The Federal Government plans to unveil a cutting-edge data facility with the capacity to store 1.4 petabytes of data by May 29, 2024. The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, met with a delegation from the National Union of Nigerian Associations in Italy (NUNAI), which was led by President Chief Rowland Ndukuba in Abuja at his office, according to the Interior Ministry. He stated that the data centre would store important national data, such as citizens’ biodata.
He further highlighted the significance of adopting Technology and innovation, stating the necessity for fresh, state-of-the-art technological answers to contemporary challenges. He noted that incorporating advanced technology could improve effectiveness and transparency throughout governmental activities. Upon receiving NUNAl’s request for assistance, teamwork, and the creation of passport service centres, Dr. Tunji-Ojo confirmed that these requests will be thoroughly examined and that relevant updates will be shared on time. Additionally, the Minister emphasised that the Federal Government does not support illegal migration and warned that Nigerians who try to emigrate through illicit methods will have to deal with the repercussions.
Airtel Africa and others have invested in building data centres in Nigeria.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasised to the NUNAI delegation the importance of prioritising the Welfare of Nigerians in Italy. He stated that the Ministry of Interior is committed to working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assist Nigerians stranded abroad. Chief Rowland Ndukuba, President of NUNAI, praised the Ministry for its dedication to helping Nigerians in Italy. He stressed the importance of ongoing teamwork between the Minister and the Ministry to support Nigerians who cannot return home. Recent investments in the centres in the country, primarily from private organisations, have increased.
Also, the government’s initiative to establish its data centre will help to broaden opportunities and strengthen the push towards ensuring that all Nigerian data is stored within the country. Rack Centre, MDXi, Africa Data Centre (ADC), and Airtel Africa are among the companies that have made significant investments in constructing data centres in Nigeria, putting millions of dollars into these projects. Establishing the centre requires a significant financial investment. The funding strategy is still under consideration as the government prepares to launch the project.
Healthcare and other sectors will benefit from the new infrastructure.
In addition, the federal government’s ambition to build a cutting-edge data centre is anticipated to significantly transform Nigeria’s digital landscape. The proposed facility will substantially increase the nation’s storage capacity, supporting a wide range of government services, from administrative procedures to Security operations. This enhancement will facilitate quicker access to accurate, up-to-date information, leading to more efficient public service delivery. Ultimately, this will benefit individuals by improving governmental accountability and responsiveness, promoting greater trust in public institutions and enhancing overall citizen satisfaction.
Furthermore, it will be vital in supporting Digital Innovation in the country. The government can encourage the development of new technologies and applications that rely on massive datasets by offering a reliable and secure management and storage infrastructure. This Infrastructure will be conducive for industries like healthcare, education, and finance, where data-driven insights may significantly enhance the development of policies and the provision of services. Local IT entrepreneurs and companies can also use this infrastructure to create creative solutions specifically suited to the Nigerian market.
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Lastly, the centre’s Construction also aligns with international movements that prioritise data localisation or retention inside national borders for increased security and independence. Given that national laws and regulations would control processing and protection, this step by the Nigerian government is expected to increase public trust. The programme may also draw global companies searching for trustworthy data storage options in the country, which might increase foreign Investment and support the expansion of the regional economy. Nigeria may strengthen its position as a hub for data infrastructure in West Africa and take the lead in the Digital Economy of the area.