eke thanked corporate bodies and individuals who have used their products for the past four years and at a very great cost and assured them that those deficiencies were history. "We have improved quality, efficiency and effectiveness. We paid attention to the development of infrastructures that will drive our business and sustain our growth," he said.
Amashike Emelonye, Managing Director Zinox said from four years ago till date , Zinox has become "the most aggressive IT company in the world today. We had a clear road-map and have not deviated from the commitment. We now rob shoulders with the best IT industry in the world".
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