Nigeria is pushing deeper into the global technology race as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) unveils a fresh plan to build artificial intelligence-powered digital hubs across the country.
The initiative, launched in partnership with the International Data Center Authority (IDCA), aims to strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and attract new investment into the technology sector.
According to NITDA, the project will support the country’s broader ambition of becoming a stronger digital economy driven by innovation, cloud technology, and artificial intelligence.
In a statement released by NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Global Head of Strategic Services, Media Relations Department, Hadiza Umar, the agency described the partnership as a major step towards creating a more coordinated digital ecosystem.
The new AI digital hubs will operate under the Nigerian Sovereign Cloud initiative. The programme is expected to combine infrastructure growth, talent development, investment opportunities, and regulatory standards within one framework.
At the centre of the project is the proposed “Nigeria Digital Triangle”, a network of AI-enabled data centres planned for different parts of the country.
NITDA explained that the hubs would support enterprise cloud services, data hosting, and advanced digital operations for both businesses and government institutions.
NITDA pushes long-term AI infrastructure
The agency said the AI digital hubs are designed to attract local and foreign investors while helping Nigeria build a stronger technology-driven economy.
According to NITDA, the programme focuses on four major areas. These include infrastructure expansion, digital standards, workforce development, and a national digital economy roadmap.
Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, described the initiative as a major turning point for Nigeria’s digital transformation plans.
He said: “This initiative represents a defining moment in Nigeria’s economic transformation, reaffirming the government’s commitment to advancing the Digital Economy and Data Sovereignty Agenda.”
Inuwa also stated that collaboration with IDCA and technical experts would support innovation, job creation, entrepreneurship, and economic inclusion.
He added: “By working with the leading experts of IDCA and members of the National Sovereign Cloud Initiative Technical Working Group, Nigeria is laying a strong foundation for sustainable infrastructure growth, job creation, global competitiveness, and innovation-driven, inclusive development.”
Global partners see strong potential
Chairman of IDCA, Mehdi Paryavi, said Nigeria has the capacity to become one of Africa’s most influential digital economies because of its market size and population.
According to him, the partnership could create long-term economic value while improving Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global technology industry.
Chief Research Officer of IDCA, Roger Strukhoff, also praised the initiative and described it as an investment-ready digital infrastructure strategy.
He said: “Nigeria is taking a decisive step toward becoming a regional digital powerhouse. This is a structured, investment-ready approach that aligns strategy with execution and global best practices.”
Meanwhile, Solomon Edun, Global Head of Strategic Services and Head of Europe and Africa at IDCA, explained that the project reflects years of collaboration between both organisations.
The AI digital hubs initiative is expected to run over three years with participation from government agencies, private companies, and international partners.
NITDA believes the project could help Nigeria strengthen innovation, improve digital services, and create more opportunities in the country’s growing technology sector.
I am passionate about crafting stories, vibing to good music (and making some too), debating Nigeria’s political future like it’s the World Cup, and finding the perfect quiet spot to work and unwind.
No Comments