Smart Security Pioneer Tayo Adelakun Pushes Digital Access Systems to Transform Nigerian Business

Smart Security Pioneer Tayo Adelakun Pushes Digital Access Systems to Transform Nigerian Business

A Nigerian security entrepreneur, Tayo Adelakun, is championing the shift from traditional locks to digital access systems as part of efforts to modernize business operations and infrastructure across the country.

With more than 15 years of experience spanning Europe and Africa, Adelakun—founder of Lockworth Nigeria and Chief Executive of Adekolme Nigeria Limited—is collaborating with South African technology firm Yebotech to introduce advanced, trackable access solutions to Nigerian businesses.

Adelakun’s security journey began in Europe, where he represented global security giant ABLOY in Nigeria. His early work included supplying locks and padlocks for telecoms leaders MTN and Airtel, securing their nationwide base stations. He later expanded into architectural projects, contributing to the tower cladding of Zenith Bank’s headquarters in Lagos and the Civic Towers on Victoria Island.

“Security is no longer about physical locks alone—it has moved into access management and digital innovations,” Adelakun told journalists.

Through a partnership with Yellow Tech, Adelakun is now introducing Bluetooth-enabled smart locks that allow organizations to manage access digitally. The technology provides over 10,000 programmable options on a single key, enabling companies to revoke or adjust access instantly without replacing locks.

Businesses are also finding wider applications beyond security. The systems are being used to track staff attendance, curb fraudulent billing, and strengthen accountability. “If you don’t show up on time, your key simply won’t give you access,” Adelakun explained.

While cautious about branding the solution as an anti-corruption tool, he acknowledged its potential to minimize inefficiencies and misuse of resources.

On Nigeria’s wider security issues, such as porous borders, Adelakun maintains a clear focus:

“That is a different ball game. Our expertise is in access management for offices, estates, banks, and secure premises. That’s where we add value—ensuring only authorized people gain entry and leaving a digital audit trail.”

He insists the technology should be viewed as an investment rather than a cost, warning that businesses risk greater losses in the long run if they fail to adopt modern systems.

“What you lose in five years by not adopting this technology will be far greater than the cost of deploying it today,” he said.

Looking ahead, Adelakun believes Nigerian corporations—particularly banks and large institutions—must embrace global security standards to remain competitive.

“Technology is no longer optional—it is about trust, risk reduction, and aligning Nigeria with world standards. If New York or London can secure their cities with modern systems, then Lagos can too.”

For Adelakun, the mission is clear: to build Nigerian infrastructure and corporate culture on a foundation of smart, transparent, world-class security.