Mohammed Usman, a technology professional and data engineer, has urged Nigerian businesses to prioritise data quality, invest in modern data technologies and strengthen data management systems to improve operational efficiency and decision-making.
Usman, who spoke on the Ask the Expert segment of Trade FM’s Breakfast Business Briefing, said organisations could suffer unnecessary financial losses and make poor business decisions when they rely on inaccurate or poorly managed data.
He explained that data engineering involves building systems that collect, process, organise and make information accessible to businesses, enabling them to make informed decisions and improve their operations.
According to him, data engineering is distinct from data analysis, despite the tendency to confuse the two fields.
“There is this misconception. When I say data engineer, people are like, ‘Oh, you mean data analyst?’ And I am like, no, they are different,” he said.
“As a data engineer, what I do is build systems that collect information, process and organise information, and make them available for businesses to use.”
Using the example of a supermarket, Usman explained that data engineering could help businesses monitor inventory, track sales across physical and online stores, and determine when to restock products.
He said, “Supermarkets can actually make sales, maybe online and through their physical stores. They can collect data on the availability of stock and products. They can use that to know that a particular product is about to finish and that they should restock on time.
“That would make sure that their stock is always on track. So, a data engineer makes sure that business operations run smoothly.”
He added that businesses must pay attention not only to collecting information but also to ensuring that the information is reliable, properly processed and accessible to the people who need it.
Poor data quality could lead to financial losses
The data engineer stressed that data quality was critical to business sustainability, warning that inaccurate information could mislead managers and result in unnecessary expenditure.
He illustrated the risk with a scenario in which a supermarket records sales of 10,000 products when it has actually sold only 1,000.
“If a company collects data that is not accurate, imagine a supermarket that collects information that it sold 10,000 products, whereas it only sold 1,000. Imagine it makes decisions such as, ‘Let us order more products.’
“That can lead to losses and unnecessary costs. Those are the challenges businesses can face with poor data. They want to make sure the data is of good quality,” he said.
Usman explained that data engineers work to ensure that information gathered from different sources is collected and processed reliably, particularly as businesses increasingly depend on digital platforms.
He identified the different formats in which data is generated, the large volumes involved and the need to integrate information from multiple sources as some of the challenges associated with building data pipelines.
According to him, the responsibility of a data engineer is to develop systems that can handle these challenges and make information available to business managers and data analysts for effective use.
“The major challenge is trying to collect this information in an appropriate and reliable way,” he said.
He added that data engineers must also be prepared to troubleshoot system failures, including those caused by third-party platforms on which their organisations depend.
Usman, who works remotely with MSD Technologies Limited, an information technology consultancy firm, said his responsibilities include monitoring systems developed for clients, checking their performance, troubleshooting problems and participating in strategy sessions.
He noted that the company operates with a lean team, meaning he frequently handles projects independently while ensuring that the systems developed for clients remain operational.
Cloud computing offers opportunities for SMEs
The technology professional described cloud computing as a major development for businesses, particularly small and medium-scale enterprises that may lack the financial resources to establish and maintain physical data infrastructure.
He explained that before the widespread adoption of cloud services, businesses had to invest significantly in physical servers and other infrastructure to store and process information.
However, cloud computing now enables organisations to access computing resources without necessarily building their own physical infrastructure.
“Cloud computing today is actually a game changer for businesses because, before cloud computing, it was expensive for small businesses to build their own physical infrastructure,” Usman said.
“For a small business, if it wants to collect data, it needs to build physical servers, which are very expensive.”
He identified scalability and potentially lower costs as some of the benefits cloud computing offers smaller businesses, adding that services provided by Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure could make modern technology more accessible.
According to him, these platforms lower the barriers to entry for businesses seeking to develop their data management capabilities and expand their operations.
He encouraged small businesses to explore cloud-based solutions that match their needs and resources rather than assuming that advanced technology is accessible only to large corporations.
AI will change technology jobs, not eliminate the need for human skills
Speaking on the growing influence of artificial intelligence, Usman said the technology would continue to change professional roles and workplace expectations, urging technology workers to learn how to use AI tools to improve their productivity.
He acknowledged that AI could perform several tasks that previously required human effort, including graphic design, report writing and the preparation of press releases.
However, he argued that workers who understand how to incorporate AI into their daily activities would be better positioned to adapt to changes in the labour market.
“What you can do to save yourself is to make sure that you use these tools, because only those who use AI will be the ones who take over jobs from people who don’t,” he said.
He added, “You want to use AI in your work, in your everyday stuff, because AI will be heavily integrated into our daily lives. This is the beginning; there will be more.”
According to Usman, the increasing use of AI would change the skills employers expect from technology professionals, but it could also create new opportunities.
He maintained that although some roles would evolve or become less dependent on manual processes, professionals should focus on continuous learning and adapting to emerging technologies.
“Jobs are changing today. What is expected of you five years ago is a bit different from today because, with AI, you can do more,” he said.
Nigeria needs stronger data infrastructure
Usman also highlighted infrastructure limitations as a major challenge affecting the adoption of modern data technologies in Nigeria.
Using the logistics sector as an example, he explained that inadequate or insufficiently accurate location data could make it difficult for businesses to deliver goods to customers at their doorsteps.
He noted that although Nigeria has professionals capable of developing technological solutions, businesses may struggle to address certain infrastructure gaps without broader collaboration and support.
“For example, a logistics business faces issues like accurate location mapping. When you place an order and select home delivery, you expect to receive that order at your doorstep,” he said.
“But with the way Nigerian infrastructure is, we do not have sufficient data that can allow these companies to accurately locate you.”
When asked whether the problem was a shortage of skilled professionals or inadequate infrastructure, Usman said the country had people capable of doing the work but needed stronger cooperation among businesses, government and other stakeholders.
“This is more than a company’s responsibility. Government needs to empower them. Companies need to come together to do this,” he said.
He argued that companies should not be expected to shoulder the responsibility of developing essential infrastructure alone, adding that collaboration would be necessary to address challenges affecting businesses and the wider economy.
“It’s supposed to be a shared responsibility because a country is not going to build itself just by the government. Companies need to collaborate with government to build infrastructure because a company cannot take that responsibility alone,” he said.
Businesses urged to strengthen data privacy and governance
On data security, Usman called on organisations to establish effective data governance practices that restrict access to sensitive information according to employees’ responsibilities.
He explained that businesses should determine who can access particular categories of information and limit the amount of data available to individual workers.
According to him, employees should have access only to the information necessary for their duties, rather than unrestricted access to customers’ personal and financial records.
He used the example of a data analyst who may need access to sales figures but does not necessarily need to see customers’ credit card information.
“I think this is data governance because data governance has to do with who gets to access data and how much they get to access,” he said.
He added that organisations could protect sensitive information by limiting what employees are permitted to see and ensuring that access is tied to specific job responsibilities.
“Allow them to access what they need, not more than that,” he said.
Usman noted that such measures could help businesses maintain data privacy, improve security and reassure customers that their personal information was being handled responsibly.
He said customers would be more comfortable sharing information with organisations when they trusted that appropriate safeguards were in place.
Data engineer develops real-time mobility project
Usman disclosed that he was working on a project designed to collect and process data from mobility platforms in real time, with the aim of developing a system that could support businesses operating in the sector.
He explained that the project focuses on processing information associated with mobility services, including data relevant to distance calculations and the amounts customers pay for rides.
According to him, the initiative is still under development and is intended to complement existing mobility platforms rather than compete directly with them.
“My focus is building a system that can accurately support these businesses,” he said.
He added that the project was still in progress, expressing hope that he would successfully develop a system capable of meeting the needs of businesses in the sector.
Python, SQL and data modelling key to entering the field
For young Nigerians aspiring to become data engineers, Usman advised them to begin with foundational skills rather than becoming overwhelmed by the numerous tools available in the technology industry.
He identified Python, SQL, problem-solving and data modelling as essential starting points for anyone interested in building a career in data engineering.
He explained that while technology tools would continue to evolve, a strong understanding of the fundamentals would help aspiring professionals adapt to changes in the industry.
“There are a lot of tools that, as a newbie, can get you overwhelmed, to be honest. So, for me, I would say stick with the basics. The very basics,” he said.
“The basics are Python, SQL, problem-solving and data modelling. If you understand these things, you get to a stage where, no matter how things change in the industry, you can always stay updated.”
He advised beginners against rushing into advanced tools before establishing a solid foundation, adding that joining data engineering communities, networking with experienced professionals and attending webinars and seminars could help improve their skills.
Usman also said aspiring technology professionals did not need to spend huge amounts of money on training before entering the industry.
“You don’t need expensive boot camps to get into tech. You don’t. You can always start with the basics,” he said.
He noted that several learning resources were available online for free or at relatively low costs, while technology companies also offered scholarships and internship opportunities.
According to him, prospective data engineers should actively seek out these opportunities rather than assume that expensive training programmes are the only route into the profession.
“You don’t need to break the bank because you want to get into tech,” he said, urging young people to explore available resources and develop their skills progressively.
Usman recounts challenge of returning to technology
Reflecting on his professional journey, Usman identified returning to technology after a period away from the field as one of the most difficult challenges he had faced.
He explained that he had stepped away partly because of the excitement surrounding cryptocurrency investments, particularly Ethereum, and the possibility of making money from the market.
However, returning to technology required him to relearn some of the skills and tools he had previously used, rebuild professional connections and regain his footing in the industry.
“The challenge here is trying to get back into tech. I had forgotten part of the things that I used to work with, so I had to start from almost scratch,” he said.
He acknowledged that the process could be difficult and demotivating but described it as one of the significant experiences that shaped his career.
He also highlighted the difficulties technology professionals encounter when systems operated by third-party service providers fail.
According to him, identifying the source of such failures can be challenging because an external system may be responsible for a disruption that initially appears to originate from the data engineer’s own infrastructure.
He said professionals must be able to investigate such incidents carefully to distinguish between internal technical problems and failures caused by external services.
Concluding, Usman described data engineering as an interesting career for people who want to help businesses improve their operations and make better decisions.
He encouraged aspiring professionals to learn the appropriate technical skills and build relationships with experienced people in the industry.
“I pride myself as somebody who helps businesses make better decisions,” he said.
“If you want to get into tech, data engineering, for me, is not crowded. It’s not crowded, to be honest. So you can come in, but you can just learn the right tools and network with people who are important and are ahead of you in your career, and you should be good.”
