As Nigeria sets its sights on a $1 trillion economy by 2030, technology experts warn that the country urgently needs 72 edge data centres to power its digital transformation. According to Ikechukwu Nnamani, CEO of Digital Realty Nigeria, at least two data centres should be established in each state and the Federal Capital Territory to ensure the economy is digitally competitive and inclusive.
Nnamani highlighted that over 90% of Nigeria’s current data infrastructure is concentrated in Lagos, serving only about 10% of the population. “Lagos houses most of the country’s data infrastructure, yet this represents only 10% of Nigeria’s true digital capacity,” he said, emphasizing the need for decentralization and a nationwide expansion of digital infrastructure.
Edge data centres, which reduce latency and improve real-time data processing, are critical for sectors such as e-commerce, FinTech, and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence. Nnamani stressed that Nigeria still lacks an AI-ready data centre, a gap that could hinder the country’s ability to leverage next-generation technologies. He noted that transmitting data between Lagos and Abuja can be more expensive than sending it to London, highlighting severe regional connectivity challenges.
Currently, Nigeria has between 16 and 22 operational data centres, with 19 in Lagos and three in Abuja. Capacity is estimated at around 30MW, with projections reaching 56.1MW by 2025. Several new facilities are in the pipeline from major players like MDX1, Rack Centre, OADC, MTN, Airtel, and Galaxy Backbone. Each data centre’s construction costs range from $10 million to $15 million, with additional investments needed to address power supply gaps.
Building an expansive network of data centres is not just an infrastructure goal but a step toward digital sovereignty, according to Nnamani. Such investments would enable data localisation, enhance service delivery, foster innovation, and create jobs across the country. As Nigeria pushes toward a $1 trillion economy, establishing these edge and AI-ready data centres is emerging as a cornerstone of national development.
source: The Guardian