MTN Nigeria has received high praise from key figures in both the Federal Government and Lagos State for its bold investment in Nigeria’s digital future through the launch of its $240 million Sifiso Dabengwa Data Centre in Lagos.
At the commissioning of the facility, top government officials commended MTN for its role in advancing data sovereignty, strengthening national security, and accelerating Nigeria’s transition to a modern digital economy.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, described the facility as a strategic asset and a critical enabler of President Bola Tinubu’s ambition to grow Nigeria’s economy to $1 trillion through innovation and enterprise.
“This data centre is part of the digital foundation needed for a modern economy,” he stated. “It will offer reliable and secure data storage for enterprises and government, enabling sovereignty, trust, and enhanced national productivity. It is a clear example of how private sector investment can align with national priorities.”
Tijani further noted that the data centre complements other national projects such as the 90,000-kilometre fibre optic rollout and the deployment of 7,000 communication towers to connect over 20 million Nigerians without access to digital services.
Representing the National Security Adviser, Mohamed Abdullahi Yawo highlighted the facility’s security significance. “Data is life,” he said. “This infrastructure strengthens national security by ensuring critical data remains within Nigeria’s borders. The government is committed to safeguarding such critical assets through the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre.”
Speaking on behalf of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, hailed the project as a reaffirmation of Lagos’s status as Nigeria’s technology capital.
“The Dabengwa Data Centre is a major step in Lagos’s journey as an innovation hub,” she said. “MTN’s commitment to secure, scalable digital infrastructure provides a platform for public services, startups, and multinationals alike to thrive.”
Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inua Abdullahi, also lauded MTN for setting a new standard in cloud infrastructure.
“This investment reflects our readiness to compete globally in cloud services,” he said. “It aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and the national push for a trusted digital environment. Cloudification is no longer optional—it is the future.”
He added that the project supports NITDA’s “9-0-2 drive” for a digitally inclusive and empowered Nigeria, and that the agency is working closely with partners like MTN to establish cloud infrastructure standards and promote AI innovation.
They argued that the Tier III Dabengwa Data Centre is not only a significant milestone for MTN Nigeria but also a national asset positioned to fuel economic growth, secure critical data, and elevate Nigeria’s standing in Africa’s digital landscape.
