Nigeria Communications Week, a prominent local technology
publication, held its annual awards, which recognizes top performers in
Nigeria’s ICT sector, in Lagos on the weekend. Clickatell was awarded the
winner in the category Communications Solutions Provider of the Year for its
Chat Commerce solution following a voting process that included business
leaders, readers, as well as independent quality experts.
“This is a testament to your talents, innovations,
contributions, and commitments to the growth of the ICT industry, and we are
happy that Nigerians have recognized your hard work, sincerity, and dedication
towards the development of the ICT industry,” said Ken Nwogbo, Editor-In-Chief
of Nigeria Communications Week, in a letter announcing the achievement.
Speaking after the awards ceremony and annual BoICT lecture
delivered by Dr. Oluseyi Akindeinde, Co-Founder and Chief Technical Officer of
Digital Encode Limited, Clickatell’s Samson Isa, Regional Managing Director:
West Africa, gave context to the achievement and what it means for the company.
“The annual BoICT event is widely regarded as the most
prestigious in the ICT industry in Nigeria, and we are honored to be here
tonight. Our team is also especially proud of being recognized for this award
given the caliber of entrants this year. Having our Chat Commerce solution
recognized for the difference it can make to businesses in Nigeria is
particularly pleasing,” said Isa.
“Clickatell has built its legacy based on its obsession with
helping businesses deliver customer service that impacts their bottom line and
improves the lives of their customers. We see Chat Commerce as playing a key
part in driving financial inclusion for Nigerians and helping them access the
services they are looking for quickly, simply and on the platforms, they prefer
to use,” Isa added.
Isa’s comments are supported by compelling data. In the
third quarter of 2021, WhatsApp was the most popular social media platform in
Nigeria with 92% of internet users making use of the chat platform. In
addition, 71% of the country’s internet users make use of Meta’s chat app,
Facebook Messenger. These numbers prove that chat is one of the most effective
ways for businesses to reach a significant portion of the local population.
Clickatell’s Chat Commerce offering has already been deployed
by many respected brands including Fidelity Bank, Union Bank, EcoBank, and
Stanbic Bank.