Nigeria has introduced a new National Digital Cloud Policy aimed at strengthening its domestic cloud infrastructure and positioning the country as a major hub for digital services across West Africa and the wider sub-Saharan African market.
The policy provides a framework for expanding cloud and data-centre capacity, encouraging private investment and increasing the use of cloud technology across government. It also seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s control over sensitive data while creating conditions for businesses to deliver digital services from the country.
Government plans include incentives for investment in data-centre infrastructure, including duty exemptions for equipment and energy systems, alongside measures intended to simplify regulation and improve the movement of capital. The strategy also calls for dedicated clean-energy generation for data centres and greater investment in hosting facilities outside Lagos.
A central element is the introduction of a mandatory “Cloud-First” approach for federal government institutions. Ministries, departments and agencies will be expected to prioritise cloud infrastructure when developing new digital systems, while existing platforms will gradually be migrated to cloud environments.
Public-sector cloud procurement will be consolidated through a government-wide model managed by Galaxy Backbone Limited. The approach is intended to combine government purchasing power, reduce duplicated infrastructure spending and streamline procurement through a National Digital Marketplace.
The policy also establishes a risk-based framework for data sovereignty. Government data will be divided into four categories according to sensitivity. The highest classification, Level 4, will require data to be hosted on infrastructure physically located within Nigeria and operating under sovereign control, while less sensitive information will face fewer residency requirements.
Implementation is planned over 24 months, beginning with infrastructure audits, governance arrangements and the establishment of sovereignty controls. Subsequent stages will include the launch of the digital marketplace, initial cloud migrations and expansion of Nigeria’s regional cloud capabilities.
The government will measure progress through indicators including private investment, growth in data-centre capacity, public-sector savings and the number of certified technology professionals.
The new framework replaces Nigeria’s 2019 Cloud Computing Policy and will operate alongside the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, providing a broader policy foundation for the country’s cloud infrastructure and digital economy ambitions.