🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Experts warn against poor fibre installation practices for Nigeria's Project BRIDGE
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Industry experts have cautioned that inadequate technical skills and poor installation practices could jeopardize the Federal Government's Project BRIDGE, which aims to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fibre-optic cables. This warning was issued during a two-day Siemon Certified Installer training program in Abuja, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to international cabling standards. Project BRIDGE is a $2 billion initiative designed to expand Nigeria's fibre backbone from approximately 35,000km to 125,000km, connecting all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and enhancing broadband penetration. The training, organized by The Siemon Company and Mart Networks Group, seeks to equip installers with the necessary technical skills. Adewale Olagbenro, Siemon's Regional Sales Manager for West Africa, highlighted that poor installation is a primary cause of network failures. He stressed the importance of following international standards for network infrastructure and noted Nigeria's lag in digital infrastructure and technical expertise. Dinesh O.P., The Siemon Company's Technical Manager for Africa, added that many organizations underestimate the importance of structured cabling and proper installation, warning that substandard products and practices can degrade network performance. Esther Oyedokun, Country Manager of Mart Networks Group, stated the program aims to certify engineers and installers to effectively deploy structured cabling systems, ensuring optimal results
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority has launched the fourth edition of its Prize for Innovation, NPI 4.0, offering a total prize pool of $275,000 to support Nigerian startups. The initiative aims to identify and assist high-potential businesses developing solutions in manufacturing, climate and food security, and healthcare. NSIA spokesperson Joyce Onyegbula stated that the program, themed “Building for Impact,” focuses on strengthening productive capacity, improving healthcare, enhancing food security, and advancing climate resilience. The program has attracted over 20,000 applications in its first three editions from various sectors. This year's prize money includes $220,000 from NSIA, $45,000 from Cascador, and $10,000 from Wema Bank. Winners can also secure up to $1.5 million in additional funding through the Pula Xcelerator program and compete for N100 million in equity-free grants at the Wema Bank Hackaholics program. Additionally, winners will participate in a fully funded program at the Enterprise Development Centre in Lagos for training in business strategy, leadership, governance, financial management, market expansion, and investor readiness. Aminu Umar-Sadiq, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NSIA, emphasized the authority's commitment to helping entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses. Executive Director of Cascador, Trish Thomas, confirmed their contribution of $45,000 in non-dilutive funding through the Cas
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