With a personal objective of being a leading player in the Art and Practice of Printing Technolgy Alhaji Abbas Datti Muhammad has carved a niche for himslef as a revered Consultant of repute on Currency and Security Printing in Nigeria. Thorough with an eye for detail, WHERE To Print caught up with Alhaji Muhammad recently as he shares his secrets, core values and thoughts on the industry in this edition of SMART PRINT CELEB. Below is excerpt:
HOW HAS PRINT BUSINESS FAIRED IN THE OUTGOING YEAR?
The print business performance and the benefits in 2014 was quite good in view of the fact that it was pre-election year with lots of posters for political aspirants and contestants. Also there were lots of printing of ballot papers for the 2015 general elections. It was indeed a good year because of patronage of the local printers by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and States Independent Electoral Commissions (SINECs).
SOME SAY PRINT BUSINESS HAD IT ROUGH LAST YEAR ESPECIALLY IN TERMS OF GOVERMENT REGULATION, TAXES, INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND ACCESSING FINANCE. HOWEVER, WE FOUND OUT THAT A LOT OF THOSE WHO SAY THESE ARE EITHER INVESTING IN ONE FORM OF EQUIPEMENT OR THE OTHER; WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON THIS?
Yes, it was true that some of the players in the industry had it so rough in view of issues you raised but on comparative analysis with the increase in printing activities in 2014, I will say that it was a fair deal for major players while the benefits for those who invested in technology and capacity will surely accrue in future.
HOW CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK ETHICS AS A PUBLIC SERVANT CUM A PROFESSIONAL PRINTER?
The work ethics of being a pulic servant whereby one is expected to go by rules guided by sentiments compared to a professional printer who must always abide by the convention without any compomise is a big challenge to balance and to operate above board. By and large I will submit that I was able to operate accordingly even though with a lot of sacrifices and commitment.
DID YOU EXPERIENCE ANY CHALLENGES AND IF SO – HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?
There were challenges all along but I was able to overcome most of them through learning and mentoring processes. I very much believe in interaction with fellow professionals around the globe as well as through research and training.
WITH YOUR EXPERIENCE, WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO PRINT BUSINESS OWNERS FOR SUCCESS IN 2015?
They need to project and plan very well. They should strive harder and play according to the rules of the game.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME SIR…
You’re welcome.
BRIEF PROFILE OF ALHAJI ABBAS DATTI MUHAMMAD
Objective:
To be a leading player in the Art And Practice of Printing Technolgy and a Consultant of repute on Currency And Security Printing.
Achievements:
Alhaji Abbas Datti Muhammad has over 27 years experience in Currency And Security Printing Production with about 4 years academic experience coupled with wide range of industrial visits and proffessional courses to various countries worldwide. He is an active member and Fellow of Chartered Institute Of Professional Printers Of Nigeria (CIPPON).
Education:
Alhaji Abbas Datti Muhammad had his primary education at L.E.A. Primary School, T/Wada Zaria from 1964 to 1970. He also attended Barewa College, Zaria from 1971 to 1975 and Federal School of Arts and Science, Sokoto where he obtained his GCE in 1976. For his tetiary education, he got his National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Printing Technology from School of Technology, Institute For Higher Education, Kano from 1976 to 1981. He eventually got his PGDPA from the University Of Abuja in 2004/2005. He has however attended several professional, print and management development trainings within and outside the country.
Employment/ Work Experience:
After his mandatory one-year service with the National Youth Service Corp programme from July 1981 to June 1982, Alhaji Muhammad worked as a Management Trainee at Gaskiya Corporation Limited, Zaria from July 1982 to June 1983. From July 1983 to December 1983, he was the Higher Superintendent of Press, Government Printing Press, Kano. He served as Lecturer II/ Deputy Head Of Department, Printing Tecnology of the School of Technology, Kano from 1983 to 1987. He became Assistant Manager, Print at Nigerian Security Printing and Minting PLC from 1987 to 1999. He rose through the ranks from 1999 to date in several positions at the MINT such as Manager Production to Manager Planning and from January 2008 to date – as the Senior Manager, Training & Production Development and later Senior Manager – Manpower Development and Currently in charge of Business Development.
Personal:
Alhaji Abbas Datti Muhammad was born on the 3rd of April 1958 and married with 6 Children. He enjoys Sports, Current Affairs, Traveling and Reading.
