By: HighCelebritySquard
Leading telecommunications network, Airtel Nigeria has revealed that the NXTRA Data Center is not only set to cater to the growing demand for secure, reliable, and scalable data storage and management services in the country but will also provide about 250 permanent jobs for Nigerians. This was revealed during the groundbreaking ceremony for its state-of-the-art NXtra Data Center at Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, on Tuesday, 12th March, 2024.
The event, which had in attendance the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani; Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Olatubosun Alake; his counterpart from the Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment Ministry, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem; created a platform for stakeholders in government and the private sector to explore the several economic prospects of a the NXtra Data Center, which is set to be the largest on the continent.
Speaking during the event, Group Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Africa, Segun Ogunsanya, said the Nxtra project marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey and is a cornerstone of the organization’s growth strategy, with a particular focus on Nigeria, its largest market.
“We strongly believe that the establishment of NXtra Data Centers will enhance data sovereignty, security, and preservation within the continent, reflecting our commitment to make Nigeria a major hub for access to digital services as we propel Africa towards a sustainable and inclusive digital age,” he said.
Mr Ogunsanya added that: “This mega project will provide over 1000 jobs. And more significantly, once deployed and at capacity, it will create over 250 permanent jobs for Nigerians whilst supporting companies in the manufacturing, financial services, health care as they move their data and computing into third party data centers like ours. Ultimately, we have to store data and content closer to where it is being consumed.”
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended Airtel for its decision to locate NXtra in the state, describing the collaboration between Airtel Africa and the Lagos State government as a step towards achieving a transformative digital leap for Nigeria.
In his words, “The NXtra Frontier is not merely the construction of a facility, but the dawn of a new era in data control, security, and preservation throughout Africa. Airtel’s commitment to the highest standards in data management, technological innovation, and extensive network infrastructure is truly commendable. With a total capacity of 180 MW distributed across 13 major Data Centers and over 48 Edge Data Centers, NXtra is poised to redefine data storage and accessibility in Africa.”
Also speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony, Dr Bosun Tijani extolled the revolutionary opportunities ahead for business and the economy in a future driven by connectivity via data centers such as NXtra and powered by technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) that the future of business. “Data is a key driver in our economy. Not only do we need to connect our people, we also must invest in the digital economy, and through the investment that companies like Airtel have made in our economy, we are fully able to participate in the digital economy.”
As part of its expansion strategy, Airtel plans to leverage the strategic location of the NXtra Data Center to serve a diverse clientele, including private enterprises, government agencies, and other telecom carriers. By offering a comprehensive suite of colocation, hosting, and managed services, Airtel aims to empower organizations to thrive in an increasingly digital-centric landscape.
According to Airtel, the construction of the NXtra Data Center is scheduled for completion within 18 to 24 months, with operations slated to commence shortly thereafter.
MD/CEO, Airtel Nigeria, Carl Cruz; Group CEO-Designate, Airtel Africa, Sunil Tadar; Board Member, Airtel Africa, Awuneba Ajumogobia; Group CEO, Airtel Africa, Segun Ogunsanya; Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani; during the ground-breaking ceremony of Airtel NXtra Data Center at Eko Atlantic City, Lagos, on Tuesday March 12, 2024.
