Nigeria has taken a giant leap toward achieving digital sovereignty with the commissioning of MTN Nigeria’s $150 million Tier III Dabengwa Data Centre in Lagos, West Africa’s largest modular data centre. The facility is a significant component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a digitally empowered and globally competitive Nigerian economy.
Unveiled in a high-profile event attended by key stakeholders, the Dabengwa Data Centre aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly his commitment to building a $1 trillion economy driven by productivity, innovation, enterprise, and inclusivity.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, hailed the initiative as a direct contribution to the administration’s broader digital economy blueprint. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to support:
- Onshore data retention, reducing reliance on foreign cloud platforms
- Enhanced digital infrastructure for fintech, health, education, AI, and national security
- Local cloud service offerings, including MTN Cloud, enabling Nigerian startups and businesses to operate in naira and boost digital inclusion
- National compliance with data protection laws and regulatory frameworks
The Dabengwa facility currently offers 4.5 MW of power capacity, scalable to 14 MW, positioning Nigeria as a regional data hub. Experts estimate that this infrastructure could save the country up to $185 million annually by reducing outflows for foreign cloud services.
President Tinubu’s administration is also rolling out complementary initiatives such as the deployment of 90,000 km of fiber optic cable, the construction of 7,000 rural base stations, and the 3 Million Technical Talent programme, all geared toward driving innovation, creating jobs, and reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership in the global digital economy.
