MTN Nigeria has officially unveiled the Dabengwa Data Centre — a $150 million facility developed in partnership with Dell Technologies, marking a major milestone in advancing enterprise IT capabilities and cloud services in West Africa.
Positioned as the region’s largest prefabricated modular data centre, Dabengwa’s first phase alone utilises 96 prefabricated modules, built for scalability and next-generation performance. MTN has equipped the centre with artificial intelligence systems to enhance energy efficiency and has integrated robust hybrid cloud tools to deliver unmatched reliability and adaptability for businesses.
Speaking at the commissioning, MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, described the development as far more than a routine launch. “Today’s event goes beyond the commissioning of a cutting-edge data facility or a new cloud service,” he noted. “It embodies technological progress and a commitment to a data-driven architecture that aligns with Nigeria’s national digital goals.”
He emphasised that this investment represents a decisive response to the growing needs of Nigerian companies seeking secure, high-performance digital solutions to fuel growth and drive innovation.
MTN’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Lynda Saint-Nwafor, highlighted that the centre and the newly introduced MTN Cloud platform mark the beginning of a transformative phase for Nigeria’s digital space. “This innovation sets Nigeria on a new technological path,” she said.
She added that MTN will soon roll out the MTN Cloud Accelerator for Africa — an initiative designed to nurture startups with training and resources, boosting the local tech ecosystem and giving businesses across Africa and beyond access to a homegrown cloud solution.
Built to meet strict local data and regulatory requirements while providing world-class hosting, the Dabengwa facility positions Nigeria to offer international-standard cloud services without relying on costly offshore data storage.
Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, welcomed the project as vital infrastructure for a modern, digital Nigerian economy. “Facilities like this deliver the reliability we need to keep our funds and data local — there’s no need to send them abroad in dollars,” he said.
Representing Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the State Government, described the investment as a springboard for young Nigerians to excel in technology and entrepreneurship.
Also commenting, Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), through deputy director Babagaba Digima, reaffirmed the NCC’s dedication to fostering innovation while safeguarding cybersecurity, data privacy, and service quality nationwide.
With Dabengwa and the MTN Cloud, Nigeria takes a major step forward in becoming a hub for local and international cloud services — and in strengthening the region’s digital backbone for years to come.
