The Nigerian government is set to unveil a state-of-the-art data centre capable of storing up to 1.4 petabytes of data, including sensitive national information such as citizens’ biometrics. This development marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards technological modernization and data security.
The announcement was made by the Minister of the Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a meeting with a delegation from the National Union of Nigerian Associations in Italy (NUNAI), led by its President, Chief Rowland Ndukuba. The data centre is scheduled to open before May 29, 2024, coinciding with the commemoration of President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized the crucial role of technology and innovation in addressing contemporary challenges. He highlighted that the new data centre would not only enhance efficiency and accountability but also provide robust solutions for data management and security in Nigeria.
“The importance of embracing technology and innovation cannot be over-emphasized,” stated Dr. Tunji-Ojo. “This data centre will serve as a cornerstone for our efforts to promote efficiency and ensure the secure management of sensitive national information.”
Chief Rowland Ndukuba commended the Ministry for its proactive measures in tackling the issues faced by Nigerians residing in Italy. He underscored the necessity for increased collaboration between the Nigerian government and its diaspora to address various challenges effectively.
As of 2023, Nigeria boasts over 11 data centres, primarily located in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano. These include prominent facilities such as the Open Access Data Centre (OADC), Rack Centre, MDXi, Medallion (Digital Realty), 21st Century Technologies, ADC, MTN, CEWA, and Galaxy Backbone. The data centre sector in Nigeria has attracted more than $230 million in investment and is projected to grow to $415 million by 2028.
The new data centre is expected to further bolster Nigeria’s data infrastructure, enhancing the capacity for secure data storage and processing. This advancement aligns with the government’s vision of leveraging technology to drive national development and improve public service delivery.
The initiative also signifies Nigeria’s commitment to staying ahead in the global digital economy, providing a secure environment for data management and fostering an ecosystem conducive to technological innovation.
- Tags: biometrics data storage, data centre investment Nigeria, data security Nigeria, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, National Union of Nigerian Associations in Italy (NUNAI), Nigeria data centre, Nigerian government technology, President Bola Tinubu, state-of-the-art data centre, technological innovation Nigeria
