During the launch of MTN Nigeria's Dabengwa Data Centre and Cloud in Ikeja, Lagos, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, referred to the facility as a project that supports President Bola Tinubu's plan to expand Nigeria's digital sector.
Tijani, who attended the event, praised MTN Nigeria for its ongoing investments in the nation, highlighting that the new data center—projected to cost approximately $150 million—is the sort of technological infrastructure that aids in building the $1 trillion economy that the present government is striving to achieve.
Such an investment, the one we are here to introduce, provides a platform for our youth to succeed," Tijani stated. He added, "Enterprise-level infrastructure like this, located here, enables startups, developers, and digital creators to build and expand from Nigeria to the global stage. With this facility, MTN is strengthening its role as Nigeria's digital foundation.
The data center, named in honor of the late Sifiso Dabengwa, who previously served as CEO of MTN Nigeria and later as Group Chief Operating Officer until his death in September last year, is being recognized as Nigeria's biggest prefabricated modular data center. It will provide 4.5 MW in phase 1, with an additional 4.5 MW planned for phase 2, which is anticipated to be finished soon.
As stated by the Minister, the MTN Data Centre is expected to boost Nigeria's economy by "enhancing efficiency, fostering business growth, and promoting variety via technological advancement and accessibility."
For this reason, if you don't mind," he continued, "let's stand up and give a round of applause to MTN for their ongoing dedication to Nigeria. The administration of President Bola Tinubu acknowledges that we cannot develop a modern, varied economy without advanced infrastructure—both physical and digital.
During his opening speech, Karl Toriola, the CEO of MTN Nigeria, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its ongoing assistance and emphasized the company's dedication to sustained investment within the nation.
We are dedicated to creating locally controlled, internationally strong digital systems that will help companies grow quicker and connect with more individuals in extensive research and development efforts.
"At MTN, we are convinced that every individual, especially Nigerians and Africans, is entitled to the advantages of a contemporary, interconnected lifestyle. We keep challenging limits to transform what seems impossible into something achievable and eventually reality," he stated.
The event attracted various stakeholders, government officials, and individuals from the public sector, who all commended MTN's courageous step, not only as a major telecommunications company but also as a pioneer in Nigeria's technology landscape, offering a platform to speed up digital progress and creativity.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), was represented by Engr. Babagaba Digima, the Deputy Director of the New Media and Information Security Department, who stated: “Today represents a major achievement in Nigeria's digital self-reliance and technological autonomy. The infrastructure we are celebrating today reflects our shared goal of a digitally strong Nigeria.”
Praising MTN's leadership in digital advancement, Engr. Digima stated, "The Commission is dedicated to fostering a setting that encourages innovation while upholding the highest levels of cybersecurity, data privacy, and strong internet infrastructure. We will keep collaborating with service providers to ensure that the implementation of essential infrastructure meets the high benchmarks our digital economy requires."
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, through Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the State Government's Secretary, stated that the Dabengwa Sifiso Data Centre "demonstrates MTN's strong dedication to investing in Nigeria's digital infrastructure and highlights the crucial role of Lagos as a center for technology and innovation in the country."
"As everyone is aware, data has become the new oil, with cloud technology serving as the engine that powers it. MTN's Tier III facilities are setting a higher standard for secure, scalable, and efficient enterprise services, which are essential for businesses, public institutions, and both national and international companies," she stated.
Through its courageous commitment to infrastructure development, MTN Nigeria is not only defining the future of communication but also establishing the groundwork for a more equitable and technology-focused economy, where Nigerian skills and creativity can flourish internationally.
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