₦airaland Forum

Born2conquer:
Whatever you want from China is what you will get,China is an open market.

Goods in the world would be extremely expensive if not for chine. If you buy a cheap product from China then be ready for the malwares and co problems.

But house fitting? Lightening equipment? And co? It's all on aliexpress and you will have various options.

You can also open dispute if you're not okay with what you got

Comment applied to surveillance/video/smart equipment.

I have not hidden the fact that I use the Lenovo line of business laptops, which since 2005 is Chinese owned.

I have no China hate, but when you realize that a phone can be a used as a tool of surveillance, indeed it is a tool of surveillance, then you will appreciate the background of my comments.

My comments do not apply to all the other stuff you listed.

Born2conquer:
I used xiaomi (three Xiaomi), bought through aliexpress (China), shipped to Nigeria and I can tell you that I didn't experience any of the above.

The phones treated me better than my present SAMSUNG.

China will give you what you want and that is why they're flexible.

If you want an inferior product? China will give it to you
If you want an inferior product that looks original? China will give it to you
If you want a quality product with proper price? China will give it you.
If you see a product you will like to copy? China will give it to you.


What you want is what you will get from CHINA

Install Maxthon Browser which is a Chinese browser on your PC(which doesn't have to be a Chinese product), test the above scenario and report back.

Let me be specific, the above issues have been reported on Gionee F6 phones bought in Nigeria and used in Nigeria, do your independent research and report back to the thread.

They have also been reported on Techno W2 bought in Nigeria and used in Nigeria. Please do your independent research and report back.

There is also a reason why the African Union had to rid its headquarters of Chinese equipment, you can google that too.

I don't hate China, simply reporting facts as I happen to have encountered them or researched them when the issues got to my desk.

Someone in the intelligence services has independently come to the same conclusion. He posted that much on this forum about a year ago if my memory serves me right.

I do not speak for Xiaomi, your mileage may vary.

EgunMogaji2:
Alridy den. Let me go back and keep showing this bottle who’s the boss

godspeed

EgunMogaji2:
I don’t need to read their brainwashing spiel my brother. I worked and lived with ex employees.

I’m just thinking that for a Nigerian in Nigeria both Chinese and American covert operators are the same.

You know these things I believe, it was more for the benefit of the others on the thread that might not appreciate where I am coming from

EgunMogaji2:
I don’t need to read their brainwashing spiel my brother. I worked and lived with ex employees.

I’m just thinking that for a Nigerian in Nigeria both Chinese and American covert operators are the same.

If you have used a Chinese phone in Nigeria, that is riddled with ads and forced app installs, that even if uninstalled forcibly reinstall themselves and keep sending data to China with no way for the user to limit such transmissions

Or have used a Chinese browser that restricts access to sites critical of China you may feel differently, try Maxthon and visit websites critical of the Chinese Government or the ruling party there to appreciate that this applies even if you are not in China

If you work on sensitive stuff that might interest China, you may feel differently

That notwithstanding your position on the matter is reasonable and a valid point of view

EgunMogaji2:
Three words, National Security Agency

Smiles, what is the American ideology as regards Chinese CCTV devices? Please see:
https://www.csis.org/blogs/technology-policy-blog/hikvision-corporate-governance-and-risks-chinese-technology

Pay particular attention to Article 7

kopell:
Thank you sir, I do research as lay man, data storing from eternal system without one knowledge is my greatest privacy concerns. Lorex is one my first choice, Owl is another good affordable brand. Another thing is when one bring it over. After spending that much, I don't want to hear Oga this one no the work here. The regular language our people use to discourage one to go their way. Thanks, we keep leaning every day

Bosch is also a reliable player.

You should also consider them

kopell:
It’s seems you’re expat in this area, what brand of version of the IP cctv will you recommend for lay man like me in Nigeria situation of no light no strong internet connection finally security of network.

This is no small work order.

1. Which brand of IP CCTV do I recommend?

The CCTV you deploy depends on your ideological leaning - if you subscribe to American values, you cannot use HIKVISION or DAHUA. Reason being that America is worried about HIKVISIONS association with the Chinese Military and the Chinese government as a whole. The other reason is if you do not mind China storing and processing your data....that is the position of the US government's cyber security agencies.
Same can be said for UNIV CCTVs.

If you don't mind, those products are good.

If you do mind, then appropriate substitute would be Panasonic I-PRO or the American product Lorex.

2. The light issue here?

Get inverters and batteries. If you do your research you can buy good batteries in Nigeria, if you don't believe in quality in Nigeria then order from the US.

Size the installation for as many days of downtime as you want the system to be online.

Add solar panels so those can be recharged even if there is no public power supply.

3. Internet Supply

Investigate the strongest networks in your area and pay their 1TB 1 year N100,000.00 plan and subsequently determine based on how much data goes how much data your installation needs and how often to recharge.

You can also set up a system that if internet from network A fails, network B takes over, if network B fails, network C takes over. You get the gist

It will be expensive, but security is always expensive.

GloriousGbola:
It all depends on the location and the purpose. Eg in a proper corporate office with access control etal, the camera is in an obvious location.

In a home, camera is better hidden

In a site, I guess you want a mix of dummy and real cameras. Your risk is that the installers boys may sell you out for a small token.

Valid points, dummy cameras, dummy NVR + real cameras and real NVR

EgunMogaji2:
By default mine is stored somewhere in China. I configured an optional cloud location for mine. They can take the box if they can access it.

In other words, it makes sense to place the device in a less than obvious location, making it obvious is a security error.

It illustrates failure to think like a thief to thwart a thief.

You are doing well, Sir.

EgunMogaji2:
CCTV is very important. Every home should have at least a four channel system.

Also a CCTV that is not monitored or cannot be monitored remotely is not good enough.

Taking it further, where are recordings stored? on site or in the cloud?

Some thieves will take away your CCTV device

Additionally

Born2conquer:
We hire Architechs and engineers for this thing, we only follow what they design and build.

You can't "suggest" what you've not seen or what you do not think is "possible". I believe if architects and engineers are creative with suggestions, we will have a turnaround in the kind of designs we have in Nigeria and you will also notice that we follow trends a lot.

If you want creativity in your designs, hire a designer who has traveled far & wide and you will see changes in the kind of designs you will have.

I like your response.

So let me share even more information.

Light can make a world of difference to the aura of a property both inside and outside, and can create/set moods.

I encourage builders to investigate this - whether professionals or DIYers, there are lots of resources on YouTube on this.

EgunMogaji2:
I have see through gate and half fence.

Same with me.

The difference might be that I am in a gated estate which might provide me another layer of security.

GloriousGbola:
I think you may want hidden solar powered cameras. The only way. You may be shocked at who is actually involved. You may even find the items are still hidden on site

You can also consider engaging a security company - who will bear liabity for any stolen items. We had issues like this on some projects and when we waved the liability, it cascaded down to the security officer who made stolen items reappear.

This issue has arisen before in the last 6 months on this forum.

The solution is active and passive security measures like recommended above.

If there is no deterrence in place, people will take advantage of opportunities like the above discussed millions of naira (in kind) lying unmonitored, that's a big opportunity to cash out with minimal investment.

With times as hard as this, why will someone without morals not consider taking advantage?

The way out is to think like a thief to catch a thief.

EgunMogaji2:
I used to win awards in my neighborhoods in the USA for horticulture and Xmas decorations.

The issue here in Nigeria is security. I try my best to make my house blend in with the landscape. No display of frivolities. It’s a personal thing.

Thanks for your response.

There are upscale neighborhoods in Nigeria.

I cannot claim to have visited all, but the few I have I have not seen good lighting arrangements.

Our lighting here more or less betrays the fact that lighting professionals aren't involved in the placement/arrangements - and that a lot of thought has not been put into this aspect of the building plan.

Your reasons make sense, but my point is a lot more is spent on other areas of the structure than would have been spent on these kinds of lighting.

So I tend to think it has to do with what the building professionals here recommend or suggest.

When night falls the tens to hundreds of millions spent go dark as well.

If you share some of those arrangements, I am currently on the lookout for ideas to copy

On more thing, given the marked preference for full length none-see-through fences, if those lighting arrangements are within the compound no one except visitors and the owners of the house would see them.

Looks like landscape lighting/accent lighting is not a big issue in Nigeria.

We don't make statements with lighting like the pictures attached.

Is it a cultural thing or a financial thing or that others don't do it so we don't know about it?

Anyone else doing home automation based on programmable logic Controllers (PLC)?

Like this guy https://www.nairaland.com/390522/solar-energy-complement-fta/849#94137408

Prooton:
the door am seeing in that picture is not worth the price.

Constructive criticism, give him reasons so he can learn

diordaves:
Yes, custom ordered wooden door in Nigeria takes time, but not this "for months". There may be issues. You may need to throw your weight around a little bit more to establish what the issues are. It should take time, but not eternity.

Ab initio, one needs to settle for a particular type of wood - masonia, Sapele wood, iroko or mahogany for example.

Then they need to source. If they are having difficulty in sourcing the type of wood, they come back to you to clear with you the available alternative. If you insist on the original choice, then the search goes on.

After sourcing, production is normally about two days per door per worker from my experience sourcing in Delta. If it takes more days, then you know they are struggling with light supply and the right tools and equipment.

After production, they normally leave the door standing in their workshop on display for the door to dry further and to observe for warping. After about one week display, they should be able to comfortably deliver to you. And you can see your order on display.

I've commissioned about 57 doors (both internal and main) in the past all were delivered just over a month. They were mahogany doors. No warping to date.

However, note that types of wooden door are seasonally available. So you might want a particular type of wood at a particular time and are readily available but some other time, you will struggle.

I posted details of some companies that say they do wooden doors - website and all, do those also say it takes several months to get those doors? This comment really applies to the Egun.

Good advice you have up there.

rotecch77:
We deal with both diasporas clients and Nigerian clients so both currency are legal tender here .
so we accepts both currency in our company
You can make your payment into our domiciliary dollar account or Naira account in other to relieves our clients from stress.

Installation still in progress, final pics will be uploaded either here or on the project thread

https://www.nairaland.com/3092553/construction-6bd-contemporary-duplex-2bd

Pic 1/2 —entrance 1
Pic 3/4 —entrance 2

Beautiful door.

Good job.

But I would suggest that you import higher quality hinges if you cannot find them locally.

Those hinges are detracting from the solid wood door you built.

For some appearances are everything, for your target market, distinctive appearance is everything.

They don't expect to see the same hinges everyone uses on their expensive wooden door.

Food for thought.

dauddy97:
Greetings,

I'm a data professional and I work currently as an online tutor. In fact, power is one of the challenge I'm seriously having. Fueling the gen everyday isn't even bad but, when you it get spoilt and the NEPA isn't reliable. How do I solve this power Issue permanently.

I have tried getting a power Bank for laptop. But, due to my laptop capacity with the charge rate of 180w. I was told, I can't get something currently in the market now.

Pls, software engineers, freelancers and other profession who can't do without electricity. How do you solve your power issue. I will appreciate ever input and suggestions to this situation.
Thanks


Lalasticlala, seun abeg help for wider view

Lenovo X Series laptop x240/x250/x260 comes with an inbuilt battery and has option for 2 external batteries - a 3 cell which can give you 6 to 8 hours, the 6 cell which can give you 15 to 20 hours. Just buy as many 6 cell batteries as you can - this may be cheaper than getting a battery and inverter

Option 2 get an inverter like Schneider 850VA or 1500VA depending on your pocket - the 850VA uses 1 battery, the 1500VA uses 2 batteries. If you get a 12V 200AH battery and dedicate it to just lighting and your laptop you should be able to squeeze 3 to 4 days of standby time. This option maybe more expensive. The inverter goes for between 80 and 100 thousand. The battery goes for around 160 thousand if you get an Amaron and around 280 thousand if you get a Deka battery.

Or get a generator

Whatever you do think in terms of business continuity - what if there is no NEPA to charge your inverter batteries for days on end? You may need to either get solar panels or get a generator as a backup

Gigaset:
You are lucky and I guess you are importing from USA or Canada, but what about the carpentry work ?

USA? yes.

About the carpentry, if I were to use a carpenter not exposed to other ways of doing things, I'd not get the results I want. I will not use nails, I will use screws, and I want them driven in by a nail gun, and a few other quirks I saw in the YouTube videos I watched and copied my designs from.

I am teaming up with a carpenter that has worked in the carpentry department of one of the big construction firms in Nigeria and to make my designs come alive.

By the way we have this sort of school here in case anyone needs to attend such a school or needs their graduates to work for him or her

https://www.julius-berger.com/press/50th-anniversary-commemoration-julius-berger-builds-artisanal-skill-academy-in-abuja-partners-foci-and-giz

and as to why we don't have the same quality of work as overseas, my research led to this investigation by The Guardian:

https://guardian.ng/stories/the-wood-merchants/

Gigaset:
Good morning house, I've been wondering how possible it is to achieve this kind of roof woodwork in Nigeria

You may have to import your own wood, unless you want to manage local wood with attendant consequences.

About to import 4x4, 2x4 and 2x6 foreign wood for a project of mine.

Why import? uneven lengths/widths and general unevenness(straightness), the beauty of your project will never come out.

GloriousGbola:
In all of this though , we must remember security through obscurity.

Why blow my resources hacking someones home network? What's the payback?

I would really have loved to take the time to explain why "security by obscurity alone" is terrible idea, although "Security by obscurity and other security layers" can be a wonderful idea but I have certain targets that mean I have to prioritize what I spend my time on so I will give a very short example without going into much detail.

There is equipment and technology for probing networks and IP address both known and unknown to unmask things like what ports are open and closed, which OS is behind the IP, what vulnerabilities exist, there is a whole business model built around finding and trading vulnerabilities with payouts in the hundreds of thousands of dollars in some cases and millions of dollars in other cases. Know this and know peace. You think you are hidden, no you are not. Some of the more common ones include nmap and shodan, but there is more including those forming part of secret war chests and not publicly available.

For routers Remote Code Execution vulnerabilities, you can get paid up to $10,000.00.

For antivirus Remote Code Execution vulnerabilities, macOS/Linux Local Privilege Escalation vulnerabilities you can get paid up to $50,000.00.

For Safari, Edge, Firefox Remote Code Execution/Local Privilege Escalation vulnerabilities you can get paid up to $100,000.00, same goes for WiFi Remote Code Execution vulnerability on either iOS or Android

For VMware Virtual Machine Escape vulnerabilities, you can get paid up to $200,000.00.

For Microsoft Outlook Remote Code Execution, you can get paid up to $250,000.

For Chrome Remote Code Execution /Local Privilege Escalation vulnerabilities, you can get paid up to $500,000.00.

For Windows Remote Code Execution vulnerabilities, you can get paid up to $1,000,000.00.

For iOS full-chain kernel code execution vulnerabilities, you can get paid up to $2,000,000.00.

For Android full-chain kernel code execution vulnerabilities, you can get paid up to $2,500,000.00.

For methods of breaking in that will consistently/reliably work and have not been detected by the vendor payouts in the region of $3,000,000.00 are not uncommon.

There another thriving business model built around taking over systems and exfiltrating information from those systems taken over.

Your home system is not as monitored as a business or government system, it is very good target practice to make sure vulnerability exploits work and work very well before approaching those who can pay these sums because they need it for national security reasons.

Please read the attached for greater elaboration.

I don't really have the time or ability to argue on this. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinions and I respect the divergence of opinions, but on this issue, I speak as someone versed in these matters and who works in the trade.

Parting thoughts:

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.

If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat.

If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

― Sun Tzu, The Art of War

"If a bad guy can alter the operating system (firmware) on your computer, it's not your computer anymore." - Microsoft's Second Immutable Law of security slightly modified

Your wireless network may be secure but a securely connected vulnerable device can make nonsense of that security.

https://www.hackread.com/how-a-coffee-machine-infected-factory-computers-with-ransomware/

Be careful out there, if this could happen to a factory how much more so a home, in this age of ioT and smart homes

hamtabfawaz:
Good Evening house.

Lost my Mum Today

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal
Love leaves a memory no one can steal

Sorry for your loss

EgunMogaji2:
I encourage you to at least get your perimeter lighting on solar. That’s what I’m doing. Now when I off my gen my compound isn’t immediately plunged into darkness. I also did the street frontage.

If you can figure it out, I still can’t, then getting these out of China is even cheaper.

Quality control, how does one resolve that when buying from China?
I feel better buying products built for the US market since someone else has done the sorting out of the bad for me.
Then again I have established relationships for shipping stuff I want from the US.
With China, I have to start a prequalification process and hope that I did not make any mistakes in my choices of shipper/logistics firm.

michlins:
this is the layer of security that I provide. Further layers will be provided by him which s/he doesn't need to discuss with me

Your advertising seemed to promise more than was practical, I had no choice but to remind the audience of defense-in-depth.

diordaves:
Spot on!

We have perfected the harvesting of gravity to give us portable water in Nigeria as the government continues to fail. So we build water towers in our projects.

The next element we now need to harvest cheaply is the sun energy but the solar panels and even the accompanying batteries can be very expensive. Here comes these plug and play devices. With proper planning and a bit of ingenuity, one can even light the whole house with these plug and play solar devices and leave the heavy duty stuff like ironing to generators.

I'm lucky. I'm buying them now, and when I'm coming to Nigeria, I just bring them as hand luggage. I'm planning on powering ALL lighting only for a three bedroom bungalow by solar plug and play devices as a test case. No solar panels, no batteries; just plug and play.

Very ambitious

EgunMogaji2:
I encourage you to at least get your perimeter lighting on solar. That’s what I’m doing. Now when I off my gen my compound isn’t immediately plunged into darkness. I also did the street frontage.

If you can figure it out, I still can’t, then getting these out of China is even cheaper.

Thanks for the reminder.

Even more relevant now that power supply that used to be in the region of 18 to 24 hours has become totally unreliable.

Currently investigating my options time from business permitting.