Bringing Africa Into The Information Age

Running head: Nigeria into Info Age 1

Bringing Nigeria into the Information Age Erik Owen Garrett Labor Webster University ITM 6000 Capstone Dr. DewisPelare

Running head: Nigeria into Info Age 2

Table of Contents •

Abstract ………………………………………………………………….. Page 3

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Introduction …………………………………………………………… Pages 4-7 o Problem Statement …………………………………………….. Pages 4-5 o Background ………………………………………………….… Pages 5-7 

The Country …………………………………….………... Page 5

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The Culture …………………………………………….… Page 5

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The Infrastructure ……………………………………… Pages 5-6

o Motivation ……………………………………………………...… Page 7 •

Research Question ……………………………………………………… Pages 7-8

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Literature Review ……………………………………………………… Pages 8-9

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Analysis ………………………………….……………………………. Pages 9-14 o The Needs, Benefits, and Costs ……………………………... Pages 10-14

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Diplomatic …………………………………………… Pages 10-11

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Informational ………………………………………… Pages 11-12

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Military ………………………………………….…… Pages 12-13

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Economic ……………………………………..……… Pages 13-14

Proposed Solution …………………….……………………………... Pages 14-16 o Ink Spot Theory …………………………………………...… Pages 15-16

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Summary ………………………………………………….……..… Pages 16-17

Running head: Nigeria into Info Age 3 •

References …………………………………………………….….… Pages 18-20

Abstract Despite the rapid technological changes of the 1990’s, Africa has remained in the “dark” technologically. The following descriptive research discusses the costs and benefits of IT development in the sub-Saharan African country of Nigeria. A brief background is provided where key aspects of the culture and country are discussed, including the ages of man, per Alvin and Heidi Toffler. The definitions of information technology (IT) and information and communication technology (ICT) are clarified immediately and previous research is examined that relates to connectivity in Nigeria. Foreseeable costs and benefits are analyzed using the DIME (diplomatic, information, military, and economic) critical infrastructure model. A proposed solution is presented in which the “ink spot” theory is introduced and recommended for the growth of technology in Nigeria. Some examples of successes from IT implementation in other countries are used as examples for conclusions of risks and advantages.

Running head: Nigeria into Info Age 4

Introduction “It's clear that bringing developing countries onto the information highway constitutes a colossal challenge if we are to promote economic growth....the reality is that there are more telephone lines in Manhattan, New York, than in sub-Saharan Africa.” -Thabo Mbeki, Deputy President, Republic of South Africa A commanding force drives the world towards a converging commonality: technology (Levitt, 1992). Technology has been one of the most essential and important factors for the development of mankind since the beginning of the human era (Coombs et al, 1987). In order to better understand the meaning of technology and its implementation, some definitions must be clarified. Information Technology (IT) can be defined as the modern handling of information by electronic means (Ige, 1995). Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a technology such as computers, software, peripherals and Internet connections infrastructure required to support information processing and communication functions (UNDP, 2001). Problem Statement Africa is a huge continent with many different ethnicities, creeds, and socioeconomic classes. Depending on the source, as many as 53 countries make up the continent, yet it is one of the poorest and most underdeveloped continents in the world

Running head: Nigeria into Info Age 5 (How Many Countries in Africa, 2007). The need for technology and the potential effects thereof is a problem that warrants close examination. Determining a method of creating IT expansion on the continent of Africa is a task that few have considered, especially when compared to the efforts apparent in other continents. The African continent is still one of the least IT connected areas on the globe and is a rapidly growing focal point for development by non-African nations (Odedra et al, 2008). IT expansion has the promise of developing the vast resources of this relatively untapped continent (Raji et al, 2006). One of the keys to effective and efficient development is the establishment of a comprehensive and responsive IT infrastructure. The problem is that, in most cases, Africa’s IT infrastructure is virtually nonexistent. The challenge is how to develop the kind of IT infrastructure that will facilitate rapid growth across the continent. This study will minimize its focus on the sub-Saharan geographical region of Nigeria. Background The Federal Republic of Nigeria consists of 36 states and one territory. With over 250 distinct ethnic groups, it has one of the world’s most ethnically diverse societies (Nigeria General Info, n.d.). The country has a total area of 923,773 sq km and, in the South, lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus, with mountains in the Southeast, and plains in the North (Nigeria General Info, n.d.). Over 80% of the population consists of three ethnicities including the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Ibo ethnicities (Nigeria General Info, n.d.). English is cited as the official language but each ethnic group has its own indigenous tongue. Fifty percent of the population is Muslim, 35% is Christian, and the remaining 15% retain native beliefs (Nigeria General Info, n.d.). Northern Nigeria is

Running head: Nigeria into Info Age 6 currently faced with a threat of impending Islamic law that seems to correlate with growing poverty and economic recession (Nigeria General Info, n.d.). The exact population census is unknown although the UN Population Fund found estimates of the 2000 population near 116.9 million, with a growth rate of 2.6% (Nigeria General Info, n.d.). Some sources, however, put the number as high as 126 million, consisting mainly of farmers and rural inhabitants (Nigeria General Info, n.d.). This primarily agrarian, or land cultivating, population boasts the largest and one of the poorest populations of any African country (Nigeria General Info, n.d.). The general infrastructure of Nigeria is minimal. In 1997 the communications infrastructure, measured per one thousand individuals, cites 27 daily newspapers, 226 radio receivers, and 66 television receivers (Nigeria General Info, n.d.). According to Raji and his colleagues, these numbers are estimated to have changed little over the past decade. Four hundred and seventy five thousand main telephone lines span the country’s wetlands, plains, and mountains (Raji et al, 2006). As of March 2006, there were 21.5 million Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) subscribers across four providers and 1.3 million on other networks (Raji et al, 2006). Some amount of roads and railways exist but serve primarily to host the country’s natural gas and oil resources, which were discovered in the 1970’s. These abundant natural resources give Nigeria a reasonable focus for development, particularly from other countries, and earned it the 33rd highest per capita income in the world during the 1970’s oil boom (Raji et al, 2006). By 1997, however, it fell to the 13th poorest nation in the world (Raji et al, 2006). Nigeria has an Army, Air Force, and Navy with training facilities throughout the country, though, by U.S. standards, the sophistication of equipment and readiness is poor (Nigeria General

Running head: Nigeria into Info Age 7 Info, n.d.).

Motivation According to Alvin and Hiedi Toffler, the world has three contrasting and competing civilizations: agrarian, industrial, and information; “the first still symbolized by the hoe; the second by the assembly line; and the third by the computer” (Toffler, 1993). Agrarian societies supply agricultural and mineral resources, Industrial societies provide cheap labor, and Information societies rise to dominance based on the new ways in which they create and exploit knowledge (Toffler, 1993). Nigeria currently exists primarily in the agrarian age because most of its population earns a living through farming and agriculture, although in some areas Nigeria has moved into the industrial age as evidenced by its oil production capabilities. The Nigerian agrarian culture contrasts with countries like the United States, Japan, Great Britain, and Germany, which exist mainly in the information age. Information age nations sell culture, education, information, technology, and provide military support to other countries (Toffler, 1993). Nigeria could evolve with the introduction of a solid IT infrastructure and possibly progress directly into the information age, bypassing industrialization and becoming the forerunner of information technology in Africa.

Research Question What are the possible benefits and costs and what is the best method of spreading of IT expansion in Nigeria? The following such effects of IT growth will be evaluated

Running head: Nigeria into Info Age 8 using the DIME (diplomatic, information, military, and economic) critical infrastructure model (Puglisi et al, 2007). The following descriptive research will analyze data, current infrastructures, and examples from IT progression in third world countries, including the effects of such expansion in Afghanistan.

Literature Review The challenge of instituting IT or ICT systems in Nigeria has been reviewed by others. It is important to draw from past inquiries so that a sound line of reasoning is easily followed from research to conclusion. The following literature helps to illustrate previous proposals for IT development in sub-Saharan Africa. In their examination of increasing internet connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa, Etienne Baranshamaje and her colleagues consider the impacts of IT development. Electronic networks could spark an information revolution and encourage private sector development (Barashamaje et al, 1995). Furthermore, “the development of electronic networking will prepare African countries to respond and participate more actively in a rapidly changing global economy that is increasingly driven by the free flow of information and ideas” (Barashamaje et al, 1995). The importance of reworking regulations and laws is reiterated and technical options and costs are presented with multiple options. Some of the drawbacks of IT development in sub-Saharan Africa are discussed by Odedra, Lawrie, Bennett, and Goodman in their article titled “Information Technology in Sub-Saharan Africa.” Some of these negative consequences include the African overdependence on foreign currency to import technology, the increasing dependency on

Running head: Nigeria into Info Age 9 multinational corporations, and expatriate personnel who are unfamiliar with culture and customs (Odedra et al, 2008). Countries like Nigeria are constantly at a disadvantage because of computer illiteracy and need to exploit existing products effectively, and this can only be achieved through education (Odedra et al, 2008). In 2006, authors M. O Raji, O. B Ayoade, and A. Usoro described the potential problems and prospects of ICT development in the eradication of poverty. They observe the issue of IT acquisition through the lens of poverty and the uneven distribution of wealth in Nigeria. The authors come to interesting conclusions about the potential benefits of ICT implementation, including the creation of jobs, the possible eradication of poverty, the promotion of freedom, economic growth, the functioning as a tool for empowerment, and the facilitation of access to IT and internet to rural areas (Raji et al, 2006). Some of the restraints discussed include the challenge of integrating laws, regulations, and guidelines for a developing country (Raji et al, 2006). These policy considerations are followed by challenges such as high bandwidth costs, poor infrastructure, language barriers, lofty rates of illiteracy, gender insensitivity, and inadequate human resources (Raji et al, 2006). Another issue addressed is the digital divide, or the gap between the levels of hardware and software resources that are available to the poor and to more affluent members of society (Raji et al, 2006).

Analysis The previous sections of this research focused on pre-existing examinations of IT in sub-Saharan Africa and Nigeria. They were necessary to provide background information and logical reasoning for analysis and conclusions. The following sections

Running head: Nigeria into Info Age 10 will introduce the DIME (diplomatic, informational, military, and economic) infrastructure model to briefly evaluate and weigh the costs and benefits of IT development in Nigeria, largely through a cultural perspective. “The diplomacy component involves negotiating with other nations to settle differences. It is the job of statesmen, and it is most successful when supported by the other instruments of power. The information component comprises strategic communication, public diplomacy, and the collection, analysis, and dissemination of information about potential adversaries. The military component involves military activities ranging from peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, and nation-building to large-scale combat operations. The economic component encompasses financial activities that run the gamut from providing foreign aid and market access to imposing trade sanctions.” (Anderson, 2007) Diplomatic The Diplomatic dimension of the DIME critical infrastructure model focuses on the impacts that relate to leadership and world role identity. In the case of Nigeria, world role identity refers to the manner in which other countries view and respect the decisions it makes in regards to its people. As one of the poorest and most populated counties in Africa, the diplomatic decisions that affect the population are extremely important. IT can impact the diplomatic area both internally and externally. Internally, it can aid by facilitating communication among the 371 tribes that make up Nigeria (Tribes in Nigeria, n.d.). While not all tribes are in conflict with one another, some are and some of

Running head: Nigeria into Info Age 11 those historical conflicts might be ameliorated by better communication. The fundamental act of establishing and encouraging dialog have the potential of reducing conflict by enabling better understanding and problem resolution. Internationally, improved IT will enhance Nigeria’s role in Africa and the world by allowing more efficient and effective exchange of information and consequently enhance its international ties and status. This becomes even more important when one looks at Nigeria’s stature among oil producing nations and as a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping supporter. A cost that could result diplomatically includes the loss of cultural identity. When tribes are brought together, their cultures begin to dissipate, especially as they become westernized. Westernization is a possible byproduct of IT development because when these indigenous cultures become connected, they gain access to western pop-culture. The diplomatic efforts could result in cultural erosion, and though some could see it as a benefit, Nigeria could lose the mores and rich culture that make it unique. Another possible cost could result from bringing feuding tribes together. Encouraging dialog does not always resolve conflict, and could possibly make it worse, especially considering the lengthy negative histories some of these tribes share. Information The ability to set up a reliable information network is critical for the development of any nation state. The key to accomplishing this in the 21st Century is wireless technology. Afghanistan, a nation even less developed than Nigeria, has made obvious strides through the implementation of wireless technology. Even as one of the most illiterate nations in the world, Afghanistan has thoroughly embraced wireless technology,

Running head: Nigeria into Info Age 12 which has proven to be a boon to effective communications throughout the country (World Fact Book, 2003). At one point during the last year, the Taliban threatened to and actually destroyed a cell tower in order to reduce the coalition’s ability to track and interdict the insurgents (Shachtman, 2008). The hue and cry raised by Afghans in response to this threat effectively prevented the Taliban from carrying out further cell tower destruction. In some ways, Nigeria is no different from Afghanistan. Principally, its literacy level is very low and verbal/picture communications are critically important. Wireless technology can be very effective in overcoming the lack of literacy and consequently, enhancing the ability of Nigerians to effectively communicate. The obvious cost of setting up information infrastructure is inherent. These networks are expensive to build and maintain. Going wireless is cheaper, but still requires safeguarding, and poses an initial cost. Erratic and unpredictable civil behavior could pose a risk for the integrity of equipment; just because a cell tower is built does not mean it will be there tomorrow. Nigeria’s high illiteracy rates correlate with sub-par education and both detract from implementation and sustaining information infrastructure. Military A bridge from Nigeria’s diplomatic role to its military role in the international community can be found through its role with peacekeeping operations. Nigeria has been a major presence in peacekeeping, not only in Africa, but also globally (Shoup, 2007). Absolutely critical to any modern military operation is the ability to collect and distribute information rapidly and accurately. This is fundamentally accomplished through an enhanced IT capability. Improved IT capability would allow the Nigerian military to

Running head: Nigeria into Info Age 13 work more closely with other, more developed nations, thereby improving its international standing and ability to interact with these nations. Further, making the military more effective and efficient provides the benefit of reducing the size of the military, which allows money to be freed up by a smaller military to be reinvested in both social and economic endeavors to tackle some of the myriad of challenges that Nigeria currently faces. A prime example of IT advancement in military capability can be seen in the United States Army. The M1A1 Abrams tank replaced the M60 tank in 1980 (M1 Abrams, n.d.). The Abrams was a far technically superior tank that utilized the most advanced technology of the time (M1 Abrams, n.d.). Eventually, the M1A2 replaced the M1A1 and the primary difference rests in the advancement of its technology and computer systems (M1 Abrams, n.d.). The efficiencies and effectiveness of the Abrams tank have allowed the United States Army to nearly cut its armor costs in half (Labor, 2008). Improved IT could eventually provide the Nigerian military with the means of acquiring better and more sophisticated equipment and training. This equipment could come with a cost, however. Some more developed countries could possibly take advantage of Nigeria and exploit its natural resources. Throughout its history, Nigeria has also seen many changes in power through military coups. Nigerian people have become revolution-weary, and with an increase of communications, radical groups could have a better chance of staging military aggression. Economic Nigeria is one of the largest oil producing nations in the world (Mufson, 2008). Second only to Saudi Arabia, Nigeria has the largest untapped oil reserves among

Running head: Nigeria into Info Age 14 Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) (Mufson, 2008). A key challenge facing Nigeria is the equitable distribution of these petrol-dollars. Currently, the inability to effectively do this has created major problems for Nigeria; problems that even threaten the very nature of democracy in the country (Mufson, 2008). As the most populous nation in Africa, Nigeria’s standing as a democratic nation is of vital importance to the continent (Countries Ranked by Population, 2008). Improved IT can help in solving these problems by developing more efficient oil production and distribution systems as well as more effective distribution of the dollars earned across the nation. This will in turn, allow the nation to make strides in reducing inequalities and tensions that plague Nigeria. Unfortunately, the reverse could manifest. The country, as of February 2006, produced an estimated 2.30 million barrels of crude oil and natural gas a day (Raji et al, 2006). At anywhere from forty to sixty dollars a barrel, the income generated is in the billions. The average Nigerian citizen, however, sees nothing of the generous revenue. The rich could get richer and the poor could stay unaffected or get poorer.

Proposed Solution So how do we spread IT across Nigeria? Some of the possible benefits and costs have been examined, so a potential solution should be easy to identify. Nigeria, more so than nearly any country in Africa, with the possible exception of South Africa, embodies the existing challenges apparent when the agrarian and industrial eras of man collide, attempt to coexist, and try to make the leap into the information age. The speed with which nations evolve and take their place in the modern world is

Running head: Nigeria into Info Age 15 phenomenal; old, industrial age, solutions are far too slow, cumbersome, and expensive both in time and capitol. So then, how indeed do we spread IT across a country the size and complexity of Nigeria? The information age is marked by innovative and unorthodox thinking and practices; so why not solutions of the same kind? The following solution focuses on the military dimension and assumes a small military role by the United States. Ink Spot Theory An example of such “out of the box” thinking can be found in the military’s counterinsurgency (COIN) warfare doctrine. Central to conducting COIN is a strategy called “ink spot” theory. Though reliant on outside influence, in this theory “commanders pick an area, send in troops to clear it of insurgents, and keep it secure, at which point government representatives and foreign aid workers come in and build roads, schools, and whatever is needed or wanted. The example of this success spreads to other areas, where the sequence is duplicated, until gradually the country unifies and prospers, the insurgents lose favor with the population, and the central government—which has been taking credit for these successes—gains legitimacy” (Kaplan, 2006). In this case, rather than establishing militarily secure areas, strong IT bases are created. The base cities should be representative of government, economic, and social/cultural centers. For example, the first city would be the capital, Abuja. A solid wireless infrastructure would be established, similar to that of Kandahar, Afghanistan. At the same time, other “foundational” cities would be created in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Kano, and Sokoto. Gradually, as these cities expanded there IT base and reach, more of the country would become connected. This could increase interaction

Running head: Nigeria into Info Age 16 among disparate tribes and cultural groups. In other words, urban areas representing cultural strongholds would be initially wired. As the affects of connectivity spread, less important urban areas would be targeted. Finally, rural areas would see the possibilities of IT infrastructure after these urban areas spread their influence and connectivity. IT could facilitate a more equitable distribution of wealth, which could create a more stable democratic government. This could have a tremendous unifying effect on not only the country of Nigeria but also on the entire community of West African states. Using this strategy Nigeria could spread IT throughout the country at a rapid pace. The biggest advantage of using this strategy is that it completely bypasses the most time consuming part of IT implementation, that of establishing connectivity. Additionally, the resources expended in terms of time, manpower, and capitol would be small when compared to those required to establish connectivity using more traditional methods. This would be accomplished by the use of wireless technology. The benefits of the implementation of a solid IT infrastructure in Nigeria would definitely outweigh the associated risks.

Summary The establishment of information technology infrastructure in developing countries provides many risks and benefits. A unique and complex country like Nigeria poses a challenging examination because of its colorful and diverse culture and history. The implementation of IT would change the society and economy, playing and expanding role in the lives of the people for the foreseeable future. For better or worse, IT has the

Running head: Nigeria into Info Age 17 potential to transform the landscapes of diplomatic, information, military, and economic development. A divided people could be unified and a digitally connected future could be attained.

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Running head: Nigeria into Info Age 20 Puglisi, Maj. Matthew, Hanover, Maj. Jason, Purcell, Lt. Col. Phil, List, Kathleen. (August 28, 2008). Geographic Bureaucracies and National Security: The Need for a Common Interagency Regional Framework. Retrieved December 14, 2008 from: http://www.unc.edu/depts/diplomat/item/2007/0709/pugl/puglisi_geographic.html Raji, M. O, Ayoade, O.B, & Usoro, A. (2006). The Prospects and Problems of Adopting ICT for Poverty Eradication in Nigeria. The Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries. Retrieved November 11, 2008 from: http://www.ejisdc.org/ojs2/index. php/ ejisdc/ article/viewFile/346/192 Shachtman, Noah. (February 25, 2008). Taliban Threatens Cell Towers. Danger Room from Wired.com. Retrieved November 30, 2008 from: http://blog.wired.com/defense/2008/02/in-iraq-when-th.html Shoup, Anna. (April 5, 2007). Oil and Politics in Nigeria: Regional Giant Nigeria Looms Over West Africa. The Online Newshour. Retrieved November 22, 2008 from: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/indepth_coverage/africa/nigeria/role.html Toffler, Alvin & Heidi. (1993). War and Anti-War: Survival at the Dawn of the 21st Century. Little, Brown, and Company. Canada. Tribes in Nigeria. (n.d.). Retrieved November 23, 2008 from: http://www.onlinenigeria.com/tribes/ UNDP. (2000). Information and Communications Technologies for Development. UNDP, New York. Retrieved November 24 from: http://www.undp.org/mlo21