MTN Nigeria Unveils $120M Tier III Data Centre And Local Cloud to Boost Data Sovereignty And AI Innovation

MTN Nigeria has officially launched Phase 1 of its cutting-edge Tier III Data Centre and local cloud infrastructure in Ikeja, Lagos — a significant step in advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation, data sovereignty, and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.

Valued at a total of $120 million — with $100 million dedicated to data centre infrastructure and an additional $20 million to cloud infrastructure — the facility is poised to become Nigeria’s largest pre-fabricated modular data centre. Named the Sifiso Dabengwa Data Centre, the facility boasts 96 pre-fabricated containers, a scalable IT capacity load of 4.5 megawatts, and a rack capacity of approximately 1,500, spanning three floors.

Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the launch, Dr. Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, highlighted the transformational impact of the project.

“This facility positions MTN at the forefront of Nigeria’s digital future. Not only will it drive AI adoption, but it also supports our commitment to data sovereignty and local economic empowerment. By pricing services in Naira and offering pay-as-you-use models, we’re reducing the cost burden for Nigerian enterprises,” Toriola said.

Dr. Toriola added that the centre aligns with national data protection goals and that MTN is working closely with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to ensure full compliance with regulatory frameworks.

Driving Business Efficiency with Local Cloud Services

Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN Nigeria, emphasized the cost-efficiency and technical edge of the local cloud.

“Our $20 million investment in cloud infrastructure complements the data centre’s power. This initiative lowers latency, enhances onboarding experiences, and enables seamless global access to our cloud platform. Compared to global hyperscalers, MTN Cloud provides faster, more accessible, and locally-aligned services,” she said.

Saint-Nwafor also revealed the platform’s self-orchestration capabilities, allowing users to log in from anywhere to manage and deploy digital solutions without geographic limitations.

Supporting Fintech, Government, and Enterprise Sectors

Ifeanyi Otudor, Senior Consultant at MTN Enterprise Solutions, noted that the data centre was built to support high-traffic sectors including fintech, e-government, and enterprise businesses.

“This is more than just infrastructure; it’s a strategic platform for digital growth. We’re ready to meet co-location needs across sectors, enabling businesses and government agencies to focus on innovation while we manage the backend complexity,” Otudor said.

The facility is powered by a robust energy backbone, including 2.5 MB and 3.15 MB transformers for the grid system, supported by high-capacity standby generators to ensure uninterrupted service.

With the unveiling of the Sifiso Dabengwa Data Centre, MTN Nigeria reinforces its leadership in driving digital inclusion, enterprise growth, and national tech resilience.