In Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, where daily challenges include poor power supply and unreliable internet, global energy and automation firm Schneider Electric says smarter machines could help industries work better. The French multinational is focusing on edge computing and human-machine interfaces (HMI) as solutions that could transform the way Nigerian factories, food plants, and oil operations function.
Unlike cloud systems that require steady network connections, edge computing allows machines to process and analyse data directly on-site. This gives operators faster control of production lines and critical infrastructure without depending entirely on external internet systems. Human-machine interfaces, on the other hand, serve as digital dashboards that allow workers to monitor operations and respond to problems in real time.
The Country President of Schneider Electric Nigeria, Ajibola Akindele, explained that these technologies are particularly useful for local industries that face frequent disruptions. “For many Nigerian industries, especially in manufacturing, energy, and oil and gas, business continuity depends on reliable, localised solutions that do not rely solely on external infrastructure,” he said in a statement.
Nigeria has been making efforts to boost digital transformation, with analysts projecting that the country’s digital market will grow to about $11.7 billion by 2025. Automation is seen as a key part of this growth, especially in sectors like food and beverage, oil and gas, and energy. Regionally, the Middle East and Africa industrial automation market is expected to grow from $3.67 billion in 2024 to $6.16 billion by 2032.
Industry experts say that one of the biggest issues for Nigerian factories is downtime, often caused by power failures or weak monitoring systems. These lapses not only reduce productivity but also increase safety risks. Schneider Electric believes edge computing and HMIs can help companies avoid such bottlenecks by giving them better visibility and faster decision-making power.
“For industries in Nigeria, edge computing provides that autonomy, while HMIs give operators the ability to respond to system conditions on the ground with clarity and speed,” Akindele said.
Examples of the adoption are already visible in some parts of the economy. In food processing plants, operators are using edge-enabled HMIs to track production that is highly sensitive to temperature changes. In the oil and gas sector, companies have deployed them at remote sites where internet connectivity is poor or completely unavailable.
Schneider Electric is also making efforts to train Nigerian engineers and technicians to handle these technologies. The company has launched training programmes aimed at building local expertise, so that Nigerian industries will not have to rely too much on foreign contractors for operation and maintenance.
Globally, these technologies are gaining momentum. The industrial edge computing market is forecast to expand from $21.2 billion in 2025 to $44.7 billion by 2030. The HMI market is projected to reach $7.7 billion by 2028. Industry analysts say these trends show that edge computing and HMIs are no longer new ideas, but essential tools for industries facing increasing competition and uncertainty.
Akindele added that for Nigeria to reach its full industrial potential, investments must be directed towards solutions that are both adaptive and resilient. “Edge computing and HMIs are no longer emerging technologies; they are essential tools for industries looking to grow in a volatile and competitive environment,” he noted.
With Nigeria’s industrial sector still struggling with old problems like poor power supply and weak infrastructure, experts believe that digital technologies could help bridge the gap. By combining automation with local training and investment, Nigeria may be able to improve productivity and secure a stronger place in the global industrial market.
