Lagos State is ramping up its digital infrastructure push with the construction of four new data centres, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has revealed.
The development is part of an ambitious plan to boost the state’s information technology capabilities and attract major global tech players.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Lagos House in Marina by Her Royal Highness, Princess Alice Desiree, Crown Princess of Sweden and Duchess of Västergötland, along with her delegation.
Representing the Governor, Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat highlighted key tech investments the state is undertaking, including a massive fibre optic project spanning thousands of kilometres.
“We need a lot of technology. We are building a fibre optic network of about 6,800 kilometres across our state. We finished the first phase, about 3,500 kilometres, to increase the bandwidth penetration in our state. Interestingly, a lot of companies are coming. Google is building a data centre, and other companies are coming. About four data centres are being built now in Lagos,” he said.
“So for IT and other related infrastructure, Lagos is the place. With a population of 22 million, about twice the size of Sweden, the opportunity is wide, and we would like to engage,” he added, pointing to Lagos’ rising appeal among global technology firms.
Her Royal Highness acknowledged Lagos’ importance within Nigeria’s economy and praised its expanding commercial landscape.
“We are very excited to be here and to see what the Swedish-Nigerian relationship can develop into. We see vast areas of potential for further growth and cooperation. We are very happy to be here with the Swedish companies already present in Nigeria,” she said.
Also at the event was Sweden’s Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Mr. Andreas Carlson, who emphasised that the royal visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, especially in digital innovation and sustainable development.
“Today, the Crown Princess Victoria will inaugurate a Swedish Trade Office here in Lagos, which will be the first trade office in Nigeria. We think Lagos is the place to start,” Carlson stated.
“Her Royal Highness is here in Lagos to underline the importance of a strong relationship and partnership with Nigeria and Lagos State. We see opportunities to strengthen the already strong partnership between our two countries. We see opportunities when it comes to green and digital transition,” he added.
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