The Federal Government has announced plans to collaborate with Big Tech firms and hyperscalers to establish hyperscale data centers in Nigeria, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s data sovereignty. The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, disclosed this in Lagos while delivering the keynote address at the 3rd Biennial Corporate Governance and Enterprise Development Conference on Tuesday. He explained that the initiative would enable Nigeria to take ownership of sensitive data currently stored and controlled by foreign technology giants.
According to Abdullahi, NITDA is already implementing a “Cloud First” strategy designed to attract hyperscalers, boost local infrastructure, and grow indigenous talent. He stressed that Nigeria’s data is currently controlled by platforms like Google, Microsoft, and social media companies, which shape the information citizens consume and the choices they make. To address this, the government is working with global partners while putting in place regulations that will support the development of data centers within Nigeria’s borders.
Abdullahi further revealed that the government has developed a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and is testing an Ethical Standard for AI deployment to ensure systems reflect Nigeria’s culture and values. He disclosed that efforts are ongoing to build large language models tailored to the local context and to classify data to determine what must remain in the country. He added that the forthcoming Online Harm Protection Bill would harmonize online and offline regulations, while a regulatory intelligence framework has been designed to guide the safe adoption of emerging technologies.
Beyond governance, NITDA is also pursuing an ambitious infrastructure drive with a target of establishing at least 1,600 ICT centers nationwide to promote digital inclusion. Abdullahi said that 222 ICT facilities, including community centers, school facilities, and hubs, have already been set up in the last two years. The agency’s goal, he stressed, is to ensure that every Nigerian, irrespective of social or economic status, has access to digital tools, skills, and opportunities as the country positions itself as a hub for data and artificial intelligence infrastructure in Africa