MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest mobile network operator, has announced plans to build its new headquarters in Eko Atlantic, a high-end coastal city in Lagos. The move places MTN among a growing list of major corporations, including First Bank and Dangote Group, relocating to the 10-square-kilometer city.

The United States Embassy is also developing a new diplomatic facility in Eko Atlantic, drawn by its promise of modern infrastructure, well-planned office spaces, and a strategic location.

MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola confirmed the decision on Wednesday, four years after the company first announced plans to construct a new head office. MTN will be the first telecom operator to establish a presence in Eko Atlantic, signaling confidence in the city’s potential as a premier business hub in Nigeria.

“Beyond connectivity, we are committed to making long-term investments in Lagos. As part of this commitment, we have acquired a piece of land in Eko Atlantic City, and we will commence construction once we have gotten the equipment,” Toriola said during the MyLagosApp launch event in Lagos.

Eko Atlantic City, launched in 2008, is located next to Victoria Island, Lagos’ main business district. The city aims to become the most advanced commercial hub in Lagos, offering modern infrastructure and a well-planned environment that has attracted corporations, real estate investors, and high-profile organizations.

While Toriola did not disclose the construction cost, sources estimate it to be in the millions of dollars. Land prices in Eko Atlantic vary depending on the phase, size, location, and intended use. Phases 1 and 2, designated for mid- to high-rise developments, have plot sizes starting at approximately 2,200 square meters, with prices beginning at $1,150 per square meter. 

Phase 3, intended for low-rise residential houses, offers plots starting at around 1,200 square meters, priced at $1,050 per square meter. Additional costs, such as agency and administrative fees, can further increase the total price per square meter.

In addition to its new headquarters, MTN Nigeria is constructing West Africa’s largest Tier 4 data center in Lagos. The facility, which will house 1,500 racks, will operate as a carrier-neutral hub, enabling multiple Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and cloud service providers to interconnect. Toriola confirmed to TechCabal that the data center will be located on the Lagos mainland, not within Eko Atlantic.

“With seven degrees of connectivity, this facility will be the most sophisticated data hub in the region, further strengthening Nigeria’s position as a leader in digital transformation,” Toriola said. The data center and new headquarters underscore MTN’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and economic growth.