MTN Nigeria has officially launched the Dabengwa Data Centre, a cutting-edge facility designed to transform enterprise IT infrastructure across West Africa through advanced cloud services and data hosting solutions.
This state-of-the-art facility marks a strategic step in MTN’s evolution from a traditional telecom operator into a full-fledged technology partner. The Dabengwa Data Centre provides powerful computing capabilities, secure data storage, and seamless cloud integration all within Nigeria’s borders helping businesses operate more efficiently, remain compliant with local regulations, and fast-track digital transformation.
As West Africa’s largest prefabricated modular data centre, the facility features 96 containerized units in its first phase. It is also equipped with AI-powered energy management systems and robust hybrid cloud support, setting new standards for performance, efficiency, and scalability in the region.
Speaking at the launch event, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, praised the initiative, calling it a crucial building block for Nigeria’s digital economy. “This is the kind of infrastructure that secures digital sovereignty and boosts productivity. We can now keep our data and our money within the country,” he noted.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Secretary to the State Government Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said the facility gives local startups and tech creators a strong foundation to build and scale globally. “With infrastructure like this, Lagos becomes the digital backbone of West Africa,” she said.
The Nigerian data centre market is booming, with expected growth from 136.7 MW in 2025 to 279.4 MW by 2030. Over $630 million in investments are already committed to expanding data centre capacity nationwide.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, represented by Engr. Babagaba Digima, hailed the project as a major step toward Nigeria’s digital independence. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to fostering a secure, innovative, and standards-driven digital environment.
MTN emphasized sustainability as a key feature of the new centre. Through artificial intelligence, the facility can intelligently manage workloads, optimize energy use, and incorporate green energy, significantly lowering its carbon footprint while reducing operational costs for clients.
Chairman of MTN Nigeria, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, celebrated the teamwork behind the $150 million project, acknowledging the effort it took to bring such an ambitious vision to life.
MTN Nigeria CEO, Dr. Karl Toriola, described the launch not just as a facility unveiling but as a milestone in Nigeria’s digital journey. “It represents a future-ready, cloud-based infrastructure that supports innovation and national policy goals.”
Alongside the data centre, MTN also introduced MTN Cloud, a locally built cloud service accessible to businesses both within and outside Nigeria. According to MTN’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Lynda Saint-Nwafor, the platform marks a leap into a new technological era. She also announced the upcoming MTN Cloud Accelerator for Africa, aimed at equipping startups with tools, training, and support to scale.
The launch aligns with Nigeria’s digital sovereignty ambitions. NITDA’s new data classification framework requires sensitive information such as health, financial, and government data to be hosted within Nigeria. The Dabengwa Data Centre directly supports these goals, offering global-standard hosting locally and creating a more secure, trusted digital ecosystem.
With this launch, MTN reaffirms its commitment to empowering Nigerian businesses, enabling innovation, and strengthening the country’s position as a digital leader in Africa.
