Interview

ERP adoption will drive Nigeria’s economic diversification – Bloo Cloud CEO

ERP adoption will drive Nigeria’s economic diversification – Bloo Cloud CEO

With Nigeria striving to diversify its economy beyond oil, Israel Atoe, CEO of Bloo Cloud Tek Consult, says digital business management tools like ERP systems are essential to enabling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to scale. Speaking after securing a major Oracle NetSuite partnership, Atoe highlights how tech-enabled operations can support national growth and fiscal reforms.


Mr. Atoe, as Co-Founder and CEO of Bloo Cloud Tek Consult, what inspired you to establish a company focused on ERP and business management solutions in Lagos? How does your vision align with Nigeria’s digital transformation goals?

I founded Bloo Cloud Tek Consult to address the challenges faced by Nigerian businesses, particularly in Lagos, where outdated manual processes and excessive paperwork drain time and resources. Growing up in Nigeria, I understand the grit of our entrepreneurs and wanted to empower them with tools to simplify operations and strengthen their businesses. Lagos, as Nigeria’s hub for innovation and commerce, was the ideal place to launch this mission.

My goal is to drive business efficiency and growth through ERP and Business management solutions, aligning with Nigeria’s digital transformation ambitions under the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS). By helping businesses shift from analogue to digital, whether through automated financials or optimised supply chains, we are creating jobs, enhancing productivity, and reducing long-term costs.

Congratulations on your recent partnership deal with Oracle NetSuite. Can you tell us more about this?

Thank you! We are super excited about our partnership with Oracle NetSuite. It’s a big deal because NetSuite is a global leader in cloud-based ERP solutions. This partnership enables us to bring world world-class platform to Nigerian businesses, complementing our Gold Partner status with Microsoft and Sage. NetSuite is like a one-stop shop; it handles everything from financials to inventory, CRM, and even e-commerce, all in real-time. It’s perfect for businesses looking to scale without getting bogged down by complex systems.

Oracle chose us because of our proven track record, over 50 successful ERP projects across over 15 industries, with a 97% client satisfaction rate. This deal gives us access to NetSuite’s global expertise, training, and support, which means we can deliver even better solutions to our clients, from SMEs to big players, right here in Nigeria.


With over 50 successful ERP implementations across more than 15 industries and a 97% client satisfaction rate, what strategies have fueled Bloo Cloud’s growth, and how does the Oracle NetSuite partnership enhance your vision for scaling over the next five years?

Our growth comes from three pillars: really listening to our clients, building a top-notch team, and staying ahead of tech trends. We don’t just push software; we sit with businesses, understand their pain points, and tailor solutions that fit like a glove. “We eat problems for breakfast” is our mantra. Our team brings years of local and global experience, and we’re always learning, whether it’s cloud tech, AI, or automation. We do these to keep our clients competitive.

The Oracle NetSuite partnership takes our vision to the next level. Over the next five years, we want to reach more businesses across Nigeria and other African countries. NetSuite’s cloud platform is scalable and affordable, making it easier for us to help SMEs and enterprises alike. Oracle NetSuite’s real-time insights and global capabilities also let us support clients who want to go international. For example, we’re working with a Kano exporter of Luxury furniture who is using NetSuite to manage global sales, and we see this partnership opening more doors like that.



Drawing from your work with Nigerian businesses, what are the primary challenges they face in adopting ERP, and how does Oracle NetSuite specifically address these pain points?

Nigerian businesses face some real hurdles with ERP adoption: cost, lack of tech know-how, fear of change, and infrastructure issues like unstable power or internet. For many SMEs, traditional ERP systems seem too expensive, especially with Nigeria’s economic challenges. Some worry about disrupting their operations, and others don’t have the in-house skills to manage complex tech.

Oracle NetSuite tackles these head-on. It’s cloud-based, so you don’t need pricey hardware, just a subscription that fits your budget. Its user-friendly design and training resources make it easy for teams to pick up, even if they’re not tech gurus. And because it’s online, you can access it anywhere, even with Nigeria’s spotty infrastructure. One of Oracle NetSuite’s clients used NetSuite to manage inventory during power outages, cutting stock losses by 25%. NetSuite makes ERP practical and accessible for Nigerian businesses.

As Nigeria’s economy embraces digitisation, how do you believe ERP solutions can support policy changes or infrastructure improvements to foster a better environment for tech companies in Nigeria?

As Nigeria goes digital, ERP solutions like NetSuite can make a huge difference. The government’s push for digital tax systems under NDEPS, for example, is easier with ERPs that automate financial reporting and keep businesses compliant. NetSuite’s real-time data ensures accurate, stress-free reporting, which saves time and avoids penalties.

ERPs also help businesses work around infrastructure challenges. Since NetSuite is cloud-based, companies don’t need heavy on-site setups, so they can operate despite power or internet issues. A  client in Nigeria used NetSuite to manage their supply chain remotely, boosting efficiency by 20%. To create a better tech environment, the government should prioritise stable power, faster internet, and tax incentives for digital adoption. Partnerships with private firms to train young people on tech skills would also help tech companies thrive.


As a new Oracle NetSuite partner, alongside your partnership with Microsoft and Sage, how do you view Nigeria’s role in the global technology ecosystem, and what opportunities does NetSuite open for local tech companies to compete globally?

Nigeria is becoming a global tech powerhouse. Lagos is often called “Africa’s Silicon Valley” for a reason. With our young, creative population and startups like Paystack and Interswitch leading the way, we’re showing the world what we’re capable of. At Bloo Cloud, our partnerships with Oracle, Microsoft, and Sage put us at the centre of this growth, connecting Nigerian businesses to global tech.

NetSuite opens massive opportunities for local tech companies to compete globally. Its scalability lets businesses grow without tech limits, and features like multi-currency support make international trade seamless. A fintech client, Oracle Netsuite, used NetSuite to manage global transactions, growing revenue by 20% in a year. NetSuite’s global reputation also gives Nigerian firms credibility when dealing with international partners. This partnership helps our businesses stand tall on the world stage.


With your expertise in Business Management Solutions, how critical is it for Nigerian businesses to adopt emerging technologies like cloud-based ERP, AI, and automation to stay competitive, and how does NetSuite facilitate this transformation?

If Nigerian businesses want to stay in the game, adopting cloud-based ERP, AI, and automation isn’t optional; it’s a must. The global market is cutthroat, and competitors are using these tools to save costs and serve customers better. Without them, you’re stuck in the slow lane. These technologies cut out manual work, give real-time insights, and help businesses scale fast.

NetSuite makes this transformation easy. Its Suite Analytics uses AI to predict trends, helping businesses plan smarter. Automation handles repetitive tasks like data entry, freeing up time for big-picture thinking. NetSuite is the key to staying competitive in a digital-first world.


SMEs are vital to Nigeria’s economy. How is Bloo Cloud leveraging Oracle NetSuite and other Solutions to meet the specific needs of SMEs, and what measurable improvements in efficiency and growth have you observed from these implementations?

SMEs are the lifeblood of Nigeria’s economy, powering jobs and growth. At Bloo Cloud, we use Oracle NetSuite to give SMEs affordable, tailored solutions. NetSuite’s modular design lets us focus on what they need most, like managing cash flow or inventory, without overwhelming them. We also provide hands-on training to make sure they get the most out of it.

The results are real. These improvements mean more profits, more jobs, and stronger SMEs driving Nigeria’s economy forward.


With Bloo Cloud’s mission to streamline processes and enhance decision-making, how do you quantify the economic impact of Oracle NetSuite implementations on Nigerian businesses and the wider economy?

NetSuite’s impact is huge, and the numbers tell the story. For individual businesses, we see cost savings of 15-30% from automation and better efficiency. Revenue growth often hits 10-20% thanks to smarter decisions.

Across our 50+ clients, this adds up. We estimate our ERP projects have supported over 900 indirect jobs and added millions of naira to the economy through increased business activity. By helping SMEs scale, NetSuite strengthens Nigeria’s non-oil economy, supporting the government’s push for diversification.

Over the next 10 years, NetSuite’s real-time analytics and scalability will transform Nigerian businesses. Real-time data lets companies react fast, whether it’s restocking inventory or spotting market trends.

Scalability means businesses can grow without tech headaches. Whether adding new products or entering new markets, NetSuite grows with them. I see Nigerian businesses using NetSuite to become more agile, compete globally, and lead in sectors like fintech and e-commerce. It’s about building companies that are ready for whatever the future holds.


As a leader who has built a thriving tech consultancy in Lagos and recently secured a partnership with Oracle NetSuite, what advice would you offer young Nigerian entrepreneurs entering the tech space, and how should government and private sector collaboration support the growth of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem?

To young Nigerian entrepreneurs, I’d say: dream big, but start small and stay focused. Tech is full of possibilities, but it’s tough. Find a problem you’re passionate about solving. Whether in agritech, edtech, or fintech and build a solution that’s better than the rest. Use tools like NetSuite to scale smartly, and don’t fear failure; it’s how you learn. Surround yourself with mentors and a solid team; no one makes it alone.

For Nigeria’s tech ecosystem to grow, the government and private sector must team up. The Nigerian Startup Act is a great start, but we need reliable power, faster internet, and funding for startups. Private companies can help by mentoring young founders and partnering with tech hubs like Yaba’s CcHub. At Bloo Cloud, we’re training youths on ERP skills, and we’d love to see more collaborations like this. Together, we can make Nigeria a global tech leader.