Domestic Production: R&D,
Software, Hardware
Quick statistics on Domestic Production
|
Expenditure
for R & D (1997) |
0.09%
of GNP |
|
High
technology exports (1999) |
US$
17 million |
|
High
tech exports % of manufactured exports (1999) |
13% |
|
Scientists
and engenders in R & D (1997) |
15
per million people |
|
Technician
in R & D (1997) |
76
per million people |
Source: Nigeria
Technology Facts[1]
Nigeria is a
large importer of technology primarily because there is very little domestic
production. Research and development activities are very limited, accounting
for less than one percent of their GDP. According to one source, most of the
R&D activities are not market-driven but centered on the drive for academic
laurels and attribute low commitment to R&D as one of the major factors
inhibiting Nigeria’s drive toward technology.[2] There is software development in Nigeria
however often it is package poorly, marketed poorly, and there are poor
standards. A Nigerian/South African company, Zinox Technologies, produced the
first “made in Nigeria” computer in October 2001.
Nigeria does not
produce enough IT products to meet the domestic demand and is not thought of as
a global IT producer. For now, Nigerian computer companies can gain market
share and establish a competitive advantage over importers by continuing to
offer quality products, continue to offer lower cost products, and appeal to national
pride. Nigeria is a long way from becoming a significant IT producer.
