Debonair Olanrewaju Fadare ACA, ACIT, PMP, speaks to AKIN ALADE about his Sweep Drones, a firm aiming to be the global leader in drone-based building cleaning solutions and continuously expand the reach to shape a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable world. Excerpts…
Can you provide an overview of your company and its mission in the context of Nigeria’s technological landscape?
Sweep Drones is committed to redefining high-rise maintenance in Nigeria through innovative, safe and efficient drone-assisted cleaning technology.
Our operations are not just limited to Nigeria, we cover the whole of Western Africa.
Our mission is to introduce solutions that address the high risks and inefficiencies that exist within the traditional building maintenance industry. Nigeria’s technological landscape has been advancing rapidly and we aim to align our mission with this growth by bringing smarter, eco-conscious technology to the fore. We see ourselves as part of the nation’s move towards embracing sustainable tech solutions and creating safer working environments for all.
What specific challenges in Nigeria do you aim to address with your drone and robotic solutions?
The high-rise maintenance industry here faces multiple challenges—safety risks, lengthy maintenance schedules and the environmental impact of traditional methods. Seeing maintenance workers dangling from scaffolding in risky conditions is unfortunately still common here and that’s something we want to change. By offering drones and robotics as an alternative, we’re working to eliminate these safety risks and shorten the time it takes to maintain large structures. We also aim to reduce water usage and chemical impact, which are often overlooked but have significant environmental costs.
How do you approach the research and development of your drone and robotic technologies? Are there any unique features that set your products apart?
Our approach to R&D is hands-on and iterative. We’re constantly testing and refining our technologies to ensure they meet real-world demands. For example, our drones are equipped with high-pressure 360-degree cleaning capabilities, optimized for Nigeria’s challenging climates. We are continually adding features that set us apart- we have advanced stabilization and sensors for precision cleaning and we are continually incorporating artificial intelligence to streamline our processes!
Importantly, we have created a feedback loop with our field operators and clients to refine what we offer. Each innovation we implement is driven by what our clients and our on-the-ground teams say works best – They are at the centre of our services and we must empathize.
What has been your experience navigating the regulatory landscape for drone operations in Nigeria? How do you ensure compliance with local laws?
Navigating the regulatory landscape here has been both enlightening and challenging. I remember when we first started and we were eager to push forward—only to realize that ensuring NCAA (Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority ) and NSA (National Security Adviser) compliance would require a steady, deliberate approach. Thankfully, Distinguished Senator Solomon Adeola-Yayi CON, FCTI, FCA, FFPI, has been an invaluable guide throughout this journey.
His understanding of national policies and his commitment to supporting new industries in Nigeria has opened doors for us. His guidance has been instrumental in helping us align with NCAA (Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority) requirements and his support reminds us that our mission aligns with the broader goals of national progress. Compliance is a priority, and with leaders like Senator Adeola advocating for safer and innovative solutions, we feel encouraged to grow responsibly and confidently.
Have you formed partnerships with government agencies, NGOs or other businesses? How do these collaborations enhance your operations?
Partnerships have been crucial. A bedrock of our strategy is to leverage strategic Partnerships within key sectors, to ensure we create and sustain exponential value. We have fostered relationships with agencies like the NCAA and we’re also building ties with environmental organizations to ensure our technology meets high standards of sustainability. Our operations are ISO certified, ensuring that we deliver the highest quality of service time after time, maintain a safe work environment and are environmentally sustainable in our operations. I cannot hammer enough on how much the Distinguished Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI) has been instrumental to our success. His advocacy has not only enhanced our operations but has shown us the power of collaboration in achieving sustainable progress and creating value out of Nigeria towards the rest of the world.
This initiative will increase production, drive GDP growth and make us a power house in innovation, employment creation and value addition. Through our partnerships with major banks in Nigeria, Real estate Trusts, Developers, Facilities Managers,The government, Enthusiasts and so many more, we’re able to ensure that our operations don’t just meet but often exceed regulatory and industry standards, allowing us to offer the highest quality service.
In which industries do you see the most significant potential for your drones and robots, and how are they currently being utilized?
The potential for drone and robotic technology in Nigeria spans several industries, including real estate, agriculture, and energy. High-rise cleaning is our introductory focus, where our technology offers a safer alternative to scaffolding. But beyond this, we see agriculture as another high-impact area, where drones can monitor crop health, control pests and optimize irrigation. And in the oil and gas sector, we’re exploring partnerships for cleaning and inspecting storage tanks, where robotics provide a safer option for workers. We’re just scratching the surface of how drones can reshape traditional operations across industries here.
What feedback have you received from your clients regarding your solutions? Can you share success stories or case studies?
Sweep drones and Drone First are global brands – We have a premium reputation for our work across the golf region , where we have worked for Tob brands such as Emar Properties( Owners of the Dubai mall, Nakeel, Lamborghini, etc. Our clients have been excited by the efficiency and safety we bring to the table. A notable success story is our work with Custodian House in Lagos where we conducted a comprehensive cleaning project. They were pleased to see that we could complete the task in a fraction of the time traditional methods would take, without the disruption that scaffolding setup typically involves. The feedback has highlighted that clients appreciate not just the operational efficiency but the reduction in environmental impact too. We’ve also seen more clients interested in our subscription model for regular maintenance which gives them long-term support and a cleaner, well-maintained building year-round.
What are some of the biggest challenges your company has faced in the Nigerian market and how have you addressed them?
The Nigerian market presents unique challenges, from high import costs to regulatory hurdles. Senator Adeola’s support has been crucial here; his advocacy for Nigerian businesses navigating complex regulations has been a guiding force. This approach has helped to gradually shift perceptions and build trust in our services.
How do you see the future of drone and robotic technology evolving in Nigeria over the next five years? What trends are you most excited about?
The future of drone technology in Nigeria looks incredibly promising. I foresee drones becoming more integrated into critical sectors like agriculture, security and infrastructure. The use of AI and machine learning in drone tech is another trend that excites me; it will allow drones to perform more complex tasks independently. With support from leaders like Senator Adeola who advocates for regulatory frameworks that accommodate these advancements, I believe Nigeria through sweeping drones can become a leader in drone innovation in Africa. Over the next five years, I’m excited to see drones become everyday tools that are as common as any other technology in Nigeria.
How does your company address sustainability and ethical considerations in the development and deployment of your technologies?
Sustainability is one of our guiding principles. We use deionized water and eco-friendly cleaning solutions to reduce our environmental impact. From an ethical standpoint, we’re committed to minimizing human risk, particularly for jobs that traditionally require workers to perform dangerous tasks at height. Senator Adeola’s encouragement has reinforced our dedication to responsible practices; his support underscores the importance of balancing innovation with ethics. We’re also working on ways to further reduce our carbon footprint and as technology evolves, we aim to integrate more sustainable practices across all our operations.