MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest mobile network operator, has announced plans to build its new headquarters in Eko Atlantic City, reinforcing the area’s growing appeal as a business hub. The move places MTN among a list of major corporations, including First Bank and Dangote Group, relocating to the 10-square-kilometer city.
The United States Embassy is also developing a diplomatic facility in the high-end commercial district, attracted by its modern infrastructure and strategic location.
MTN CEO Karl Toriola confirmed the development during the MyLagosApp launch in Lagos, stating that the telecom giant has secured land in Eko Atlantic and will commence construction upon securing necessary equipment.
The project, coming four years after initial plans were announced, makes MTN the first telecom company to set up in the coastal city. Toriola emphasized MTN’s commitment to long-term investment in Lagos, beyond just providing connectivity services.
Eko Atlantic, launched in 2008, is adjacent to Victoria Island and has been positioned as Lagos’ most advanced commercial hub. Land prices in the city range between $1,050 and $1,150 per square meter, with additional fees pushing up overall costs. Sources estimate MTN’s headquarters construction to be in the millions of dollars, reflecting the premium value of real estate in the city’s designated high-rise and commercial districts.
Meanwhile, MTN Nigeria is also building West Africa’s largest Tier 4 data center in Lagos, separate from its headquarters project. The facility, set to house 1,500 racks, will serve as a carrier-neutral hub for multiple Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and cloud service providers. Toriola described the center as the most sophisticated data infrastructure in the region, aimed at solidifying Nigeria’s position as a digital transformation leader.