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In an exclusive interview with Nana Theresa Timothy of ITEdgeNews Africa, Nana Olugbenga, Chief Executive Officer of Notion Technology Limited, shared insights into the motivation behind the company’s recent industry engagement initiative and the critical role fiber engineers play in strengthening Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure. Speaking from both executive and field experience, Olugbenga reflected on equipment-related downtime, the importance of local repair solutions, and the broader implications of reliable fiber infrastructure for Nigeria’s digital economy and national development.
What inspired the idea behind organizing an event like this? What are you hoping to achieve?
The inspiration came from my close interaction with fiber engineers over the years. For a long time, I observed that fiber engineers are constantly on the field, moving from one site to another, dealing with intense pressure, tight deadlines, and technical challenges. They rarely have time for themselves or for meaningful interaction with colleagues outside work.
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While engineers work tirelessly to make customers happy, they often neglect their own well-being. This event was designed to create an avenue where engineers can relax, connect, share experiences, and build genuine professional relationships. It is about giving them time to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with one another as a community.
Why is connection among engineers so critical?
In the course of fieldwork, engineers often encounter failures, downtimes, and high-pressure situations. Unfortunately, these challenges can sometimes create disconnection rather than collaboration. People begin to see one another only through the lens of work stress.
What we are trying to do is reverse that trend. We want to build unity and foster a strong network among fiber engineers. When engineers are united, they exchange knowledge, support one another, and collectively improve service delivery. Ultimately, when we work better together, the country also moves forward. A strong telecommunications backbone translates into national progress.
From your experience, what would you say is one major challenge fiber engineers face in Nigeria today?
One of the most significant challenges fiber engineers face is downtime, especially when they lack access to the right equipment. When equipment fails and there is no immediate replacement or repair option, operations stall, projects are delayed, and service quality suffers.
Having worked as a field engineer myself, I understand this challenge firsthand. Equipment availability and maintenance remain a major pain point in the industry, and it directly affects productivity and efficiency.
How does Notion Technology address this challenge within the industry?
That challenge is actually one of the key reasons Notion Technology was established. Our goal is not just to supply equipment to customers but also to provide reliable repair and maintenance services. Instead of engineers having to send faulty equipment outside the country for repairs, which can take months, we provide local solutions.
At Notion Technology, equipment repairs can be completed within days or weeks, depending on the issue. In some cases, repairs are done within two or three days. This drastically reduces downtime and restores engineers’ confidence. We want people to believe that whatever can be done abroad can also be done here in Nigeria.
What impact do you hope this initiative will have on the telecommunications sector?
Our vision goes beyond business. We want to strengthen the entire telecommunications ecosystem. Without fiber and telecommunications infrastructure, there is no connectivity. And without connectivity, there is no meaningful development in today’s digital world.
Every advanced country is moving forward through strong digital infrastructure. If Nigeria does not keep up, we risk being left behind. We have the capacity, the talent, and the potential to lead in Africa, but that requires intentional investment in people—especially fiber engineers.
How important are fiber engineers to national development?
Fiber engineers are extremely important, often more than people realize. They are the backbone of connectivity. Doctors rely on the internet for telemedicine, bankers depend on networks for financial transactions, businesses need connectivity to operate, and even homes depend on stable internet access.
Notion Technology CEO Nana Olugbenga
There is virtually no sector today that does not rely on connectivity. When fiber engineers do their jobs effectively, everything else becomes possible. They make it possible for industries to function, for innovation to thrive, and for society to stay connected.
What message would you like to leave with fiber engineers and stakeholders in the industry?
My message is simple: fiber engineers matter, and their work is essential to Nigeria’s future. We must continue to support one another, invest in local capacity, and believe in what we can achieve together.
At Notion Technology, we remain committed to creating platforms like this, spaces where engineers can connect, learn, and grow. When we build together, we move faster and stronger as a nation.
