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MTN Nigeria, Dell Technologies Unveil Nigeria’s Largest Prefabricated Modular Data Centre

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MTN Nigeria, leading Nigerian tech company, in a landmark collaboration with Dell Technologies, today announced the official launch of the Dabengwa Data Centre, a state-of-the-art facility poised to revolutionise enterprise IT infrastructure across West Africa with its comprehensive cloud services offering.

This strategic partnership delivers computing power, secure storage, and seamless cloud integration, empowering businesses to enhance operational efficiency, maintain regulatory compliance, and accelerate digital transformation within a trusted, locally hosted environment.

This initiative underscores MTN’s ambition to evolve beyond a traditional telecommunications provider into a leading tech, a trusted technology partner dedicated to delivering innovative digital solutions. The Dabengwa Data Centre is a testament to MTN’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s digital economy and providing scalable data solutions for businesses of all sizes, enabling them to compete effectively on the global stage.

The Dabengwa Data Centre stands as West Africa’s largest prefabricated modular data centre in Nigeria, using 96 prefabricated containers for Phase-1, setting a new benchmark for technological advancement and infrastructure scale in the region. Designed with the future in mind, the data centre incorporates AI-driven energy optimisation and robust hybrid cloud capabilities, ensuring unparalleled performance and flexibility for its clients.

Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications,Innovation & Digital Economy, said: “The MTN Data centreis part of the digital foundation of Nigeria’s modern economy that we seek -one that provides, and will continue to provide world class reliability, sothat we can keep our money local. We don’t have to ship it out in dollars.” Hedescribed the data centre as “excellent.”

While thanking MTN for providing the platform that willhelp accelerate Nigeria’s critical sectors, from fintech, healthcare, education platforms, and artificial intelligence, Tijani said that it is “only through this kind of infrastructure can we truly enablesovereignty, trust, but also national productivity.”

His Excellency, Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu,represented by the Secretary to the State’s Government, Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said: “Investments like this onethat we’re here to launch offer a platform for our young people to be able tothrive. Enterprise-grade infrastructure on our own soil, giving start-ups,developers, and data creators the ability to build and scale from Nigeria tothe world. With this facility, MTN is reinforcing Nigeria’s position as thedigital backbone of West Africa.” She emphasised that due to the location of the datacentre, Lagos State now had the “bragging rights.”

The Nigerian data centre market is experiencing significant growth, with projections indicating an increasefrom 136.7 MW in 2025 to 279.4 MW by 2030, representing a Compound AnnualGrowth Rate (CAGR) of 15.37%. This growth is further supported by substantial investments, with data centre operators committing over $630 million to expand capacity in Nigeria.

Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, represented by Engr. Babagaba Digima, Deputy Director, New Media and Information Security Department, said: “Today marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital sovereignty and technological independence. The infrastructure we celebrate here today embodies our collective vision of a digitally empowered Nigeria.”

Commending MTN for being at the forefront of digital innovation in Nigeria, Engr. Digima said that the “The Commission remains committed to creating an environment that supports innovation while ensuring the highest standards of cybersecurity, data protection, and a robust internet infrastructure and service quality.”

He added that at the commission “we will continue to work closely with operators to ensure that critical infrastructure deployment meets robust standards our digital economy deserves.”

AI-driven energy optimisation is a cornerstone of the Dabengwa Data Centre’s design. Artificial intelligence algorithms intelligently manage workloads and optimise energy sources, including the utilisation of green energy, to significantly reduce the facility’s carbon footprint. This commitment to efficiency ensures that businesses leveraging the Dabengwa Data Centre benefit from a sustainable and cost-effective infrastructure.

“Today is a significant day for Nigeria,” said Dr. Ernest Ndukwe (OFR), Chairman of MTN Nigeria. “Setting up the infrastructure of this size is not an easy task. And I want to seize the opportunity to thank those who have been working tirelessly to make it happen.”

MTN Nigeria CEO, Dr. Karl Toriola, stated: “Today is not simply the commissioning of the state-of-the-art data centre and launch of a new cloud platform, it is a lot more. It is a representation of technological advancements that focuses on the development of a state-of-the-art commissioning and data-centric architecture in line with the direction and policy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He added that the data centre, which cost about $150 million, “is a significant leap in the data landscape to meet the increasing demand of Nigerian businesses for solutions that focus on growth and innovation.”

Speaking on the data centre and MTN Cloud, which was also unveiled to help Nigerian businesses, and boost the country’s digital eco-system, Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN Nigeria, said that the innovation has launched Nigeria into a new tech era. “A few weeks from now, we’ll launch the MTN Cloud Accelerator for Africa. This isn’t just another accelerator, but one that would empower the Nigeria tech-ecosystem for growth,” she said. The MTN Cloud Accelerator Program is tailored to support startups in the ecosystem with training and resources they needed to thrive. The MTN Cloud was built in Africa but can be accessed by local and global businesses.

The launch of the Dabengwa Data Centre aligns with Nigeria’s strategic push for digital sovereignty and regulatory compliance. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has finalised a data classification framework that encourages cloud service providers to establish local operations in Nigeria, mandating that certain categories of sensitive data, including health, financial, and government data, must be hosted within Nigeria.

By providing a world-class, locally hosted environment, the Dabengwa Data Centre enables international cloud service providers to meet these critical regulatory requirements, fostering greater trust and security in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. This move is a significant step towards enhancing national security and attracting further investment in the country’s digital infrastructure.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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Nigeria, Ghana Trigger Stunning 45 Percent Surge in MTN Dividends

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MTN Group delivered impressive financial and operational achievements for 2025, boosted by strong performances in MTN Nigeria and MTN Ghana, as well as solid earnings from MTN South Africa.

Nigeria, Ghana Trigger Stunning 45 Percent Surge in MTN Dividends

The three core markets of Africa’s largest mobile provider enhanced profitability, free cash flow, and shareholder dividends by 45%.

IT Web Africa reported that Ralph Mupita, group CEO and president, MTN, highlighted that the telecoms giant’s robust commercial momentum across key markets capped the final year of its Ambition 2025 strategy, while laying the foundation for a new long-term growth phase under Ambition 2030.

“The Group’s overall performance in 2025 was excellent. In the final year of our Ambition 2025 strategy, we were proud to have exceeded the 300 million customers milestone,” he said.

MTN revealed that it now serves more than 307 million voice subscribers, 172 million data users, and 70 million Mobile Money customers across 16 African markets, reflecting the continent’s growing demand for digital connectivity and financial services.

The operator credited its results to disciplined commercial execution and sustained investment in network infrastructure, with R38 billion spent during the year to expand capacity, improve coverage and enhance service quality.

The group reported that data traffic surged 27%, while average monthly data consumption per user climbed to 12.5GB, up from 10.8GB a year earlier, reflecting Africa’s fast-growing appetite for digital services.

Financially, the performance was driven by MTN’s largest markets.

In constant currency terms, MTN Nigeria grew service revenue by 54.9%, while MTN Ghana increased service revenue by 35.9%.

Meanwhile, MTN South Africa recorded 2% growth, demonstrating operational resilience in one of the continent’s most mature and competitive telecom markets.

MTN Group service revenue rose nearly a quarter to R218 billion, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation climbed to R98.5 billion, supported by R3.6 billion in expense efficiencies.

Mupita stressed that the strong results translated into robust free cash flow and improved return generation, allowing the board to declare a dividend of 500 cents per share, up from 345 cents the previous year.

“This comfortably exceeds the minimum dividend of 370 cents we had previously guided,” he said.

The group also announced a R6 billion share buyback programme as part of an enhanced shareholder remuneration framework aimed at delivering stronger long-term returns.

Alongside its results, MTN unveiled Ambition 2030, a strategy centred on three platforms, connectivity, fintech and digital infrastructure, as it seeks to capture the next wave of growth driven by data adoption and financial inclusion across Africa.

“We are hugely excited about Africa’s potential. We are well positioned to leverage our scale, footprint and brand leadership to capture the significant structural growth opportunities identified,” said Mupita.

 

Source: IT Web Africa


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ATCIS Urges FG to Ensure Safety of Consumers Data

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Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS) non-profit consumer rights group dedicated to protecting the rights, interests, and welfare of telecommunications subscribers, has urged the Federal Government to ensure safety of telecom consumers’ data hosted by government agencies.

ATCIS Urges FG to Ensure Safety of Consumers Data

Dr Sina Bilesanmi, president of the body stated this World Consumers Day in Lagos.

He alleged that said subscribers” data are being jeopardised by some of its agencies.

Bilesanmi urged government to ensure that every subscriber in Nigeria can use digital service without fear of physical, financial, or data-related harm.

The ACTIS president said safety in the telecommunication sector extends beyond physical hardware to include data privacy and protection from cyber fraud.

“We call for stricter enforcement by the Standard organization of Nigeria (SON) to eliminate substandard mobile devices and Cable Tv equipment that pose fire or electric hazards.

“We also want safe services from telecoms that are transparent – free from hidden charges and misleading advertisements”, he said.

He urged subscribers to utilize platforms like ACTIS as well as NCC and even FCCPC web portal when they encounter service failures.

He also tasked FG on hosting Nigerian Data Privacy in the country.

He said: “We ask for more robust surveillance and swifter penalties for entities that violate consumer safety standards. We admonish the subscribers to be aware and speak out, a vigilant consumer is a protected consumer.”


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New Horizons Nigeria Commissions ICT Centre @Adeleke University to Boost Tech Skills

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In a major boost to technology education and digital innovation in Nigeria, New Horizons Systems Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of the US-based global ICT training organization, New Horizons Worldwide, has commissioned a state-of-the-art ICT facility at Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State.

New Horizons Nigeria Commissions ICT Centre @Adeleke University to Boost Tech Skills

New Horizons Nigeria

The facility, named the Elder (Dr.) I.C. Egbuta ICT Centre, was constructed and donated to the university by New Horizons Nigeria as part of its commitment to equipping Nigerian universities with modern infrastructure capable of preparing students for global competitiveness in the digital economy.

The commissioning ceremony which held on Tuesday March 3rd, 2026 drew dignitaries from the university community, industry, and academia.

The event began on a vibrant note as cultural dancers from the university’s Theatre Arts Department entertained arriving guests with lively traditional performances.

The new ICT center represents another milestone in the long-standing partnership between New Horizons and Adeleke University, a collaboration that has spanned more than a decade.

Through the partnership, the institution has delivered project-based and certification-based ICT training programs, producing thousands of students with globally recognized digital skills and professional certifications across diverse technology disciplines.

Also, the Elder (Dr.) I.C. Egbuta ICT Centre features four fully equipped ICT studios with high-end computer systems, full air-conditioning, and seating capacity for over 750 users. The facility also includes modern conveniences intended to enhance digital learning and professional certification training.

The building was officially commissioned by Chief (Mrs) Modupe Adeleke Sanni, who represented the Chairman of the University Council, Chief Adedeji Adeleke.

In her remarks, she commended New Horizons Nigeria for its sustained investment in the university and reaffirmed the council’s commitment to strengthening the partnership in the years ahead.

Also speaking at the event was the Vice Chancellor of Adeleke University, Professor Solomon A. Adebola, who praised the organization for its consistent contributions to the technological advancement of the institution and the empowerment of Nigerian youths through practical digital training.

Furthermore, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of New Horizons Nigeria, Mr. Tim Akano expressed appreciation to the university’s leadership and governing council for their support and enduring collaboration.

He reiterated the organization’s vision of equipping Nigerian universities with facilities and training that will enable students to compete effectively in the global technology ecosystem.

Mr. Akano further noted that New Horizons remains committed to driving innovation within Nigerian universities, with the long-term goal of enabling institutions like Adeleke University to generate research-driven technological solutions capable of attracting patent rights and global recognition.

New Horizons Nigeria, widely recognized as Africa’s largest ICT training organization, continues to strengthen its footprint in Nigeria’s digital education sector. In 2025, the institution received the prestigious Best ICT Training Company award from CompTIA in South Africa.

This further reinforce its leadership position within the continent’s technology training ecosystem. Also, as a franchise of New Horizons International, which operates in over 90 countries across six continents, the organization has consistently aligned with global best practices while addressing local capacity gaps. The organization currently provides ICT training services to more than 30 universities and nearly 200 high schools nationwide.

The center would be used for the training of high-end technical courses like Cyber Security, Web Development, Artificial intelligence, Full Stack, Graphics and CompTIA courses like Hardware, Network and Security Plus.

New Horizons have won about 350 national and international awards in the last 20 years of its operation and it trains over 100,000 students yearly across 27 universities and 150 secondary schools, as well as corporate organizations, government agencies and retail offices.

Students trained by New Horizons Nigeria are always well-sought after in the labour market after graduation and the certificate they obtain are recognized in all the 90 countries where New Horizons have offices.

In conclusion, the ceremony ended with an energetic cultural performance by the university’s theatre group from the Theatre Arts Department, which drew enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The commissioning of the Elder (Dr.) I.C. Egbuta ICT Centre further strengthens the collaboration between New Horizons and Adeleke University and is expected to deepen efforts toward producing highly skilled ICT professionals and innovators capable of contributing to Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

 

 

 

 


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