A manufacturing software architect with Cyden Limited, Segun Fakuade, tellsTOFARATI IGEabout his career, future of manufacturing in Africa and other issuesWhat first drew you into software engineering and industrial automation, and how did you find your path into smart factory design?I have always been fascinated by programming, machines, robotics, conveyors and automated production lines. My background was originally in software engineering and application development, but when I had the opportunity to work directly in manufacturing, I saw the possibility of combining software with physical production systems.What interested me the most was seeing software move beyond the computer screen to communicate with machines, sensors and industrial systems. That experience led me naturally into smart factory design. I began to see that smart manufacturing is not simply about robots; it is about connecting people, machines, software and data to create safer, more efficient and more intelligent production systems.Looking back, what projects or roles completely changed how you think about technology and manufacturing?My first major industrial software project completely changed my perspective. It started as a digital work instruction system but evolved into a broader smart manufacturing solution capable of guiding production processes, integrating equipment, validating operations and capturing production data.That project taught me to see a factory as an interconnected ecosystem rather than a collection of separate machines. It also shaped one of my strongest engineering beliefs: good industrial software should give manufacturers greater control over their processes and allow systems to evolve without requiring software to be rewritten for every routine production change.What was the hardest shift for you in moving from hands-on engineering to a technology leadership role?The hardest transition was moving from solving technical problems myself to understanding how to help an entire team perform effectively.When I moved into leading a software department in my former organisation, I learnt that technical leadership is largely about understanding people. You have to recognise individual strengths, observe how people approach problems and match the right person with the right responsibility.In technology, the most confident or vocal person is not necessarily the strongest engineer. Some exceptional engineers are quiet, so leadership requires listening beyond what people say and understanding how they think. Once you understand your team and position people where they can perform at their best, the results can be remarkable.For those who aren’t tech savvy, how would you explain what a smart factory actually looks like on the factory floor in Africa?A smart factory is a production environment where people, machines, software and data work together intelligently.It does not necessarily mean a factory filled with expensive robots. It means the production system can understand what is happening, guide processes, collect accurate data, identify problems and provide useful information for decision-making.For African manufacturers, smart manufacturing should be practical and scalable. A company can begin by digitalising one important process or solving one expensive production problem, measure the result and expand gradually. A smart factory is simply a factory that does not operate blindly.Compared to Europe, Asia or the United States, where is Africa on the smart factory adoption curve, and what is holding us back?Africa is not far off in smart manufacturing adoption, but I don’t believe the problem is a lack of talent or intelligence. We have capable engineers and software developers.The bigger challenges are access to industrial equipment, practical training and direct exposure to real production systems. Engineers need opportunities to work with PLCs, sensors, industrial robots, controllers and other equipment.There is also a specialised knowledge gap around industrial communication, standards and safety. Africa already has much of the talent required. What we need is better access, stronger practical training and more opportunities to convert technical ability into industrial experience.As a software engineer working in automation, how do you bridge the gap between code, sensors, and physical production systems?I begin by understanding the specific role of each component. A sensor, scanner, PLC and software application should each perform the task for which it is best suited.The engineer’s responsibility is to understand the strengths and limitations of each component and build safe, reliable communication between them.The real challenge is not simply making systems communicate; it is ensuring that they communicate predictably and fail safely. In industrial automation, safety and reliability must be part of the architecture from the beginning.Many Nigerian manufacturers worry about cost. What are the advantages of investing in automation and digital solutions?If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. What first drew you into software engineering and industrial automation, and how did you find your path into smart factory design?I have always been fascinated by programming, machines, robotics, conveyors and automated production lines. My background was originally in software engineering and application development, but when I had the opportunity to work directly in manufacturing, I saw the possibility of combining software with physical production systems.What interested me the most was seeing software move beyond the computer screen to communicate with machines, sensors and industrial systems. That experience led me naturally into smart factory design. I began to see that smart manufacturing is not simply about robots; it is about connecting people, machines, software and data to create safer, more efficient and more intelligent production systems.Looking back, what projects or roles completely changed how you think about technology and manufacturing?My first major industrial software project completely changed my perspective. It started as a digital work instruction system but evolved into a broader smart manufacturing solution capable of guiding production processes, integrating equipment, validating operations and capturing production data.That project taught me to see a factory as an interconnected ecosystem rather than a collection of separate machines. It also shaped one of my strongest engineering beliefs: good industrial software should give manufacturers greater control over their processes and allow systems to evolve without requiring software to be rewritten for every routine production change.What was the hardest shift for you in moving from hands-on engineering to a technology leadership role?The hardest transition was moving from solving technical problems myself to understanding how to help an entire team perform effectively.When I moved into leading a software department in my former organisation, I learnt that technical leadership is largely about understanding people. You have to recognise individual strengths, observe how people approach problems and match the right person with the right responsibility.In technology, the most confident or vocal person is not necessarily the strongest engineer. Some exceptional engineers are quiet, so leadership requires listening beyond what people say and understanding how they think. Once you understand your team and position people where they can perform at their best, the results can be remarkable.For those who aren’t tech savvy, how would you explain what a smart factory actually looks like on the factory floor in Africa?A smart factory is a production environment where people, machines, software and data work together intelligently.It does not necessarily mean a factory filled with expensive robots. It means the production system can understand what is happening, guide processes, collect accurate data, identify problems and provide useful information for decision-making.For African manufacturers, smart manufacturing should be practical and scalable. A company can begin by digitalising one important process or solving one expensive production problem, measure the result and expand gradually. A smart factory is simply a factory that does not operate blindly.Compared to Europe, Asia or the United States, where is Africa on the smart factory adoption curve, and what is holding us back?Africa is not far off in smart manufacturing adoption, but I don’t believe the problem is a lack of talent or intelligence. We have capable engineers and software developers.The bigger challenges are access to industrial equipment, practical training and direct exposure to real production systems. Engineers need opportunities to work with PLCs, sensors, industrial robots, controllers and other equipment.There is also a specialised knowledge gap around industrial communication, standards and safety. Africa already has much of the talent required. What we need is better access, stronger practical training and more opportunities to convert technical ability into industrial experience.As a software engineer working in automation, how do you bridge the gap between code, sensors, and physical production systems?I begin by understanding the specific role of each component. A sensor, scanner, PLC and software application should each perform the task for which it is best suited.The engineer’s responsibility is to understand the strengths and limitations of each component and build safe, reliable communication between them.The real challenge is not simply making systems communicate; it is ensuring that they communicate predictably and fail safely. In industrial automation, safety and reliability must be part of the architecture from the beginning.Many Nigerian manufacturers worry about cost. What are the advantages of investing in automation and digital solutions?If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. I have always been fascinated by programming, machines, robotics, conveyors and automated production lines. My background was originally in software engineering and application development, but when I had the opportunity to work directly in manufacturing, I saw the possibility of combining software with physical production systems.What interested me the most was seeing software move beyond the computer screen to communicate with machines, sensors and industrial systems. That experience led me naturally into smart factory design. I began to see that smart manufacturing is not simply about robots; it is about connecting people, machines, software and data to create safer, more efficient and more intelligent production systems.Looking back, what projects or roles completely changed how you think about technology and manufacturing?My first major industrial software project completely changed my perspective. It started as a digital work instruction system but evolved into a broader smart manufacturing solution capable of guiding production processes, integrating equipment, validating operations and capturing production data.That project taught me to see a factory as an interconnected ecosystem rather than a collection of separate machines. It also shaped one of my strongest engineering beliefs: good industrial software should give manufacturers greater control over their processes and allow systems to evolve without requiring software to be rewritten for every routine production change.What was the hardest shift for you in moving from hands-on engineering to a technology leadership role?The hardest transition was moving from solving technical problems myself to understanding how to help an entire team perform effectively.When I moved into leading a software department in my former organisation, I learnt that technical leadership is largely about understanding people. You have to recognise individual strengths, observe how people approach problems and match the right person with the right responsibility.In technology, the most confident or vocal person is not necessarily the strongest engineer. Some exceptional engineers are quiet, so leadership requires listening beyond what people say and understanding how they think. Once you understand your team and position people where they can perform at their best, the results can be remarkable.For those who aren’t tech savvy, how would you explain what a smart factory actually looks like on the factory floor in Africa?A smart factory is a production environment where people, machines, software and data work together intelligently.It does not necessarily mean a factory filled with expensive robots. It means the production system can understand what is happening, guide processes, collect accurate data, identify problems and provide useful information for decision-making.For African manufacturers, smart manufacturing should be practical and scalable. A company can begin by digitalising one important process or solving one expensive production problem, measure the result and expand gradually. A smart factory is simply a factory that does not operate blindly.Compared to Europe, Asia or the United States, where is Africa on the smart factory adoption curve, and what is holding us back?Africa is not far off in smart manufacturing adoption, but I don’t believe the problem is a lack of talent or intelligence. We have capable engineers and software developers.The bigger challenges are access to industrial equipment, practical training and direct exposure to real production systems. Engineers need opportunities to work with PLCs, sensors, industrial robots, controllers and other equipment.There is also a specialised knowledge gap around industrial communication, standards and safety. Africa already has much of the talent required. What we need is better access, stronger practical training and more opportunities to convert technical ability into industrial experience.As a software engineer working in automation, how do you bridge the gap between code, sensors, and physical production systems?I begin by understanding the specific role of each component. A sensor, scanner, PLC and software application should each perform the task for which it is best suited.The engineer’s responsibility is to understand the strengths and limitations of each component and build safe, reliable communication between them.The real challenge is not simply making systems communicate; it is ensuring that they communicate predictably and fail safely. In industrial automation, safety and reliability must be part of the architecture from the beginning.Many Nigerian manufacturers worry about cost. What are the advantages of investing in automation and digital solutions?If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. What interested me the most was seeing software move beyond the computer screen to communicate with machines, sensors and industrial systems. That experience led me naturally into smart factory design. I began to see that smart manufacturing is not simply about robots; it is about connecting people, machines, software and data to create safer, more efficient and more intelligent production systems.Looking back, what projects or roles completely changed how you think about technology and manufacturing?My first major industrial software project completely changed my perspective. It started as a digital work instruction system but evolved into a broader smart manufacturing solution capable of guiding production processes, integrating equipment, validating operations and capturing production data.That project taught me to see a factory as an interconnected ecosystem rather than a collection of separate machines. It also shaped one of my strongest engineering beliefs: good industrial software should give manufacturers greater control over their processes and allow systems to evolve without requiring software to be rewritten for every routine production change.What was the hardest shift for you in moving from hands-on engineering to a technology leadership role?The hardest transition was moving from solving technical problems myself to understanding how to help an entire team perform effectively.When I moved into leading a software department in my former organisation, I learnt that technical leadership is largely about understanding people. You have to recognise individual strengths, observe how people approach problems and match the right person with the right responsibility.In technology, the most confident or vocal person is not necessarily the strongest engineer. Some exceptional engineers are quiet, so leadership requires listening beyond what people say and understanding how they think. Once you understand your team and position people where they can perform at their best, the results can be remarkable.For those who aren’t tech savvy, how would you explain what a smart factory actually looks like on the factory floor in Africa?A smart factory is a production environment where people, machines, software and data work together intelligently.It does not necessarily mean a factory filled with expensive robots. It means the production system can understand what is happening, guide processes, collect accurate data, identify problems and provide useful information for decision-making.For African manufacturers, smart manufacturing should be practical and scalable. A company can begin by digitalising one important process or solving one expensive production problem, measure the result and expand gradually. A smart factory is simply a factory that does not operate blindly.Compared to Europe, Asia or the United States, where is Africa on the smart factory adoption curve, and what is holding us back?Africa is not far off in smart manufacturing adoption, but I don’t believe the problem is a lack of talent or intelligence. We have capable engineers and software developers.The bigger challenges are access to industrial equipment, practical training and direct exposure to real production systems. Engineers need opportunities to work with PLCs, sensors, industrial robots, controllers and other equipment.There is also a specialised knowledge gap around industrial communication, standards and safety. Africa already has much of the talent required. What we need is better access, stronger practical training and more opportunities to convert technical ability into industrial experience.As a software engineer working in automation, how do you bridge the gap between code, sensors, and physical production systems?I begin by understanding the specific role of each component. A sensor, scanner, PLC and software application should each perform the task for which it is best suited.The engineer’s responsibility is to understand the strengths and limitations of each component and build safe, reliable communication between them.The real challenge is not simply making systems communicate; it is ensuring that they communicate predictably and fail safely. In industrial automation, safety and reliability must be part of the architecture from the beginning.Many Nigerian manufacturers worry about cost. What are the advantages of investing in automation and digital solutions?If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. Looking back, what projects or roles completely changed how you think about technology and manufacturing?My first major industrial software project completely changed my perspective. It started as a digital work instruction system but evolved into a broader smart manufacturing solution capable of guiding production processes, integrating equipment, validating operations and capturing production data.That project taught me to see a factory as an interconnected ecosystem rather than a collection of separate machines. It also shaped one of my strongest engineering beliefs: good industrial software should give manufacturers greater control over their processes and allow systems to evolve without requiring software to be rewritten for every routine production change.What was the hardest shift for you in moving from hands-on engineering to a technology leadership role?The hardest transition was moving from solving technical problems myself to understanding how to help an entire team perform effectively.When I moved into leading a software department in my former organisation, I learnt that technical leadership is largely about understanding people. You have to recognise individual strengths, observe how people approach problems and match the right person with the right responsibility.In technology, the most confident or vocal person is not necessarily the strongest engineer. Some exceptional engineers are quiet, so leadership requires listening beyond what people say and understanding how they think. Once you understand your team and position people where they can perform at their best, the results can be remarkable.For those who aren’t tech savvy, how would you explain what a smart factory actually looks like on the factory floor in Africa?A smart factory is a production environment where people, machines, software and data work together intelligently.It does not necessarily mean a factory filled with expensive robots. It means the production system can understand what is happening, guide processes, collect accurate data, identify problems and provide useful information for decision-making.For African manufacturers, smart manufacturing should be practical and scalable. A company can begin by digitalising one important process or solving one expensive production problem, measure the result and expand gradually. A smart factory is simply a factory that does not operate blindly.Compared to Europe, Asia or the United States, where is Africa on the smart factory adoption curve, and what is holding us back?Africa is not far off in smart manufacturing adoption, but I don’t believe the problem is a lack of talent or intelligence. We have capable engineers and software developers.The bigger challenges are access to industrial equipment, practical training and direct exposure to real production systems. Engineers need opportunities to work with PLCs, sensors, industrial robots, controllers and other equipment.There is also a specialised knowledge gap around industrial communication, standards and safety. Africa already has much of the talent required. What we need is better access, stronger practical training and more opportunities to convert technical ability into industrial experience.As a software engineer working in automation, how do you bridge the gap between code, sensors, and physical production systems?I begin by understanding the specific role of each component. A sensor, scanner, PLC and software application should each perform the task for which it is best suited.The engineer’s responsibility is to understand the strengths and limitations of each component and build safe, reliable communication between them.The real challenge is not simply making systems communicate; it is ensuring that they communicate predictably and fail safely. In industrial automation, safety and reliability must be part of the architecture from the beginning.Many Nigerian manufacturers worry about cost. What are the advantages of investing in automation and digital solutions?If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. My first major industrial software project completely changed my perspective. It started as a digital work instruction system but evolved into a broader smart manufacturing solution capable of guiding production processes, integrating equipment, validating operations and capturing production data.That project taught me to see a factory as an interconnected ecosystem rather than a collection of separate machines. It also shaped one of my strongest engineering beliefs: good industrial software should give manufacturers greater control over their processes and allow systems to evolve without requiring software to be rewritten for every routine production change.What was the hardest shift for you in moving from hands-on engineering to a technology leadership role?The hardest transition was moving from solving technical problems myself to understanding how to help an entire team perform effectively.When I moved into leading a software department in my former organisation, I learnt that technical leadership is largely about understanding people. You have to recognise individual strengths, observe how people approach problems and match the right person with the right responsibility.In technology, the most confident or vocal person is not necessarily the strongest engineer. Some exceptional engineers are quiet, so leadership requires listening beyond what people say and understanding how they think. Once you understand your team and position people where they can perform at their best, the results can be remarkable.For those who aren’t tech savvy, how would you explain what a smart factory actually looks like on the factory floor in Africa?A smart factory is a production environment where people, machines, software and data work together intelligently.It does not necessarily mean a factory filled with expensive robots. It means the production system can understand what is happening, guide processes, collect accurate data, identify problems and provide useful information for decision-making.For African manufacturers, smart manufacturing should be practical and scalable. A company can begin by digitalising one important process or solving one expensive production problem, measure the result and expand gradually. A smart factory is simply a factory that does not operate blindly.Compared to Europe, Asia or the United States, where is Africa on the smart factory adoption curve, and what is holding us back?Africa is not far off in smart manufacturing adoption, but I don’t believe the problem is a lack of talent or intelligence. We have capable engineers and software developers.The bigger challenges are access to industrial equipment, practical training and direct exposure to real production systems. Engineers need opportunities to work with PLCs, sensors, industrial robots, controllers and other equipment.There is also a specialised knowledge gap around industrial communication, standards and safety. Africa already has much of the talent required. What we need is better access, stronger practical training and more opportunities to convert technical ability into industrial experience.As a software engineer working in automation, how do you bridge the gap between code, sensors, and physical production systems?I begin by understanding the specific role of each component. A sensor, scanner, PLC and software application should each perform the task for which it is best suited.The engineer’s responsibility is to understand the strengths and limitations of each component and build safe, reliable communication between them.The real challenge is not simply making systems communicate; it is ensuring that they communicate predictably and fail safely. In industrial automation, safety and reliability must be part of the architecture from the beginning.Many Nigerian manufacturers worry about cost. What are the advantages of investing in automation and digital solutions?If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. That project taught me to see a factory as an interconnected ecosystem rather than a collection of separate machines. It also shaped one of my strongest engineering beliefs: good industrial software should give manufacturers greater control over their processes and allow systems to evolve without requiring software to be rewritten for every routine production change.What was the hardest shift for you in moving from hands-on engineering to a technology leadership role?The hardest transition was moving from solving technical problems myself to understanding how to help an entire team perform effectively.When I moved into leading a software department in my former organisation, I learnt that technical leadership is largely about understanding people. You have to recognise individual strengths, observe how people approach problems and match the right person with the right responsibility.In technology, the most confident or vocal person is not necessarily the strongest engineer. Some exceptional engineers are quiet, so leadership requires listening beyond what people say and understanding how they think. Once you understand your team and position people where they can perform at their best, the results can be remarkable.For those who aren’t tech savvy, how would you explain what a smart factory actually looks like on the factory floor in Africa?A smart factory is a production environment where people, machines, software and data work together intelligently.It does not necessarily mean a factory filled with expensive robots. It means the production system can understand what is happening, guide processes, collect accurate data, identify problems and provide useful information for decision-making.For African manufacturers, smart manufacturing should be practical and scalable. A company can begin by digitalising one important process or solving one expensive production problem, measure the result and expand gradually. A smart factory is simply a factory that does not operate blindly.Compared to Europe, Asia or the United States, where is Africa on the smart factory adoption curve, and what is holding us back?Africa is not far off in smart manufacturing adoption, but I don’t believe the problem is a lack of talent or intelligence. We have capable engineers and software developers.The bigger challenges are access to industrial equipment, practical training and direct exposure to real production systems. Engineers need opportunities to work with PLCs, sensors, industrial robots, controllers and other equipment.There is also a specialised knowledge gap around industrial communication, standards and safety. Africa already has much of the talent required. What we need is better access, stronger practical training and more opportunities to convert technical ability into industrial experience.As a software engineer working in automation, how do you bridge the gap between code, sensors, and physical production systems?I begin by understanding the specific role of each component. A sensor, scanner, PLC and software application should each perform the task for which it is best suited.The engineer’s responsibility is to understand the strengths and limitations of each component and build safe, reliable communication between them.The real challenge is not simply making systems communicate; it is ensuring that they communicate predictably and fail safely. In industrial automation, safety and reliability must be part of the architecture from the beginning.Many Nigerian manufacturers worry about cost. What are the advantages of investing in automation and digital solutions?If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. What was the hardest shift for you in moving from hands-on engineering to a technology leadership role?The hardest transition was moving from solving technical problems myself to understanding how to help an entire team perform effectively.When I moved into leading a software department in my former organisation, I learnt that technical leadership is largely about understanding people. You have to recognise individual strengths, observe how people approach problems and match the right person with the right responsibility.In technology, the most confident or vocal person is not necessarily the strongest engineer. Some exceptional engineers are quiet, so leadership requires listening beyond what people say and understanding how they think. Once you understand your team and position people where they can perform at their best, the results can be remarkable.For those who aren’t tech savvy, how would you explain what a smart factory actually looks like on the factory floor in Africa?A smart factory is a production environment where people, machines, software and data work together intelligently.It does not necessarily mean a factory filled with expensive robots. It means the production system can understand what is happening, guide processes, collect accurate data, identify problems and provide useful information for decision-making.For African manufacturers, smart manufacturing should be practical and scalable. A company can begin by digitalising one important process or solving one expensive production problem, measure the result and expand gradually. A smart factory is simply a factory that does not operate blindly.Compared to Europe, Asia or the United States, where is Africa on the smart factory adoption curve, and what is holding us back?Africa is not far off in smart manufacturing adoption, but I don’t believe the problem is a lack of talent or intelligence. We have capable engineers and software developers.The bigger challenges are access to industrial equipment, practical training and direct exposure to real production systems. Engineers need opportunities to work with PLCs, sensors, industrial robots, controllers and other equipment.There is also a specialised knowledge gap around industrial communication, standards and safety. Africa already has much of the talent required. What we need is better access, stronger practical training and more opportunities to convert technical ability into industrial experience.As a software engineer working in automation, how do you bridge the gap between code, sensors, and physical production systems?I begin by understanding the specific role of each component. A sensor, scanner, PLC and software application should each perform the task for which it is best suited.The engineer’s responsibility is to understand the strengths and limitations of each component and build safe, reliable communication between them.The real challenge is not simply making systems communicate; it is ensuring that they communicate predictably and fail safely. In industrial automation, safety and reliability must be part of the architecture from the beginning.Many Nigerian manufacturers worry about cost. What are the advantages of investing in automation and digital solutions?If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. The hardest transition was moving from solving technical problems myself to understanding how to help an entire team perform effectively.When I moved into leading a software department in my former organisation, I learnt that technical leadership is largely about understanding people. You have to recognise individual strengths, observe how people approach problems and match the right person with the right responsibility.In technology, the most confident or vocal person is not necessarily the strongest engineer. Some exceptional engineers are quiet, so leadership requires listening beyond what people say and understanding how they think. Once you understand your team and position people where they can perform at their best, the results can be remarkable.For those who aren’t tech savvy, how would you explain what a smart factory actually looks like on the factory floor in Africa?A smart factory is a production environment where people, machines, software and data work together intelligently.It does not necessarily mean a factory filled with expensive robots. It means the production system can understand what is happening, guide processes, collect accurate data, identify problems and provide useful information for decision-making.For African manufacturers, smart manufacturing should be practical and scalable. A company can begin by digitalising one important process or solving one expensive production problem, measure the result and expand gradually. A smart factory is simply a factory that does not operate blindly.Compared to Europe, Asia or the United States, where is Africa on the smart factory adoption curve, and what is holding us back?Africa is not far off in smart manufacturing adoption, but I don’t believe the problem is a lack of talent or intelligence. We have capable engineers and software developers.The bigger challenges are access to industrial equipment, practical training and direct exposure to real production systems. Engineers need opportunities to work with PLCs, sensors, industrial robots, controllers and other equipment.There is also a specialised knowledge gap around industrial communication, standards and safety. Africa already has much of the talent required. What we need is better access, stronger practical training and more opportunities to convert technical ability into industrial experience.As a software engineer working in automation, how do you bridge the gap between code, sensors, and physical production systems?I begin by understanding the specific role of each component. A sensor, scanner, PLC and software application should each perform the task for which it is best suited.The engineer’s responsibility is to understand the strengths and limitations of each component and build safe, reliable communication between them.The real challenge is not simply making systems communicate; it is ensuring that they communicate predictably and fail safely. In industrial automation, safety and reliability must be part of the architecture from the beginning.Many Nigerian manufacturers worry about cost. What are the advantages of investing in automation and digital solutions?If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. When I moved into leading a software department in my former organisation, I learnt that technical leadership is largely about understanding people. You have to recognise individual strengths, observe how people approach problems and match the right person with the right responsibility.In technology, the most confident or vocal person is not necessarily the strongest engineer. Some exceptional engineers are quiet, so leadership requires listening beyond what people say and understanding how they think. Once you understand your team and position people where they can perform at their best, the results can be remarkable.For those who aren’t tech savvy, how would you explain what a smart factory actually looks like on the factory floor in Africa?A smart factory is a production environment where people, machines, software and data work together intelligently.It does not necessarily mean a factory filled with expensive robots. It means the production system can understand what is happening, guide processes, collect accurate data, identify problems and provide useful information for decision-making.For African manufacturers, smart manufacturing should be practical and scalable. A company can begin by digitalising one important process or solving one expensive production problem, measure the result and expand gradually. A smart factory is simply a factory that does not operate blindly.Compared to Europe, Asia or the United States, where is Africa on the smart factory adoption curve, and what is holding us back?Africa is not far off in smart manufacturing adoption, but I don’t believe the problem is a lack of talent or intelligence. We have capable engineers and software developers.The bigger challenges are access to industrial equipment, practical training and direct exposure to real production systems. Engineers need opportunities to work with PLCs, sensors, industrial robots, controllers and other equipment.There is also a specialised knowledge gap around industrial communication, standards and safety. Africa already has much of the talent required. What we need is better access, stronger practical training and more opportunities to convert technical ability into industrial experience.As a software engineer working in automation, how do you bridge the gap between code, sensors, and physical production systems?I begin by understanding the specific role of each component. A sensor, scanner, PLC and software application should each perform the task for which it is best suited.The engineer’s responsibility is to understand the strengths and limitations of each component and build safe, reliable communication between them.The real challenge is not simply making systems communicate; it is ensuring that they communicate predictably and fail safely. In industrial automation, safety and reliability must be part of the architecture from the beginning.Many Nigerian manufacturers worry about cost. What are the advantages of investing in automation and digital solutions?If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. In technology, the most confident or vocal person is not necessarily the strongest engineer. Some exceptional engineers are quiet, so leadership requires listening beyond what people say and understanding how they think. Once you understand your team and position people where they can perform at their best, the results can be remarkable.For those who aren’t tech savvy, how would you explain what a smart factory actually looks like on the factory floor in Africa?A smart factory is a production environment where people, machines, software and data work together intelligently.It does not necessarily mean a factory filled with expensive robots. It means the production system can understand what is happening, guide processes, collect accurate data, identify problems and provide useful information for decision-making.For African manufacturers, smart manufacturing should be practical and scalable. A company can begin by digitalising one important process or solving one expensive production problem, measure the result and expand gradually. A smart factory is simply a factory that does not operate blindly.Compared to Europe, Asia or the United States, where is Africa on the smart factory adoption curve, and what is holding us back?Africa is not far off in smart manufacturing adoption, but I don’t believe the problem is a lack of talent or intelligence. We have capable engineers and software developers.The bigger challenges are access to industrial equipment, practical training and direct exposure to real production systems. Engineers need opportunities to work with PLCs, sensors, industrial robots, controllers and other equipment.There is also a specialised knowledge gap around industrial communication, standards and safety. Africa already has much of the talent required. What we need is better access, stronger practical training and more opportunities to convert technical ability into industrial experience.As a software engineer working in automation, how do you bridge the gap between code, sensors, and physical production systems?I begin by understanding the specific role of each component. A sensor, scanner, PLC and software application should each perform the task for which it is best suited.The engineer’s responsibility is to understand the strengths and limitations of each component and build safe, reliable communication between them.The real challenge is not simply making systems communicate; it is ensuring that they communicate predictably and fail safely. In industrial automation, safety and reliability must be part of the architecture from the beginning.Many Nigerian manufacturers worry about cost. What are the advantages of investing in automation and digital solutions?If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. For those who aren’t tech savvy, how would you explain what a smart factory actually looks like on the factory floor in Africa?A smart factory is a production environment where people, machines, software and data work together intelligently.It does not necessarily mean a factory filled with expensive robots. It means the production system can understand what is happening, guide processes, collect accurate data, identify problems and provide useful information for decision-making.For African manufacturers, smart manufacturing should be practical and scalable. A company can begin by digitalising one important process or solving one expensive production problem, measure the result and expand gradually. A smart factory is simply a factory that does not operate blindly.Compared to Europe, Asia or the United States, where is Africa on the smart factory adoption curve, and what is holding us back?Africa is not far off in smart manufacturing adoption, but I don’t believe the problem is a lack of talent or intelligence. We have capable engineers and software developers.The bigger challenges are access to industrial equipment, practical training and direct exposure to real production systems. Engineers need opportunities to work with PLCs, sensors, industrial robots, controllers and other equipment.There is also a specialised knowledge gap around industrial communication, standards and safety. Africa already has much of the talent required. What we need is better access, stronger practical training and more opportunities to convert technical ability into industrial experience.As a software engineer working in automation, how do you bridge the gap between code, sensors, and physical production systems?I begin by understanding the specific role of each component. A sensor, scanner, PLC and software application should each perform the task for which it is best suited.The engineer’s responsibility is to understand the strengths and limitations of each component and build safe, reliable communication between them.The real challenge is not simply making systems communicate; it is ensuring that they communicate predictably and fail safely. In industrial automation, safety and reliability must be part of the architecture from the beginning.Many Nigerian manufacturers worry about cost. What are the advantages of investing in automation and digital solutions?If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. A smart factory is a production environment where people, machines, software and data work together intelligently.It does not necessarily mean a factory filled with expensive robots. It means the production system can understand what is happening, guide processes, collect accurate data, identify problems and provide useful information for decision-making.For African manufacturers, smart manufacturing should be practical and scalable. A company can begin by digitalising one important process or solving one expensive production problem, measure the result and expand gradually. A smart factory is simply a factory that does not operate blindly.Compared to Europe, Asia or the United States, where is Africa on the smart factory adoption curve, and what is holding us back?Africa is not far off in smart manufacturing adoption, but I don’t believe the problem is a lack of talent or intelligence. We have capable engineers and software developers.The bigger challenges are access to industrial equipment, practical training and direct exposure to real production systems. Engineers need opportunities to work with PLCs, sensors, industrial robots, controllers and other equipment.There is also a specialised knowledge gap around industrial communication, standards and safety. Africa already has much of the talent required. What we need is better access, stronger practical training and more opportunities to convert technical ability into industrial experience.As a software engineer working in automation, how do you bridge the gap between code, sensors, and physical production systems?I begin by understanding the specific role of each component. A sensor, scanner, PLC and software application should each perform the task for which it is best suited.The engineer’s responsibility is to understand the strengths and limitations of each component and build safe, reliable communication between them.The real challenge is not simply making systems communicate; it is ensuring that they communicate predictably and fail safely. In industrial automation, safety and reliability must be part of the architecture from the beginning.Many Nigerian manufacturers worry about cost. What are the advantages of investing in automation and digital solutions?If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. It does not necessarily mean a factory filled with expensive robots. It means the production system can understand what is happening, guide processes, collect accurate data, identify problems and provide useful information for decision-making.For African manufacturers, smart manufacturing should be practical and scalable. A company can begin by digitalising one important process or solving one expensive production problem, measure the result and expand gradually. A smart factory is simply a factory that does not operate blindly.Compared to Europe, Asia or the United States, where is Africa on the smart factory adoption curve, and what is holding us back?Africa is not far off in smart manufacturing adoption, but I don’t believe the problem is a lack of talent or intelligence. We have capable engineers and software developers.The bigger challenges are access to industrial equipment, practical training and direct exposure to real production systems. Engineers need opportunities to work with PLCs, sensors, industrial robots, controllers and other equipment.There is also a specialised knowledge gap around industrial communication, standards and safety. Africa already has much of the talent required. What we need is better access, stronger practical training and more opportunities to convert technical ability into industrial experience.As a software engineer working in automation, how do you bridge the gap between code, sensors, and physical production systems?I begin by understanding the specific role of each component. A sensor, scanner, PLC and software application should each perform the task for which it is best suited.The engineer’s responsibility is to understand the strengths and limitations of each component and build safe, reliable communication between them.The real challenge is not simply making systems communicate; it is ensuring that they communicate predictably and fail safely. In industrial automation, safety and reliability must be part of the architecture from the beginning.Many Nigerian manufacturers worry about cost. What are the advantages of investing in automation and digital solutions?If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. For African manufacturers, smart manufacturing should be practical and scalable. A company can begin by digitalising one important process or solving one expensive production problem, measure the result and expand gradually. A smart factory is simply a factory that does not operate blindly.Compared to Europe, Asia or the United States, where is Africa on the smart factory adoption curve, and what is holding us back?Africa is not far off in smart manufacturing adoption, but I don’t believe the problem is a lack of talent or intelligence. We have capable engineers and software developers.The bigger challenges are access to industrial equipment, practical training and direct exposure to real production systems. Engineers need opportunities to work with PLCs, sensors, industrial robots, controllers and other equipment.There is also a specialised knowledge gap around industrial communication, standards and safety. Africa already has much of the talent required. What we need is better access, stronger practical training and more opportunities to convert technical ability into industrial experience.As a software engineer working in automation, how do you bridge the gap between code, sensors, and physical production systems?I begin by understanding the specific role of each component. A sensor, scanner, PLC and software application should each perform the task for which it is best suited.The engineer’s responsibility is to understand the strengths and limitations of each component and build safe, reliable communication between them.The real challenge is not simply making systems communicate; it is ensuring that they communicate predictably and fail safely. In industrial automation, safety and reliability must be part of the architecture from the beginning.Many Nigerian manufacturers worry about cost. What are the advantages of investing in automation and digital solutions?If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. Compared to Europe, Asia or the United States, where is Africa on the smart factory adoption curve, and what is holding us back?Africa is not far off in smart manufacturing adoption, but I don’t believe the problem is a lack of talent or intelligence. We have capable engineers and software developers.The bigger challenges are access to industrial equipment, practical training and direct exposure to real production systems. Engineers need opportunities to work with PLCs, sensors, industrial robots, controllers and other equipment.There is also a specialised knowledge gap around industrial communication, standards and safety. Africa already has much of the talent required. What we need is better access, stronger practical training and more opportunities to convert technical ability into industrial experience.As a software engineer working in automation, how do you bridge the gap between code, sensors, and physical production systems?I begin by understanding the specific role of each component. A sensor, scanner, PLC and software application should each perform the task for which it is best suited.The engineer’s responsibility is to understand the strengths and limitations of each component and build safe, reliable communication between them.The real challenge is not simply making systems communicate; it is ensuring that they communicate predictably and fail safely. In industrial automation, safety and reliability must be part of the architecture from the beginning.Many Nigerian manufacturers worry about cost. What are the advantages of investing in automation and digital solutions?If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. Africa is not far off in smart manufacturing adoption, but I don’t believe the problem is a lack of talent or intelligence. We have capable engineers and software developers.The bigger challenges are access to industrial equipment, practical training and direct exposure to real production systems. Engineers need opportunities to work with PLCs, sensors, industrial robots, controllers and other equipment.There is also a specialised knowledge gap around industrial communication, standards and safety. Africa already has much of the talent required. What we need is better access, stronger practical training and more opportunities to convert technical ability into industrial experience.As a software engineer working in automation, how do you bridge the gap between code, sensors, and physical production systems?I begin by understanding the specific role of each component. A sensor, scanner, PLC and software application should each perform the task for which it is best suited.The engineer’s responsibility is to understand the strengths and limitations of each component and build safe, reliable communication between them.The real challenge is not simply making systems communicate; it is ensuring that they communicate predictably and fail safely. In industrial automation, safety and reliability must be part of the architecture from the beginning.Many Nigerian manufacturers worry about cost. What are the advantages of investing in automation and digital solutions?If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. The bigger challenges are access to industrial equipment, practical training and direct exposure to real production systems. Engineers need opportunities to work with PLCs, sensors, industrial robots, controllers and other equipment.There is also a specialised knowledge gap around industrial communication, standards and safety. Africa already has much of the talent required. What we need is better access, stronger practical training and more opportunities to convert technical ability into industrial experience.As a software engineer working in automation, how do you bridge the gap between code, sensors, and physical production systems?I begin by understanding the specific role of each component. A sensor, scanner, PLC and software application should each perform the task for which it is best suited.The engineer’s responsibility is to understand the strengths and limitations of each component and build safe, reliable communication between them.The real challenge is not simply making systems communicate; it is ensuring that they communicate predictably and fail safely. In industrial automation, safety and reliability must be part of the architecture from the beginning.Many Nigerian manufacturers worry about cost. What are the advantages of investing in automation and digital solutions?If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. There is also a specialised knowledge gap around industrial communication, standards and safety. Africa already has much of the talent required. What we need is better access, stronger practical training and more opportunities to convert technical ability into industrial experience.As a software engineer working in automation, how do you bridge the gap between code, sensors, and physical production systems?I begin by understanding the specific role of each component. A sensor, scanner, PLC and software application should each perform the task for which it is best suited.The engineer’s responsibility is to understand the strengths and limitations of each component and build safe, reliable communication between them.The real challenge is not simply making systems communicate; it is ensuring that they communicate predictably and fail safely. In industrial automation, safety and reliability must be part of the architecture from the beginning.Many Nigerian manufacturers worry about cost. What are the advantages of investing in automation and digital solutions?If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. As a software engineer working in automation, how do you bridge the gap between code, sensors, and physical production systems?I begin by understanding the specific role of each component. A sensor, scanner, PLC and software application should each perform the task for which it is best suited.The engineer’s responsibility is to understand the strengths and limitations of each component and build safe, reliable communication between them.The real challenge is not simply making systems communicate; it is ensuring that they communicate predictably and fail safely. In industrial automation, safety and reliability must be part of the architecture from the beginning.Many Nigerian manufacturers worry about cost. What are the advantages of investing in automation and digital solutions?If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. I begin by understanding the specific role of each component. A sensor, scanner, PLC and software application should each perform the task for which it is best suited.The engineer’s responsibility is to understand the strengths and limitations of each component and build safe, reliable communication between them.The real challenge is not simply making systems communicate; it is ensuring that they communicate predictably and fail safely. In industrial automation, safety and reliability must be part of the architecture from the beginning.Many Nigerian manufacturers worry about cost. What are the advantages of investing in automation and digital solutions?If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. The engineer’s responsibility is to understand the strengths and limitations of each component and build safe, reliable communication between them.The real challenge is not simply making systems communicate; it is ensuring that they communicate predictably and fail safely. In industrial automation, safety and reliability must be part of the architecture from the beginning.Many Nigerian manufacturers worry about cost. What are the advantages of investing in automation and digital solutions?If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. The real challenge is not simply making systems communicate; it is ensuring that they communicate predictably and fail safely. In industrial automation, safety and reliability must be part of the architecture from the beginning.Many Nigerian manufacturers worry about cost. What are the advantages of investing in automation and digital solutions?If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. Many Nigerian manufacturers worry about cost. What are the advantages of investing in automation and digital solutions?If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. If a manufacturer wants to scale, improve quality, reduce waste and become more profitable, automation and digitalisation should be part of the business strategy.The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. The advantage is not simply about producing faster. It is about producing more efficiently, consistently and predictably. Automation can reduce repetitive errors, while digitalisation provides the production data required for better forecasting, planning and decision-making.Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. Manufacturers also do not need to automate everything at once. The best approach is often to identify where waste, errors or delays are costing the most money, solve that problem first and expand based on measurable returns.How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. How are AI, Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics changing factories, and which is most underrated in Nigeria today?I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. I believe data analytics is the most underrated. IoT helps factories collect information, analytics helps them understand it, and AI can help identify patterns and make predictions. The mistake is thinking that data analytics is simply about displaying numbers on dashboards.The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. The real value is moving from knowing what happened to understanding why it happened, what is likely to happen next and what action should be taken.The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. The manufacturers that gain the greatest advantage will not necessarily be those with the most sensors or machines. They will be those that understand their data and turn it into better decisions faster than their competitors.As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. As factories become more connected, what are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities in African industrial systems?One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. One of the biggest vulnerabilities is underinvestment in industrial cybersecurity.Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. Modern factories are increasingly connected to databases, servers, ERP platforms, inventory systems and other digital services. This connectivity creates value, but it also increases exposure to cyber risks.Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. Manufacturers need to treat cybersecurity with the same seriousness seen in highly regulated sectors such as financial services. An industrial cyberattack can do more than expose data; it can stop production, affect quality, damage equipment and potentially create safety risks.Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. Cybersecurity must therefore be treated as part of operational safety and business continuity. A smart factory must also be a secure factory.Related NewsMinister hails re-election of Nigerian as African Public Relations Association scribeYoung people must shape post-2030 education agenda – SDG4 Youth & Student Network leaderFocus on real business challenges before adopting AI, experts urge firmsHow can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. How can more Nigerians be trained for smart manufacturing roles?The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. The first challenge is exposure. Many young Nigerians do not realise that modern manufacturing needs software engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists, data professionals and cybersecurity experts.We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. We need stronger connections between education and industry, more factory exposure, practical training, internships and access to industrial equipment.Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. Young engineers also need to understand the performance culture of manufacturing. In production, a few seconds of delay repeated thousands of times can become a major productivity loss. It is not enough to build software that works; industrial software must be reliable, efficient and optimised.The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. The talent already exists. We need to expose it to the industry and create clearer pathways into smart manufacturing careers.How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. How can smart factory solutions be designed around unstable power and poor connectivity?Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. Smart manufacturing solutions in Nigeria must be designed around the reality of the environment.Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. Reliable power is fundamental, so alternative and backup power must be considered as part of the production architecture rather than as an afterthought.For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. For connectivity, we should distinguish Internet access from local industrial networking. A well-designed production system can perform its critical functions locally without continuous Internet access. Where cloud services are required, systems can be designed to store information locally and synchronise when connectivity is restored.The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. The key principle is resilience: never design industrial systems on the assumption that conditions will always be perfect.Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. Do you think Nigeria should build its own industrial automation platforms or continue adapting foreign technology?I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. I don’t see this as simply a choice between local and foreign technology. The right questions are whether the solution is reliable, solves the problem, can be supported and provides value for money.If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. If a Nigerian-built solution meets those requirements, it should absolutely be considered. At the same time, established international technologies should not be rejected simply because they were developed elsewhere.What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. What matters strategically is that Nigeria develops its own industrial capability. We should not remain only consumers of technology. We need engineers and companies capable of designing systems, integrating technologies, building industrial software and eventually creating globally competitive products.Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. Start with the problem, not the brand or country of origin.Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. Are SMEs being left behind in automation, or are there affordable entry points?Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. Automation is not only for large factories. It exists at different scales, and some automated systems can operate in small workshops or even on a workbench.For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. For SMEs, the best approach is to start with one clearly defined problem. That could be filling, counting, labelling, packaging, inspection or data collection.Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. Automate the process where errors, waste or repetitive work are costing the business the most. Measure the result and expand gradually.Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. Many SMEs may discover that their first useful level of automation is far more affordable than they expected. Start small, measure the results and scale from there.How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. How can smart factory technology reduce waste, energy use and carbon footprint?The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. The greatest advantage is visibility. Smart manufacturing allows a company to understand where materials are being consumed, where waste is being generated and where energy is being used inefficiently.If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. If one production stage consistently generates excessive waste, data can help identify the pattern and support investigation of the actual cause.The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. The same applies to energy. Manufacturers can monitor consumption by machine, process or production area and identify inefficient equipment or unnecessary operation.Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. Sustainability begins with measurement. You cannot effectively improve what you cannot measure.What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. What can Nigerian manufacturing look like in five years with greater digital transformation?The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. The potential is enormous. Nigerian manufacturing could become more productive, predictable and responsive to market demand.With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. With accurate production data, manufacturers can better understand capacity, identify problems earlier, plan resources more effectively and meet customer demand more consistently.Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. Nigeria has a large domestic market, significant raw materials and strong technical talent. Combining these advantages with efficient, data-driven manufacturing could strengthen local production and improve international competitiveness.What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. What advice would you give young engineers and developers who want careers at the intersection of technology and industry?Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. Keep learning, expose yourself deliberately to the industry and take a chance on yourself.Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. Identify companies doing the kind of work you want to do. Study the skills they require, understand the technologies they use and begin closing the gaps in your knowledge. Then apply. Do not wait until you feel like the perfect candidate.You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. You should also learn from technical resources, factory demonstrations, courses and industry content. Attend exhibitions and technical events when possible. Connect with experienced professionals, ask meaningful questions and seek mentorship.You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. You may not have direct industrial experience yet, but understanding the technology, terminology and challenges of the industry can already set you apart.Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible. Keep learning, keep applying, build genuine professional relationships and remain persistent. Opportunities often come to people who have prepared themselves before the opportunity becomes visible.