The Nigerian government plans to inaugurate a state-of-the-art data centre with a capacity of storing 1.4 petabytes of data before May 29, 2024, coinciding with President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office. The data centre will store crucial national information, including citizens’ biometric data, aiming to improve efficiency and transparency in national operations through advanced technological solutions.
Chief Ndukuba praised the Ministry’s initiatives in addressing the challenges faced by Nigerians in Italy and called for increased collaboration to support stranded Nigerians in the country.
As of 2023, Nigeria hosts over 11 data centres located primarily in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano. Notable data centres include Open Access Data Centre (OADC), Rack Centre, MDXi, Medallion (Digital Reality), 21st Century, ADC, MTN, CEWA, Galaxy BackBone, and mobile. The sector has attracted more than $230 million in investments and is projected to grow to $415 million by 2028.
While the specific funding details for the new data centre project remain undisclosed, its completion could significantly bolster Nigeria’s position in the African data centre landscape. Currently, Nigeria lags behind South Africa, where data centre operator Teraco boasts a larger operational capacity. In 2023, Teraco secured $680 million in funding to expand its solar capacity and data centres.
Despite the high costs associated with data centres, the Nigerian government’s initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing national digital infrastructure. If successful, this project will provide Nigeria with a substantial advantage in the African data centre market.
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