The Federal Government of Nigeria has called for increased domestic and foreign investment in the country's telecommunications and digital infrastructure. This appeal comes as annual data consumption has reached over 1.66 million terabytes, highlighting growing demand for broadband connectivity and improved network capacity. The government's push for investment is driven by the expanding digital economy, fueled by the adoption of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and financial technology.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, made the call at the Nigeria Digital Connectivity and Investments Forum in Abuja. The forum, organized by the Nigerian Communications Commission, brought together government officials, telecommunications operators, investors, and development partners to explore opportunities for expanding Nigeria's digital infrastructure. The event coincides with Nigeria marking 25 years since the introduction of Global System for Mobile Communications.
Dr. Oduwole emphasized that Nigeria's telecommunications and digital economy sector has made significant progress, contributing over 9% to the country's Gross Domestic Product in the first quarter of 2026. She noted that the expansion of digital services and growing demand for advanced computing infrastructure have positioned Nigeria to attract more global investment in data centers and other technology-related assets. The country currently has over 25 data centers either operational or under construction, reflecting increasing investor interest in its digital infrastructure market.
One of the data centers under construction is a $120 million hyperscale facility by Airtel's Entrax at EcoAtlantic, designed for high-performance and artificial intelligence workloads. Dr. Oduwole commended the organizers for creating a platform to strengthen investment partnerships and address obstacles to infrastructure development. She stressed that digital connectivity has become an essential determinant of national competitiveness and international trade, and that discussions about connectivity must extend beyond telecommunications access to the broader infrastructure required to support production, investment, and cross-border commerce.
Dr. Oduwole emphasized that Nigeria's approach to digital infrastructure development is increasingly centered on its commercial potential, particularly its capacity to attract investment, facilitate business expansion, and strengthen the country's participation in the global digital economy. The opportunity spans data centers, cloud services, fibre, broadband infrastructure, digital platforms, fintech, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital logistics, and digitally delivered services. She described the forum's focus as "particularly timely" because the quality of a country's digital infrastructure increasingly determines the quality of its investment climate, the competitiveness of its businesses, and its ability to participate meaningfully in international trade.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, disclosed that Nigerians consumed over 1.66 million terabytes of data over the past year, compared to 1.33 million terabytes in the preceding year. He cited a 47% increase in data consumption and emphasized the urgency of sustained investment in telecommunications infrastructure, improved network coverage, and increased capacity to deliver reliable connectivity to consumers. The forum provided an opportunity to develop recommendations that would support President Bola Tinubu's ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.
Dr. Maida noted that the transformation of Nigeria's telecommunications industry over the past 25 years demonstrated the importance of regulatory reforms and transparent licensing procedures in attracting private investment. He assured prospective investors that the government would continue to strengthen the investment environment by promoting regulatory transparency, predictability, and trust. The commission remains committed to creating an enabling environment for telecommunications investment while protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, and ensuring quality services.
Key points
- Nigeria's annual data consumption has reached over 1.66 million terabytes.
- The government seeks increased domestic and foreign investment in telecommunications and digital infrastructure.
- Nigeria has over 25 data centers either operational or under construction.
