Telecom
Open Access Data Centres Recognize Sustainability as Key in its Operations – Aduloju
Mr Olatunji Aduloju is Operations Manager at Open Access Data Centres (OADC) on Sustainability in Data Centre Operations.
He has an enviable career in operations of data centre, and has worked with CWG plc where he managed the company’s data centre for over 5 years before joining OADC few years ago.
In this interview, he explained the driving force behind WIOCC and OADC sustainability efforts. WIOCC Group is the parent company of WIOCC- Africa’s digital backbone and OADC.
What does sustainability mean to WIOCC and Open Access Data Centres and how driven is the company on sustainability and the environment?
Sustainability encompasses a variety of obligations that are inherent in conducting business responsibly. For WIOCC and OADC, this includes:
- Leadership within the ICT industry, and regional bodies, and active engagement in industry organisations and events. For example, the CEO of OADC serves as Chairman of the Africa Data Centres Association and is a member of the Science and Technology Committee of the Lagos Chamber of Business and Industry. OADC also participates in the Infrastructure Masons Climate Accord which demonstrates our commitment to global initiatives focused on carbon accounting and reduction.
- Corporate social responsibility initiatives through which we make a positive impact on the communities amongst whom we operate. For example, OADC has served as a strategic partner for the STEAM UP programme in Lagos for three consecutive years. This mentorship program aims to inspire, motivate, and guide young girls in pursuing studies and careers in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, by connecting aspiring female scientists in secondary schools with professional women working in STEM fields.
- A comprehensive sustainability strategy across the entire WIOCC Group, and robust systems and processes to effectively manage environmental and social risks across our operations. In practice, this includes initiatives such as using acoustic panels in our power farm to stop reverberations and high levels of noise.
How concerned is WIOCC & Open Access Data Centres about sustainability especially when it involves the environment more especially when it comes to Data Centres operations?
WIOCC and OADC recognize that sustainability is a paramount consideration in the development and operation of data centres. With increasing energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with digital infrastructure, we are committed to operating sustainably.
We apply competitive sustainability standards during the design, building and operation of our data centres. This ensures that our facilities are both hyperscale-ready for clients, and meet global investor requirements for managing environmental and social risks.
How sustainable should Data Centres be when it comes to usage of power?
Energy efficiency is an area of focus for OADC. We have set performance targets that require us to improve our Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) which is the industry standard for measuring energy efficiency.
In addition, green building design has been incorporated as a requirement of our core data centres. This requires energy and water efficiency to be included in the design of our data centres.
A key metric in building design is the ‘embodied carbon’ of materials – this refers to the greenhouse gas emissions associated with various stages in the life cycle of building materials, including raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, construction, and disposal. Current international building certifications, like IFC EDGE and LEED, require us to achieve ambitious targets relating to the embodied carbon in the materials we use for data centre construction.
How can technology help data centres to maximise sustainability process especially with energy efficiency and what lessons can be learned on the energy efficiency of OADC operations?
At OADC operations, we focus on improving our energy efficiency through technology and optimal occupation of our data centres. This includes:
- Implementing advanced and more efficient cooling systems and managing airflow efficiently
- Integrating renewable energy sources
- Investing in energy-efficient hardware
- Implementing smart energy monitoring and reporting systems to identify improvements and eliminate waste.
- Using smart technologies like artificial intelligence to forecast workload and optimise resource allocation.
Waste management is always an environmental issue especially in a developing country, how can industrial waste be managed taking Open Access Data Centre as a case study?
At OADC, we apply the waste hierarchy which requires us to reduce and minimise waste as the first option. Where waste generation cannot be avoided or reduced, we recover and reuse waste in a manner that is safe for human health and the environment.
Where waste cannot be recovered or reused, we will treat, destroy, or dispose of it in an environmentally sound manner that includes the appropriate control of emissions and residues resulting from the handling and processing of the waste material. Our policy also requires us to use licensed disposal sites that are being operated to acceptable standards.
We have a Waste Management Plan that emphasizes a “Cradle to Grave” approach. This means we take responsibility for waste from its creation (“cradle”) to its final disposal (“grave”). We ensure waste separation by providing clearly labeled bins for different materials and have partnered with a government-approved waste collection service provider to ensure proper disposal.
Carbon footprints and circularity are issues in the operations of data centres, how do you recycle and manage your waste? is the community involved in your recycling process and in your waste management?
For circularity to be effective and sustainable, we start considering materials usage from the design phase. We also leverage innovative technologies and sustainable materials to minimise energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation throughout a facility’s lifecycle:
- In our Lagos data centre, we have partnered with RESWAYE (Recycling Scheme for Women and Youth Empowerment), which collects our plastic waste for recycling purposes.
- As part of our environmental initiatives, we dispose of electronic waste responsibly. Whenever possible, we ensure that equipment or its components are recycled or reused.
- Our water treatment plants are environmentally beneficial. The implementation of Reverse Osmosis and Sequence Batch Reactor technology in our plants not only provides clean and safe processed water but also helps save water and reduce waste released into the environment. Its impact is far-reaching, contributing significantly to the protection of public health and the environment.
- Additionally, we utilize environmentally friendly, clean agent fire suppression systems in our facilities. These agents have extremely low global warming potential and zero ozone depletion potential, containing no carbon dioxide or other harmful gases.
Nigeria is not focussed yet on using renewables when it comes to powering data centres, is OADC looking to do this?
Yes, certainly. OADC has recently completed a feasibility study regarding using renewable energy in our data centres. We have already launched a pilot project using solar power at one of our South African data centres, and we plan to roll out further solar installations wherever we operate in Nigeria and the rest of Africa.
We are also investigating other forms of renewable energy for future projects, including wind and wave energy.
MTN Group has moved a step closer to taking full ownership of telecommunications tower operator IHS Towers, after shareholders of the infrastructure company approved the proposed acquisition at an extraordinary general meeting (EGM).
The telecommunications group announced that IHS shareholders voted in favour of the transaction by the required two-thirds majority at the EGM held on 4 August, satisfying one of the key conditions precedent to the deal.
MTN first announced in February that it had entered into an agreement to acquire the remaining shares in IHS, a move that would give the mobile operator full ownership of one of Africa’s largest independent tower companies.
The acquisition forms part of MTN’s Ambition 2030 strategy, which aims to strengthen the group’s digital infrastructure capabilities and diversify revenue streams as demand for connectivity, cloud services and artificial intelligence (AI) continues to grow across the continent.
“The approval by IHS shareholders is an important step toward completion of the transaction,” says Ralph Mupita, MTN Group president and CEO.
“Within our Ambition 2030, the three-platform strategy, towers are a critical value-creation driver that will strengthen MTN’s strategic and financial position for the future, in a world where digital infrastructure and AI are becoming increasingly essential to Africa’s growth and development.”
Tower infrastructure has become increasingly strategic for mobile network operators as demand for high-speed mobile broadband, cloud computing and AI-powered services drives the need for expanded and more efficient network capacity.
The proposed acquisition is expected to strengthen MTN’s position as it continues expanding its digital ecosystem across Africa, where it serves more than 300 million subscribers.
IHS is one of the world’s largest tower companies, with nearly 29 000 towers in Africa serving various mobile network operators in five key MTN markets.
According to the mobile operator, the proposed transaction, which follows discussions noted in February, marks an important step to unlock compelling value for MTN, and strengthen and reintegrate its ownership of critical digital infrastructure across Africa.
For IHS shareholders, MTN notes, it provides an attractive opportunity to crystalise value.
The funding for the proposed transaction of the remaining shares MTN does not already own, for a consideration of $2.2 billion (R35 billion), will be through cash of approximately $1.1 billion on IHS’s balance sheet, along with available liquidity and debt from MTN.
MTN has approximately 24.7% shareholding in IHS, and as part of the transaction, it intends to take the company private through the acquisition of all outstanding shares it does not own, pursuant to a cash merger.
By reintegrating the tower assets, MTN says it will be able to internalise the margin currently paid to IHS, benefit from current and future incremental third-party revenues, improve cost predictability and unlock significant long-term value embedded in its existing investment.
The transaction remains subject to the receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals, which MTN says are still in progress. No timeline has been provided for the completion of the acquisition.
Telecommunications services provider Airtel Nigeria has further extended its national retail footprint with the rollout of 350 out of a planned 500 premium experience centres, which are designed to bring faster, more convenient service closer to millions of Nigerians.
The new retail shops, officially unveiled at a symbolic launch at City Mall, Onikan, Lagos, mark the latest phase in Airtel Nigeria’s grand retail strategy. They significantly expand the company’s extensive network of over 9,000 exclusive shops across every local government area, more than 350 premium experience centres, and over 73,000 retailers in all top towns and cities nationwide.
Built as compact, high-efficiency touchpoints, the newly launched shops are designed to enable subscribers complete all transactions such as Home Broadband, Fiber and Outdoor Units Subscription, Postpaid Plan Subscription, Enterprise Applications Enquiry and Subscription, as well as Prepaid Product services such as SIM registration and Data Plan purchase, other enquiries and comprehensive account support.
Simultaneously, several shops commenced operations at Purple Mall, Lekki; Marina, Lagos Island; Magodo, Lagos; Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta; Trend Setter Mall, Benin; Abakaliki, Ebonyi State; Kano City Mall, Kano; Carpenters Mall, Gwarinpa, Abuja; and other parts of the country.
The rollout emphasises the company’s continued investment in customer experience and responds directly to feedback from customers seeking quicker access to everyday services without the longer waiting times that may be associated with larger retail centres.
Speaking on the company retail objectives, Joypratip Sengupta, Director, Sales and Distribution, Airtel Nigeria, explained that quality retail experience ultimately drives customer satisfaction. “Our goal is to demonstrate our dedication to exceptional quality of service, and these new shops, by their design, location, and equipment fit right within our goal to deliver superior service to every one of our customers,” he said.
He added that the expansion reflects Airtel Nigeria’s belief that excellent customer experience goes beyond technology to ensuring customers can receive support whenever and wherever they need it.
“Our business at Airtel is to ensure that we bring our services closer to our customers, and everything we do is centred on putting the customer first. These experience centres are open to help customers carry out their transactions faster and with greater ease. Whether you want to replace a SIM, purchase one of our routers, recharge airtime or data, or resolve any service issue, you can now do so more conveniently and closer to where you are,” he said.
He explained that the initiative represents a significant update to Airtel’s retail strategy, placing greater emphasis on accessibility, speed, and convenience.
“These express shops are designed to reduce traffic at our larger shops while giving customers faster access to the services they need. More importantly, they reinforce our vision of building the most accessible customer service network in Nigeria. As the telecom operator with the country’s largest retail footprint, we will continue expanding into more neighbourhoods, making it easier for customers to connect with Airtel wherever they are,” Sengupta noted.
In her remarks at the launch, Lynda Amechi, Head, Shops and Retail Postpaid Business, revealed that the new retail model was born from listening to customers and reimagining how Airtel delivers its services.
She said, “At Airtel, some of our best ideas come directly from our customers. One of the recurring concerns we received was the time customers sometimes spent waiting at our larger experience centres, even when they only needed simple transactions completed. We listened carefully and realised that many of these requests could be resolved within minutes if we brought our services closer to the communities where customers live and work.”
These new shops are also integrated into Airtel Nigeria’s broader customer experience agenda, which have seen the company continue to invest in digital self-service platforms, AI-powered customer support, nationwide customer forums, and significant network expansion across the country.
With this phase of shop launches, Airtel Nigeria has expanded customer access across the country while integrating digital innovation into physical touchpoints.
The Presidential Renewed Hope Media Tour has commended the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for its progress in advancing indigenous technology development, describing the agency as a key driver of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s industrial transformation.
The commendation came during a visit by the presidential media delegation to NASENI’s headquarters in Abuja, where members inspected the agency’s technology and manufacturing facilities.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Communication, Information and Strategy, described the agency’s achievements as “impressive, impressive, impressive.”
He said NASENI’s progress demonstrated the capacity of Nigerian youths to excel when provided with the right leadership and support.
Onanuga also praised the leadership of the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, for repositioning the agency to support the Federal Government’s industrialisation objectives.
In his remarks, Halilu said sustainable industrial growth does not necessarily depend on producing goods entirely from local inputs but requires strategic investment in technology development, innovation and partnerships.
He explained that the agency is focusing on commercially viable innovations capable of creating jobs, reducing production time and supporting the Federal Government’s Nigeria First Policy.
According to him, NASENI is also strengthening technology transfer, commercialisation of research outputs, mentorship programmes for innovators and the Innovate Naija Challenge, which offers a ₦500 million prize fund to support promising Nigerian innovations.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, commended NASENI’s achievements and urged the media to give greater visibility to the Federal Government’s programmes and accomplishments across various sectors.
Also speaking, Hadiza Bala Usman stressed the need for stronger strategic communication and increased patronage of locally developed technologies and innovations.
Similarly, Sunday Dare advocated policies that would encourage Ministries, Departments and Agencies to prioritise NASENI products and other locally manufactured goods.
Other members of the delegation, including Tunde Rahman and Otega Ogra, also commended the agency’s strategic partnerships and locally developed technologies.
During the tour, the delegation inspected facilities dedicated to drone technology, helicopter assembly, reverse engineering, precision manufacturing, renewable energy, agricultural technology and recycling systems.
The visitors also witnessed the implementation of NASENI’s 3Cs framework—Creation, Collaboration and Commercialization—which the agency said is driving indigenous manufacturing, innovation and technology transfer.
At the end of the visit, stakeholders called for sustained nationwide campaigns to promote Nigerian-made products, strengthen local manufacturing, reduce dependence on imports and accelerate the country’s industrialisation agenda under President Tinubu.
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