Michael Eboh
16 February 2009
Systems Applications Products (SAP) Limited one of the leading global software developer, has announced its plans to invest heavily in the development of Nigeria's information technology infrastructure and in software development.
Speaking during an interactive session in Lagos, Mr. Simon Paris, Senior Vice President, Europe, Middle East and Africa / Head, Emerging Market disclosed that it invest substantially in the training of Nigerians and in the deployment of applications that will transform the way and manner of doing business in Nigeria.
He said, "SAP, one of the world largest in the software application business intends to replicate its successes in South Africa in Nigeria. We have seen a lot of potentials in the Nigerian economy and we hope to take advantage of the opportunities. We have already commenced our programme of training a vast majority of Nigerians, through our partnership with a number of Nigerian universities and institutions last year. This year, we intend to expand the programme and we will be investing a substantial amount in the training of more Nigerians and in the deployment of more IT applications. Our applications have been used successfully in advanced countries, and we intend using these applications to bring about a transformation in the country's IT industry."
He announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with major stakeholders in the country's oil and gas industry to help the firms improve on their processes, operations and activities.
Paris disclosed that its applications are geared towards providing solutions to the IT needs of businesses, adding that it has an increased interest in the country's financial services industry and intends to play a major role in that area.
He further stated that it intends to play a major role in the growth and development of the economy, especially in the growth of small businesses in Nigeria, through the deployment of its tailor-made products for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs).
Speaking in the same vein, Mr. Pfungwa Serima , Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer SAP Africa, disclosed that SAP's ambition in Nigeria is to invest in indigenous information Technology organizations, financial services, telecommunication companies, oil & Gas including the small and medium organizations.
He noted that over 50 organisations in Nigeria have started using SAP as business solutions, some of which are the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Debt Management Office, Delta State Government's project e-Delta and Oceanic Bank as well as Standard Bank Plc.
He said, "With a strong presence in Nigeria and as part of it's CSR project, SAP in alliance with the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) have commenced the training of young and prospective students of higher learning as well as the Heads of Departments, in business solution programs which cuts across financial, oil and gas, human Resource management that are useful in the operation of their businesses. Corporate companies, private enterprises and agencies are also trained by SAP.
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