Federal Government targets $750 million private investment for cloud infrastructure
The Federal Government plans to attract $750 million in private sector investment for local cloud and data infrastructure over the next 24 months. This initiative, announced by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at the GITEX 2026 Government Leadership & AI Summit in Abuja, also includes the rollout of a 90,000-kilometre fibre optic network nationwide. Akume, represented by Bekearedebo Warrens, Permanent Secretary of the Political and Economic Affairs Office, stated that these efforts are part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu鈥檚 strategy to transform Nigeria into a global exporter of digital solutions. The new National Digital Cloud Policy aims to position Nigeria as a competitive hub for cloud and data services across West Africa and the broader African market. Additionally, the government is deploying approximately 3,700 telecommunications towers to connect over 20 million Nigerians in underserved communities. Akume highlighted the 3 Million Technical Talent initiative, which has trained over 125,000 Nigerians in various tech fields, and the NIMC Act 2026, which provides a legal framework for identity management and data sovereignty. The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Abdullahi, emphasized the need for Nigeria to achieve sovereign control over its artificial intelligence ecosystem, viewing AI as critical national infrastructure.
