One year of Eryk Remote IT Services
It’s been a year since we began Eryk Remote IT Services. It is a good moment to pause and look back to reflect on the ideas, the people, the challenges, the steps that brought us here, and the lessons we’ve picked along the way. We’ve asked our executives to share their thoughts on the first year of building remote IT partnerships between Europe and Nigeria.
The beginnings
Jens-Christian Moller, President of Eryk Group, and Lucja Kalkstein, Vice President of Eryk Group have long worked with Nigerian apprentices in Eryk, a relationship that continues till today. “Our experience with Nigerian electrotechnical apprentices since 2019 sparked something deeper, a wish to create sustainable jobs in Nigeria.”- Jens-Christian Moller
It wasn’t just about employment; it was about creating jobs that benefit everyone: employees, employers, and customers. At Eryk group, we define sustainable jobs as those that generate a good income and long-term development for all parties involved.
Challenges
Bringing the idea to life across continents meant navigating cultural gaps and systemic differences. Jens-Christian Moller noted, “There’s a big gap in working culture between Nigeria and Europe, and a big challenge in overcoming distrust, corruption, and insecurity”.
Here’s what some other Executives had to say about their journey so far.
“What have we learned about working across cultures and borders?”
Akalaka Vony Obazei, CEO & Co-founder at Eryk Remote IT Services, recognized that everything starts with the mindset:
“Mindset is key. We need to stay open, unlearn some things, and learn from others. That’s the only way we can work across borders and cultures”. We are all human, but we are also unique in our ways and beliefs. In diversity, there is strength!
“What concerns have we noticed from European customers?”
While Danish companies are generally open-minded and curious, many still have limited insight into Nigeria, particularly regarding its education system, cultural context, and IT industry. This knowledge gap often shapes early conversations and expectations.
Area Sales Manager – Ole Aaroe gives our customers a glimpse into our story, values, and work with young Nigerians. “We know there are no shortcuts or easy fixes, and we know we have to put in an honest effort to create long-term value. We can open the door. But it’s up to the Nigerian team to prove we can live up to it.”
Eryk as “a bridge”
“What makes Eryk a reliable partner?”
Eryk’s group culture is built on the foundations of our Danish roots. The values that helped us succeed are extreme customer-centrism and an uncompromising insistence on doing things right, and if we don’t manage the first time, then we will try again.
“We will go a long way to deliver on our promise, we take responsibility for our mistakes and try to make sure that our customers get what they were promised. Building trust, in the long run, is more important than short-term gain”. – Lucja Kalkstein, Vice President of Eryk Group.
Lessons learned
“How have the challenges shaped us?”
For Akalaka, it’s about learning fast; we’ve had to be agile. Flexible. Focused. We’re still figuring some things out, but we’re learning fast.
“Success is not about how many times we stumble, but how we get back up, learn, and keep going”. – Akalaka.
Adopting an agile mindset is key. Overcoming each challenge leaves us with invaluable lessons, uniting us as a team and reinforcing our commitment to being the preferred partner for our customers.
Chizaram Obiakor, the technical project manager for Eryk Limited, added “For us, it’s never just about delivering work, it’s about making sure our customers succeed. That means staying aligned, showing up with intention, and doing whatever it takes to make the partnership thrive”.
Future
“What are our top 3 priorities for year two?”
- Satisfied customers who see us as their number one partner for remote IT services
- Improving processes through smart goals
- Retaining employees amidst the “Japa syndrome”
Akalaka emphasized, given the “japa syndrome” (frequent migration of Nigerians overseas) plaguing Nigeria’s labour market, our goal is to give young Nigerians a better future through their work at Eryk RITS. At the heart of our journey lies a shared aspiration: to recreate the same culture of trust and responsibility that defines the broader Eryk Group. It is this culture that has shaped our identity, and we are confident that this project will soar high under its influence.
When asked about her number one wish for Eryk IT, Lucja expressed it in three clear words: “Reliable, competent, and transparent.”
A word to our customers
“A 1-year old baby that runs! That’s what Eryk Remote IT Services is today in my eyes – a cute babe eager to explore the world, with eyes and ears keen to absorb the knowledge about the market, but already trotting along with the “grownups” towards a bright future. With a smile!” – says Adam Piotrowski, Group Sales Manager at Eryk.
Nigeria is a land of opportunity and with Eryk RITS by your side, you’re positioned to seize it with confidence.
Thank you for your openness, your trust, and for being part of the journey. We don’t take it for granted, but we know we must earn it. One year in, we are more excited about what’s ahead. We remain committed to ensuring we deliver value to you and building a stronger partnership, as your preferred partner for remote IT services. It’s only the beginning, but the journey has started. And we’re glad you are part of it.
