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Nigeria’s $1 Trillion Economy Vision Hinges on Digital Backbone
Industry leaders at a summit on the implementation of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) framework in Nigeria have established a direct link between Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy ambition and the critical roles of digital infrastructure in the country.
L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Open Access Data Centre, Dr. Ayotunde Coker; Director, Legal (Global & Regional Business Affairs), Equinix, Abayomi Adebanjo; Chief Executive Officer, Rack Centre, Lars Johannisson; Ass. Business Editor and panel moderator, Yemi Adepetun; and Convener, Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFo), Omobayo Azeez, at the 7th PIAFo Summit on Critical National Information Infrastructure held in Lagos on Thursday.
During a panel session titled Appraisal of Data Centre Infrastructure Risks in the Scheme of CNII Implementation, they underscored the need for robust investments in data centers, broadband expansion, and cybersecurity.
Moderated by Yemi Adepetun, Assistant Business Editor at The Guardian Newspaper, the session featured insights from top industry executives, who stressed that Nigeria’s digital economy hinges on resilient infrastructure, energy integration, and strategic policy implementation.
Participants are the Chief Executive Officer, Open Access Data Centre (OADC), Dr. Ayotunde Coker; CEO of Rack Centre, Lars Johannisson; and Director of Legal (Global and Regional Business Affairs) at Equinix, Mr. Abayomi Adebanjo.
The panel session formed a part of the just concluded seventh edition of Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFo) with the theme: “Strengthening Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure through Proactive Implementation and Strategic Coordination.”
Strengthening Nigeria’s Digital Backbone
OADC boss, Coker, highlighted the fundamental role of digital infrastructure in driving economic growth. He pointed out that connectivity, data centers, and power must be aligned to ensure digital resilience.
Dr. Coker acknowledged Nigeria’s recent progress in restoring connectivity through increased subsea cable capacity, citing Meta’s new subsea cable project as a significant boost to global connectivity. However, he stressed the urgency of upgrading outdated subsea cables and fast-tracking infrastructure projects such as the Equiano and 2Africa cables.
With the government’s plan to expand fibre optic capacity by 90,000 kilometers, Dr. Coker emphasized the direct economic impact of broadband penetration, stating that a 10% increase could contribute 2.5% GDP growth. He also noted that while South Africa houses 50% of Africa’s data center infrastructure, Nigeria must scale up investments to bridge the gap and compete on a global level.
“The future of our digital economy depends on the seamless integration of connectivity, power, and data centers,” Dr. Coker asserted, calling for greater collaboration between private and public stakeholders.
Challenges in Execution and Investment
Mr. Johannisson echoed Dr. Coker’s sentiments, applauding Nigeria’s digital progress but warning that execution remains a major hurdle.
He highlighted asset protection policies as a key factor in attracting foreign investments.
Johannisson revealed that every megawatt of data center capacity requires an investment of approximately €12-15 million, with 70 megawatts currently in the pipeline.
He also stressed the importance of decentralizing data centers beyond Lagos to ensure broader access and affordability, especially with the pressing need for edge infrastructure which requires data centre spread across the country.
“If inefficiencies drive up costs, digital services will remain inaccessible to large segments of the population,” he warned.
Looking ahead, Johannisson emphasized the need to maintain cost-effective infrastructure investments to achieve Nigeria’s broadband penetration target of 80% by 2030.
Security, Power, and Government Support
Meanwhile, Abayomi Adebanjo, Director of Legal (Global and Regional Business Affairs) at Equinix, focused on the intersection of digital infrastructure and national security.
He underscored the vulnerability of critical networks to cyber threats and called for stricter security measures at both physical and digital levels.
Adebanjo also identified major gaps in Nigeria’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) framework, urging the government to take a more active role in enforcing protection programs.
He cited persistent issues such as fiber cable theft and legal obstacles in prosecuting offenders as deterrents to investment.
Recognising the significant power demands of data centers—comparable to large industrial operations such as the Dangote refinery—Adebanjo advocated for incentives such as designated special zones for data centers and priority access to electricity.
“Ireland is a prime example of how a stable regulatory and power supply environment can attract foreign direct investment,” Adebanjo noted, urging Nigerian policymakers to adopt similar strategies.
The Path Forward
The discussions at PIAFo underscored that Nigeria’s ambition to achieve a $1 trillion economy hinges on its ability to create a conducive environment for data centers and digital infrastructure growth.
In his opening remarks, Convener of PIAFo, Mr. Omobayo Azeez, stressed the need for concerted efforts among stakeholders to protect existing infrastructure and attract new investments to secure the digital future of the country.
Industry leaders agreed that increased broadband penetration, strategic investment, and supportive government policies are critical to bridging the digital divide and ensuring long-term sustainability.
With a growing commitment from both public and private sectors, Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its digital transformation journey—one that will define its economic trajectory for decades to come.
Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has issued a stern warning to content creators filming and sharing videos of unsuspecting citizens on social media, describing such practices as direct violations of citizens’ rights to informational self-determination.
NDPC
The Commission drew attention to individuals capturing pictures and footage of the general public without consent, breaching Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDP Act).
NDPC specifically flagged a content creator in Lagos State who films unsuspecting passersby at roadsides for a “reality show”. The Commission stressed that processing personal images in this manner demands explicit consent or a justifiable lawful basis under the NDP Act.
Preliminary investigations revealed no public or legitimate interest served by this “wilful invasion of privacy”. Data subjects, the Commission noted, have no reasonable expectation that their images would be captured and broadcast globally by an unknown individual.
National Commissioner/CEO Dr Vincent Olatunji has instructed social media platform owners—including TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Meta—to intensify enforcement of community guidelines to prevent harm from unlawful and unfair personal data processing.
Platforms failing to act promptly face sanctions under the NDP Act. Individual creators remain personally liable for violations, potentially facing criminal prosecution for infringing citizens’ and data subjects’ privacy rights.
The advisory was signed by Babatunde Bamigboye, Esq. CDPRP, Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations.
NDPC emphasised that abuse of rights under the guise of entertainment will not be tolerated, urging compliance to safeguard Nigerians’ data privacy in the digital age.
In celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, Techeconomy, a leading business news platform in Nigeria, has unveiled its “100 Women Shaping the Future: Techeconomy Power List 2026,” recognizing exceptional women driving innovation, leadership, and impact across technology and the broader digital economy.
Techeconomy
The annual recognition spotlights women who are transforming industries through entrepreneurship, policy leadership, digital innovation, financial inclusion, media, education, and emerging technologies.
The initiative is part of Techeconomy’s commitment to promoting gender inclusion and highlighting female leadership shaping Africa’s technology ecosystem.
The Techeconomy IWD Power List features a diverse group of women, from corporate executives and startup founders to policymakers, ecosystem builders, and social innovators, whose work continues to influence the future of technology, business, and digital transformation in Nigeria and across Africa.
Speaking on the initiative, Joan Aimuengheuwa, the Managing Editor at Techeconomy, noted that the recognition goes beyond celebrating titles, focusing instead on impact, resilience, and the ability to shape the future through innovation and leadership.
According to her, “the women on the list represent different sectors including fintech, banking, healthcare, agriculture, education, communications, and the creative economy, demonstrating the growing role of women in advancing technology-driven development.
The unveiling aligns with the global celebration of International Women’s Day, which highlights the achievements of women and calls for accelerated progress toward gender equality. Across the world, the technology sector continues to push for greater female representation and leadership as part of efforts to build more inclusive digital economies.
Also speaking, Oluwatosin Aloba, the Brand Manager at Techeconomy, said: “Techeconomy IWD 2026 Power List is specially designed to inspire the next generation of female innovators and leaders by showcasing role models who are breaking barriers and redefining possibilities in the technology landscape.
“Techeconomy encouraged industry stakeholders, institutions, and the broader public to celebrate the achievements of these women while continuing to support policies, programs, and investments that expand opportunities for women in technology”, she added.
The full list of the “100 Women Shaping the Future: Techeconomy Power List 2026” is available on the Techeconomy website or visit: https://techeconomy.ng/techeconomy-iwd-2026-power-list-celebrates-100-women-shaping-the-future-of-tech/.
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), via its Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), has partnered with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to launch applications for the fifth cohort of the iHatch Startup Incubation Programme, targeting 37 innovation hubs—one per state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
NITDA
The initiative selects hubs as state-level managers to run incubation programmes, addressing uneven support outside Lagos and Abuja. “Nigeria’s startup ecosystem has grown rapidly, but access remains uneven,” said ONDI National Coordinator Victoria Fabunmi. “iHatch builds stronger hubs, standardises quality, and boosts investment readiness across all regions.”
Amid Africa’s $3.42 billion startup funding in 2025, Nigeria’s innovation clusters in major cities, sidelining rural founders. Selected hubs will incubate five startups each for at least one year, providing structured guidance for growth and funding. Hubs gain operational support, resources, and performance rewards—prioritizing ecosystem leadership over cash grants.
Eligibility and Timeline
Eligible hubs must:
Operate for at least one year with local engagement.
Possess infrastructure for incubation activities.
Applications close March 16 at ondi.nitda.gov.ng/#/ihatch.
Fabunmi emphasized: “By equipping hubs with tools, curriculum, and oversight, iHatch ensures consistent outcomes for founders everywhere,” tackling geographic gaps to scale local innovation.
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