MTN has announced the opening of a landmark $240 million data centre in Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.
Named in honour of the late Sifiso Dabengwa, former CEO of MTN Group, the facility stands as Nigeria’s largest pre-fabricated modular data centre, comprising 96 containerised modules and housing 1,500 racks. The centre’s power and cooling systems are fully modular and distributed across three floors, ensuring optimal efficiency and reliability, according to MTN.
The new 9MW data centre will be developed in two phases, with the first phase, a 4.5MW Tier 3 facility valued at $120 million, officially opening on 1 July 2025. This initial phase incorporates advanced cloud infrastructure, positioning the centre as a central hub for data storage, processing, and management. The localisation of data hosting aims to mitigate risks associated with massive internet disruptions, such as those caused by underwater cable failures earlier in 2024.
MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, highlighted the centre’s strategic importance in enhancing artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and enterprise solutions. He emphasised that the investment reflects MTN’s commitment to Nigeria’s digital future, offering scalable, secure, and affordable data solutions that empower local businesses to thrive in a rapidly digitalising economy. Toriola also pointed out that the centre’s pay-as-you-use model, with services priced in naira, provides a significant advantage for companies seeking to reduce costs and mitigate foreign exchange risks.
Lynda Saint-Nwafor, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, noted that the first phase involved a $100 million infrastructure investment, complemented by an additional $20 million allocated for cloud integration. She highlighted that the centre’s competitive pricing makes it a cost-effective alternative to major hyperscalers like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, bringing advanced computing capabilities within reach for Nigerian enterprises. The facility is designed to meet stringent standards for data sovereignty and security, enabling organisations to comply with Nigeria’s Data Protection Act while reducing their exposure to cyber threats.
