In recent times, the current use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in many organizations
causes some forms of revolution in their business practices. ICT is increasingly becoming related to
organizational values (Rastrict and Corner, 2010). Researchers (e.g. Rastrict and Corner, 2010; Lin and Lin,
2006 and Melville et al., 2004) reveal that there is a growing support for the positive relationship between ICT
and its advantages. According to Kapurubandara and Lawson (2006), ICT offers promising opportunities to
organizations in order to meet the challenges of an ever-changing environment. ICTs have a remarkable potential
to contribute to sustained competitive advantage for businesses, having been identified as key tools in
management processes (Ion and Andreea, 2008). Kutlu and Özturan (2009), argue that in Small and Medium
Sized Enterprises (SMEs), ICT can be used as a business tool to reduce costs, create stronger links with
customers, create innovations and facilitate market niche. Ongori (2009) also states that SMEs are compelled to
adopt ICT in their business processes in order to cope with the challenges in the business environment. Thus, this
paper intends to identify some drivers for ICT adoption amongst 25 SMEs in Nigeria. The paper is drawn from
on-going PhD research

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider factors affecting the effective utilisation of information and communication technology (ICT) and the adoption of more sophisticated ICT solutions in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos, Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts a case study approach. Semi‐structured interviews in 25 SMEs were used as tools for data collection.FindingsThe paper identifies eight key factors that affect the effective utilisation and adoption of more sophisticated or advanced ICT solutions in Nigerian SMEs.Research limitations/implicationsThe data for this research are drawn from a particular region in Nigeria, therefore, the findings are not generalisable to SMEs in other regions. Also, the data are collected from various industry sectors hence, it is not possible to have sector‐specific conclusions.Practical implicationsEffective utilisation of sophisticated ICT solutions in SMEs has great impact on SMEs' competitiveness. Also, the study could assist owner‐managers, policy makers and stakeholders to better understand the major challenges faced by Nigerian SMEs and create various initiatives to assist these SMEs.Originality/valueThe study provides insight into the adoption of sophisticated ICT solutions within Nigerian SMEs that is of value to owner‐managers, policy makers and academic researchers. The study further suggests means to achieve a successful and sustainable technology adoption in SMEs.

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There is a growing requirement in recent times for stronger cost control and a demand for higher returns in businesses (Milis and Mercken, 2003). The use of Information and communication technology (ICT) to gain competitive advantage has become a key strategic issue amongst organizations in the fast globalizing environment (Kakabadse et al., 2005), as ICT plays a strategic role in the management of organizations. Rastrict and Corner (2010); Lin and Lin (2006) amongst others reveal that there is a growing support for the positive relationship between ICT and its benefits. Thus, it implies that ICT brings about organizational advantage. This paper is drawn from on-going PhD research and it intends to deepen our understanding on the impact of implementing ICT in organizations using two companies in Nigeria as case study examples. It further identifies the reasons behind the companies' decisions to adopt ICT and the benefits associated with the use of ICT.