Eko Hot Blog reports that Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to positioning Lagos as a premier digital hub in Africa.
He made this statement on Tuesday while speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the NXTRA by Airtel Data Centre at Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the event signified more than just the construction of a facility, but rather “the dawn of a new era in data control, security, and preservation throughout Africa.”
“This initiative resonates with my administration’s goal of making Lagos a 21st century economy, and I welcome this collaboration between Airtel Africa and the Lagos State government towards achieving a transformative digital leap for Nigeria,” he said.
The Governor highlighted the anticipated impact of the data center, which is expected to commence operations by the third quarter of 2025. “This data center, with its substantial capacity, will unlock vast potential across various sectors, from nurturing innovation in tech startups to enhancing government service efficiency. It will generate employment, attract investments, and position Lagos as a premier digital hub in Africa.”
Sanwo-Olu expressed his appreciation for Airtel Africa’s commitment to the project, stating, “Airtel Africa, through NXTRA, has emerged as a trailblazer in constructing cutting-edge data center facilities across the continent. Their commitment to the highest standards in data management, technological innovation, and extensive network infrastructure is truly commendable.”
He also commended the outgoing Group CEO of Airtel Africa, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, for his “immeasurable contributions to the growth of Airtel’s digital infrastructure in Africa.”
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who also spoke at the event, assured that the President Bola Tinubu administration is committed to using technology to deepen productivity in key sectors. “The Federal Government will continue to support the tech industry,” he said.
Dr. Ogunsanya, the outgoing Airtel Africa Group CEO, expressed pride in the excellent work Governor Sanwo-Olu is doing in Lagos State. He revealed that the data centre’s construction would provide 1,000 jobs in 24 months and 250,000 jobs upon completion.
“The groundbreaking of the NXTRA by Airtel Data Center marks the commencement of the construction of Nigeria’s largest data centre, symbolising a stride forward in enhancing data control, security, and preservation across Africa,” Ogunsanya stated.
The NXTRA by Airtel Data Centre project aligns with the Lagos State Government’s vision of establishing the state as a premier digital hub in Africa, fostering innovation, attracting investments, and driving economic growth in the technology sector.
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