The first state-owned data center in Benin City, Nigeria, has launched this week.
Located in the state of Edo, the facility is part of the local government’s plans for ‘digital revolution’ and technology advancement, as reported by Nigerian News Direct.
Details of the data center have not been disclosed.
Governor Godwin Obaseki, who unveiled the new facility, said: “Edo’s new data center acts as a secure hub for government and business data. This infrastructure is vital for digital operations, empowering local businesses, and the entire South-South region with secure data storage options.
“This digital evolution reflects the state’s historic role as a knowledge hub. To remain competitive, Edo chose to embrace digital transformation early on, investing in initiatives that empower its youth.”
He added that state programs, such as EdoJobs and Edo Innovate Hub, have trained more than 50,000 young people in digital career paths.
According to Obaseki, the state of Edo has the largest fiber optic network in Nigeria. The state government has also been paperless since 2023 under Obaseki's leadership.
The majority of data centers in Nigeria have been concentrated in the capital Abuja and Lagos.
