Lagos State is currently witnessing the construction of four new data centres, a development that underscores its growing role as Nigeria’s digital hub. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu revealed this during a courtesy visit at the Lagos House in Marina by Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Alice Désirée of Sweden, Duchess of Västergötland, and her delegation. The Governor was represented at the event by Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat.
Dr Hamzat highlighted the administration’s continued investment in digital infrastructure, referencing the state’s extensive fibre optic initiative and the surge in interest from global tech giants. “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 stated.
The Deputy Governor described Lagos as an attractive destination for investment in technology and innovation, noting its scale and market potential. “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.
The Swedish royal visit was marked by expressions of goodwill and optimism for stronger economic collaboration. Crown Princess Alice Désirée lauded Lagos for its vital role in Nigeria’s economic framework and commended 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 remarked.
The Swedish Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Mr Andreas Carlson, also emphasised the visit’s focus on fostering bilateral ties centred on the green economy, digital transformation, and innovation. He announced the launch of Sweden’s first trade office in Nigeria, to be based in Lagos.
“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 said.
“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 concluded.