Nafiu Zakariya, Founder, Nafzak OmniTech
In Nigeria, machines are not conveniences; they are lifelines. A motorcycle, often called an okada, is a daily income. A generator is uninterrupted work, light, and security. Industrial equipment is productivity itself. These machines move people to work, keep small businesses running, power homes when the grid fails, and sustain entire industries behind the scenes. Yet for decades, the systems meant to maintain these machines have been unreliable, informal, and frustratingly inconsistent. Repairs often come with guesswork, repeated breakdowns, and little accountability. It was this persistent inefficiency and the gaps in Nigeria’s servicing ecosystem that caught the attention of Nafiu Zakariya, a technically driven entrepreneur with a deep-rooted passion for machinery and problem-solving.
What troubled him most was not just the breakdowns, but how easily they were accepted as normal. For Nafiu, the problem called for systems, standards, and a fundamentally different way of thinking about care and reliability. Today, as the founder of Nafzak OmniTech, Nafiu is shaping a new approach to maintenance and repair in Nigeria—one that is professional, transparent, technologically driven, and centered on the people who rely on machinery to earn, operate, and grow.
The Birth of Nafzak OmniTech
Trained as an aircraft engineer, Nafiu comes from a discipline where precision, preventive maintenance, and safety are not optional, but fundamental. Working within such systems shaped how he viewed machines beyond aviation and the risks of treating maintenance as an afterthought. When he looked at how everyday machines were repaired and maintained in Nigeria, the contrast was difficult to ignore. Breakdowns were accepted as routine, repairs were inconsistent, and long-term reliability was rarely prioritized. It was this cycle of unreliable repairs and endless breakdowns plaguing Nigeria’s automotive and industrial sectors that ultimately led him to build Nafzak OmniTech, a Nigerian company dedicated to providing world-class maintenance and repair services for motorcycles, generators, motor vehicles, and industrial machinery. “At Nafzak OmniTech, we understand the frustration of downtime and the need for reliable equipment. That’s why we’re committed to setting new standards for maintenance and repair across Nigeria,” asserts Nafiu.
Rather than focusing on one-off fixes, Nafzak built structured, repeatable maintenance systems for motorcycles and generators, machines people depend on daily. The goal was practical and long-term: reduce breakdowns, improve safety, and bring consistency to an industry that had long operated without clear standards. “Our mission is to raise the standard of technical services in Africa by applying aviation-level precision and quality to lower industries,” adds Nafiu.
A Process Built on Transparency and Precision
From diagnosis to delivery, Nafzak OmniTech’s service process is intentionally clear and customer-focused. Every repair begins with a thorough diagnostic assessment conducted by skilled technicians. Customers are then provided with a detailed, transparent quote with no hidden fees. Once approved, the team gets to work using cutting-edge tools and genuine parts, ensuring each repair meets the highest standards. Before handover, every machine undergoes rigorous testing to confirm optimal functionality. “Our process is designed for clarity, efficiency, and your complete satisfaction. We believe in transparent steps, so you’re always in the loop,” explains Nafiu.
This approach is already making a difference. One okada rider from Mararaba shares: “I haven’t even signed up yet, but I already believe Nafzak OmniTech is the best choice for people like me. I’ve struggled to find affordable, honest, and skilled mechanics, but from what I’ve seen and heard, Nafzak OmniTech is bringing something different—professional service, clear pricing, and genuine care. This is exactly the kind of solution we’ve been waiting for.”
Building Nigeria’s Most Trusted Maintenance Network
Guided by a deliberate, phased growth strategy, Nafzak OmniTech is steadily building Nigeria’s most trusted maintenance network, combining expertise, reliability, and forward-looking solutions. Currently, it’s focusing on motorcycles and generators, providing expert repairs that keep daily livelihoods running smoothly and ensure reliable power for homes and businesses alike. Next on the horizon is automobile maintenance, covering everything from routine checks to major repairs. “Soon, we’ll be your go-to for all car maintenance needs, from routine checks to major repairs, applying the same standards of consistency and care that define our work today,” shares Nafiu.
In the coming years, the company plans to introduce specialized maintenance solutions for heavy industrial equipment, helping businesses reduce downtime, boost efficiency, and operate at peak performance.
Challenging the Odds with Grit and Innovation
Building a tech-driven maintenance business in Nigeria is no small feat. Unreliable infrastructure and limited access to resources posed significant hurdles. Yet, Nafiu’s people-first leadership and his team’s shared passion for innovation helped the company push through. By prioritising skill, process, and accountability over shortcuts, Nafzak OmniTech began turning limitations into learning curves, refining its approach, strengthening its systems, and steadily building a service model rooted in consistency and trust. In an environment where quick fixes are often prioritised over long-term solutions, the company’s disciplined, forward-looking mindset sets it apart. This commitment to structured, reliable service has allowed Nafzak to not only meet immediate customer needs but also lay the groundwork for scalable, sustainable growth.
Leading with People at the Centre
In a sector often driven by rigid systems, Nafiu leads with a distinctly people-centric approach, placing transparency, accountability, and innovation at the core of every decision. For Nafiu, leadership is not just about building systems, but about building trust within his team and with the customers they serve. He believes that sustainable growth is only possible when teams are empowered, and customers feel respected.
Away from the workshop floor and strategy meetings, Nafiu is equally intentional about balance. He prioritizes structured time management, delegates responsibility to develop leadership within his team, and makes room for personal well-being to avoid burnout. This balanced approach allows him to lead with clarity and consistency, ensuring that both the business and the people behind it are positioned for long-term success.
Roadmap for the Next Five Years
Over the next five years, Zakariya envisions Nafzak OmniTech expanding geographically, operationally, and technologically with a focus on building a maintenance ecosystem that can support Nigeria’s growing industrial needs. This expansion is not about rapid scale but about thoughtful growth, ensuring that every new location and service line maintains the same standards of precision, reliability, and accountability that define the company. By extending its reach, Nafzak aims to improve access to skilled technicians and dependable service, particularly in regions where informal repairs have long been the only option.
Operationally, this growth will be anchored by stronger internal systems, better tools, and a steadily expanding team trained to deliver consistent outcomes across all service categories. A major milestone in this phase will be the introduction of specialized maintenance services for heavy industrial equipment. “As production demands rise, the cost of equipment failure becomes significantly higher. By shifting maintenance from reactive fixes to preventive planning, we aim to help businesses improve reliability and operational efficiency,” elaborates Nafiu.
Technology will play a supporting role throughout this journey. Nafzak plans to integrate advanced diagnostic tools, data-driven maintenance practices, and more streamlined service processes to improve accuracy, planning, and response times. Together, these efforts reflect a long-term commitment to building not just a service company, but a dependable backbone for Nigeria’s automotive and industrial machinery ecosystem.
Insights from a Visionary Leader
Drawing from his own entrepreneurial journey, Nafiu emphasizes the lessons he’s learned along the way. He urges young entrepreneurs to start with a solid understanding of their industry and market. Adaptability, innovation, and perseverance, he believes, are essential when navigating challenges, especially in environments with limited infrastructure and resources. He also highlights the importance of building a strong, dedicated team and keeping customer satisfaction at the core of every decision. As he puts it, “Understand your business, value your team, listen to your customers, and never stop learning—these are the pillars that will guide you through the toughest challenges and set you up for lasting success.”