The Federal Government has restated its commitment to local cloud infrastructure, backing a future where Nigeria owns its digital destiny.
That vision took a bold step on Tuesday with the launch of MTN Nigeria’s Tier III Dabengwa Data Centre — West Africa’s largest modular facility — in Lagos.
The $150 million investment signals a strategic shift towards keeping data and value within national borders.
The unveiling drew key figures from government and industry, all united by a single goal — to build a digitally sovereign Nigeria, powered by homegrown innovation.
A Push for Local Data Power
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, described the new data centre as a vital engine for Nigeria’s future.
“This initiative aligns directly with the vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to build a $1 trillion economy,” Tijani said. “With infrastructure like this, we are keeping our data and capital local.”
He linked the project to national efforts like Project BRIDGE and the rollout of 7,000 communication towers to connect over 20 million Nigerians.
Tijani also praised MTN’s ₦3 billion support for the 3 Million Technical Talent programme (3MTT), which trains Nigerian youth in digital skills.
“Talent needs platforms,” he said. “This facility provides exactly that enterprise-grade infrastructure on Nigerian soil.”
Data, Trust, and National Growth
Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inua Abdullahi, said the centre is a turning point in the nation’s digital journey.
“This project signifies Nigeria’s readiness to build a robust, inclusive, and truly sovereign digital ecosystem,” he said.
Abdullahi tied the launch to Nigeria’s Data Protection and Trust Policy, and noted that local cloud infrastructure will help the country compete with global hyperscalers.
“If international players are not ready to build here, Nigeria is ready to power its own cloud future,” he declared.
MTN Cloud Goes Live
For MTN, the project is about much more than hardware.
CEO Karl Toriola said the centre represents MTN’s long-term commitment to digital transformation.
“We have built an enterprise-grade facility with a starting capacity of 4.5MW, scalable to 14MW,” he said. “It is compliant with local data protection laws and designed for maximum reliability, security, and ESG alignment.”
The facility employed over 300 Nigerians during construction and tapped into local planning and expertise.
Toriola also announced the launch of MTN Cloud — a locally hosted platform that offers startups and developers reliable computing power in naira.
“We are providing sovereign, locally managed, globally competitive digital platforms,” he said. “This is what it means to make the digital economy real for everyone.”
Lagos as Innovation Capital
Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State SSG Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin praised MTN’s decision to site the project in Lagos.
“Lagos is now the world’s fastest-growing tech city,” she said. “This launch marks a major step in Nigeria’s journey towards full digital transformation and economic resilience.”
She described the facility as a wise investment aligned with Lagos’ smart city blueprint and pro-business policies.
Named after former MTN Group CEO Sifiso Dabengwa, the centre is already operational and hosting clients. It features advanced cooling, seven-layer network redundancy, and robust data protection.
“This is not just about infrastructure,” Toriola concluded. “It is about making Nigeria a digital hub for the region and the continent.”
With government policy, industry investment, and local talent all aligned, Nigeria is building more than data centres — it is building its own sovereign cloud future.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
