MTN Nigeria has officially launched the largest data centre in West Africa, named the Dabengwa Data and Cloud Centre, located in Lagos. The new $150 million Tier-3 facility went live today and already counts Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Abia State government as its first clients.
Dabengwa: A Game-Changer for Nigeria’s Digital Economy
MTN designed the new data centre to support startups, software developers, content creators, and everyone working in the digital space. According to the company, this new hub will boost Nigeria’s digital economy, speed up internet access, and reduce dependence on foreign data services.
During the launch event, MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, said the project aims to meet Nigeria’s rising demand for data and drive innovation across industries. He explained that the centre will bring content closer to users, improve service speeds, and offer secure cloud storage.
“These facilities are built for top-level performance and security. They will transform Nigeria’s tech ecosystem,” Toriola said.
A Hub for Businesses, Startups, and AI Growth
According to MTN, the new data centre will serve big businesses, including banks, oil firms, and government agencies. It will also support Nigeria’s efforts to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
Named after former MTN Group CEO Mr. Sifiso Dabengwa, who played a key role in the company’s growth in Nigeria, the centre starts with 4.5 megawatts of power and can expand to 14 megawatts within two years. It delivers cloud services similar to those of top global providers, allowing Nigerian businesses to store and process data locally.
Moreover, Toriola emphasised that MTN’s advanced digital platform will help companies work faster and more securely. He added, “We will keep investing in research and use new technologies to give Nigerians the benefits of modern connectivity.”
Additionally, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Operating Officer, Ayham Moussa, said the data centre will drive innovation and help startups grow quickly. He explained that small businesses and large firms alike will benefit from improved access to digital tools.
“This cloud solution will help businesses compete in today’s fast-moving tech world. Whether you’re building a robotic startup or running a large company, the cloud will help you grow and stay up to date,” Moussa said.
MTN Strengthens Its Role as Nigeria’s Digital Leader
At the launch, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, praised MTN for building a strong digital infrastructure. He said the new centre supports President Bola Tinubu’s vision of a $1 trillion economy powered by tech innovation.
“This facility forms part of the foundation for a modern, digital economy. It supports startups, AI development, and industry growth. With it, we can ensure national security, trust, and economic productivity,” the Minister explained.
Tijani, who also became the centre’s first client, said it connects directly to Nigeria’s 90,000-kilometre fibre optic project, which aims to bring internet access to over 30 million Nigerians who are currently offline.
“Facilities like this allow young people to dream big, build tech solutions, and grow from Nigeria to the global stage,” he added.
Securing Nigeria’s Data
However, Toriola noted that the data centre also focuses on data sovereignty, ensuring that Nigeria’s sensitive information stays within the country. This helps businesses meet regulations from agencies like the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
“We’ve built strong security systems to protect against threats and keep our clients’ data safe and always accessible,” Toriola said.
The facility includes advanced power and cooling systems to maintain 24/7 operations and ensure maximum uptime.
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