Nigeria’s push toward digital sovereignty is gaining momentum, as industry leaders and regulators reaffirm their commitment to local content development and capacity building as the backbone of the nation’s fast-growing data centre ecosystem, reports ITREALMS.
Speaking during a facility tour led by the NCC Board Chairman, Chief Idris Olunnimbe, alongside the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, the Chief Executive Officer of Open Access Data Centres Africa, Ayotunde Cooker, underscored that the true value of digital infrastructure investments lies not just in physical assets, but in people.
“We’re achieving this by combining as much local competency as possible,” Cooker said. “At the core of the economic impact, both direct and induced, are Nigerians who are being trained, engaged, and empowered.”
He pointed to critical sectors such as power and security as key examples, noting that building and sustaining data centre infrastructure requires continuous investment in local talent.
“Take power, for example—we must build, maintain, and expand infrastructure. That means training professionals locally to deliver and sustain these services. The same applies across security and operations,” he explained.
Cooker emphasized that this localized investment strategy is what drives real economic multiplier effects across the ecosystem.
Looking ahead, he revealed that Phase 2 expansion plans will further deepen local participation, with indigenous piling contractors and design firms already engaged.
“While some firms bring international expertise, execution is happening locally, and that’s how competence is built,” he said.
Reflecting on the industry’s evolution, Cooker noted that over a decade ago, Nigeria lacked the capacity it now boasts.
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“We’re achieving this by combining as much local competency as possible,” Cooker said. “At the core of the economic impact, both direct and induced, are Nigerians who are being trained, engaged, and empowered.”
He pointed to critical sectors such as power and security as key examples, noting that building and sustaining data centre infrastructure requires continuous investment in local talent.
“Take power, for example—we must build, maintain, and expand infrastructure. That means training professionals locally to deliver and sustain these services. The same applies across security and operations,” he explained.
Cooker emphasized that this localized investment strategy is what drives real economic multiplier effects across the ecosystem.
Looking ahead, he revealed that Phase 2 expansion plans will further deepen local participation, with indigenous piling contractors and design firms already engaged.
“While some firms bring international expertise, execution is happening locally, and that’s how competence is built,” he said.
Reflecting on the industry’s evolution, Cooker noted that over a decade ago, Nigeria lacked the capacity it now boasts.
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“When I started in data centre development about 12 years ago, this capability didn’t exist. Today, Lagos is emerging as a major hub, driven largely by local talent,” he added.
He stressed that the progress extends beyond a single company, describing it as part of a broader systemic growth in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure capacity.
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