By Julius Peter, Abuja
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called for increased investment in data centre infrastructure to support Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital economy and meet the growing demand for reliable, secure and locally hosted digital services.
The agency said the expansion of data centre capacity was critical to Nigeria’s digital transformation, particularly as businesses, government institutions and citizens increasingly rely on cloud computing, artificial intelligence, digital platforms and other data-intensive technologies.
NITDA noted that Nigeria’s growing digital ecosystem was generating significant volumes of data, creating the need for modern infrastructure capable of processing, storing and securing such information efficiently within the country.
The agency stressed that strengthening the nation’s data centre infrastructure would not only improve access to digital services but also enhance data security, reduce dependence on infrastructure located outside the country and create new opportunities for investment and innovation.
According to NITDA, increased investment in data centres would be essential to providing the computing capacity required by emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, financial technology, e-commerce and other digital services.
The agency also highlighted the importance of reliable electricity supply, high-speed broadband connectivity and other supporting infrastructure in developing a competitive data centre ecosystem.
It said investors would need an enabling environment that encourages the establishment and expansion of data centres across the country, while ensuring that such facilities meet appropriate standards for security, resilience, energy efficiency and service reliability.
The call comes amid the Federal Government’s broader efforts to deepen Nigeria’s digital economy and strengthen the country’s position as a major technology hub in Africa.
With more public and private-sector activities moving online, the demand for secure and dependable data storage and processing facilities has continued to increase. Government agencies are also adopting digital platforms for service delivery, while businesses are deploying cloud-based solutions to improve efficiency and reach more customers.
NITDA maintained that Nigeria must anticipate future demand rather than allow infrastructure gaps to constrain the growth of its digital economy.
The agency therefore urged local and international investors to take advantage of the opportunities available in Nigeria’s data centre market, noting that the sector has significant potential to attract capital, create skilled employment and support the growth of technology-driven businesses.
Beyond providing physical infrastructure, the development of more data centres could strengthen Nigeria’s digital sovereignty by ensuring that more critical data and computing resources are hosted within the country.
The agency has increasingly emphasised the need for Nigeria to develop infrastructure and policies that can support emerging technologies while protecting citizens’ and organisations’ data.
Industry stakeholders have similarly identified power supply as one of the major factors affecting the cost of operating data centres in Nigeria. As a result, investments in renewable energy, efficient power systems and other alternative energy solutions are expected to play an important role in the expansion of the sector.
NITDA’s position underscores the growing recognition that data centres are becoming strategic national infrastructure rather than merely commercial technology facilities.
As Nigeria’s digital economy expands, the availability of adequate computing, storage and connectivity infrastructure will increasingly determine the speed, reliability and security of digital services.
The agency’s call for greater investment is therefore aimed at ensuring that Nigeria’s digital infrastructure keeps pace with technological developments and the increasing volume of data generated by government, businesses and citizens.
Stakeholders believe that sustained investment in data centres, combined with improvements in electricity, broadband connectivity, cybersecurity and regulatory frameworks, could position Nigeria to capture a larger share of Africa’s rapidly growing digital infrastructure market.
The development of a robust data centre ecosystem could also support the country’s ambitions in artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies by providing the high-performance computing infrastructure needed to develop and deploy new digital solutions.
NITDA’s appeal ultimately reflects the need for a coordinated approach involving government, infrastructure providers, technology companies, financial institutions and investors to build the capacity required for Nigeria’s next phase of digital growth.
