Despite its huge cost in depleting foreign exchange and encouraging capital flight, importation of mobile phones remains the only viable and sustainable alternative, the Chief Executive Officer, Slot Systems Limited, Nnamdi Ezeigbo, has said.
Speaking on the sideline with The Nation at the prize presentation to winners of the firm’s customers in Lagos, he said the crippling power problem in the country remained one major obstacle to domestic assemblage of mobile phones and their accessories.
According to him, though importation of mobile phones into is huge, it is not the best as it is helping to create jobs and growing the economies of the countries, noting that the practice will continue till the Federal Government is able to address the huge gap infrastructure gap in the country.
He said: “Backward integration is good for us because engineering is our core of competence but we are so constrained by the infrastructure deficit in the country. Power is a critical national infrastructure required to set the country on the path of industrial revolution but we are not there yet.
“However, with the successful completion of the privatisation process by the government of President Goodluck Jonathan, we are hopeful that the new investors will bring in the requisite expertise and capital to turn the sector around. It is only when the power problem is fixed that other things such as citing mobile phone assembly plant in the country would be addressed. “
Speaking on how to streamline the mobile phones sales market against the backdrop of grey imports that deprive the Federal Government of revenue, he said the market is ‘fragmented,’ adding that marketers bring in products from various parts of the world and sell in the market.
Speaking on the promo, he said it is the firm’s unique way of giving back to its loyal customers, adding that this year’s edition is remarkable because it also marked the anniversary of the 15th year of its operation in the country.
“We are also celebrating our 15 years of doing business in Nigeria, being able to weather the storm, take the risks and grow a brand that is built on solid ethical principles. And we are glad to say that the Slot experience is proof of the fact that good things can grow on the Nigerian soil,” Ezeigbo said.
