Lagos - That Nigerians are addicted to their BlackBerry phones is not news. Nollywood movies such as Blackberry Babes parts 1, 2, 3 & 4 attest to this.
Such is the importance that Nigerians place on their BlackBerry devices that not to own one instantly makes one a social pariah - which might explain why stealing BB phones has become something of a talent amongst Nigerians.
The unusual attachment Nigerians have for their BlackBerrys has not gone unnoticed by RIM, the Canadian company that makes the devices.
Faced with competition from iPhones and Android phones, RIM has been on the lookout for opportunities to increase sales and gain more market share.
When the company noticed the amazing rate at which Nigerians were buying and using BlackBerry phones, they sent representatives to the country to witness the phenomena and to try and understand the trend.
The company secured the services of consultancy company, KPMG, who were tasked with analysing and determining the factors behind Nigerians' uncommon love for their BB phones.
Bright consultants from the company soon concluded their research and submitted their findings.
According to them, the reason Nigerians are addicted to their BlackBerrys is to be found in nothing more bizarre than the epileptic supply of electricity in the Nation.
Daily for millions of Nigerians, when NEPA (PHCN being the pc acronym) strikes, their phones are the only things that have electricity.
Nigerians, according to KPMG, subconsciously turn to their phones to convince themselves that all is well (even though it’s not, because, why should they be taking light on this part of the 21st century?).
Armed with this amazing and priceless piece of information, RIM is now planning to make special BlackBerry phones for Nigeria.
The 'BB 4 Naija' phones will have extended batteries capable of charging to full capacity in 5 minutes (roughly the length of time NEPA supplies electricity in some areas) and able to last up to two whole days on a full charge (the average length of time Nigerian households go without electricity), lamps that can work as electric torches, and an app that turns the phones into fans for when NEPA takes light.
- Joe Aibozaw