Omololu: CBN Data Localisation Directive Catalyst for Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure Development

Nume Ekeghe The co-founder of GFA Technologies Group, Adebola Omololu has reiterated that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) data localisation directive is slated to unlock unprecedented value for local technology providers. The CBN recently directed banks, fintech companies, mobile money operators and other payment service providers to ensure that payment transaction data generated within Nigeria is stored and managed locally in line with applicable data protection regulations, with full compliance expected by January 1, 2027. Omololu noted that the regulatory directive has the potential to create measurable, long-term demand for sovereign digital infrastructure in Nigeria He said: “The CBN Data Localisation Directive should therefore be viewed not simply as a compliance requirement, but as a catalyst for Nigeria’s next phase of digital infrastructure development.” Emphasising the huge potential hidden within the directive, Omololu noted that requiring sensitive financial data to remain within domestic borders creates guaranteed, long-term market demand for local data centers and cloud services. While quantifying the infrastructure demand created by the CBN data localisation directive, Omololu said, “The answer matters, not only to banks and fintechs, but also to policymakers, investors, development finance institutions, telecommunications companies, cloud providers, and data centre operators”. Moving beyond the debate over regulatory compliance, he mapped out the long-term, quantifiable demand for sovereign digital infrastructure generated by the CBN’s data localisation directive. To him, the verdict is clear: mandating onshore storage for critical financial data creates a sustained, measurable growth trajectory for local tech capacity—marking a pivotal shift toward true digital sovereignty in Nigeria. He believes that by converting policy into guaranteed domestic utility, the mandate is set to unlock long-term investments, accelerate data center expansion, and establish Nigeria’s true digital sovereignty.