Nigeria’s digital landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. As fintech, e-commerce, and digital services continue to expand, the underlying technology infrastructure has become a strategic battleground. In this context, Chams Holding Company Plc, one of Nigeria’s oldest indigenous ICT companies, has taken a bold step: creating a new subsidiary, ChamsCorp Plc, focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and data centre infrastructure.
The move, announced in a recent regulatory filing, positions Chams at the forefront of Nigeria’s next-generation digital economy. It is a deliberate pivot from its legacy in identity management and payments solutions toward the foundational technology that will underpin the country’s AI-driven future.
From Identity Management to Digital Backbone
For nearly four decades, Chams has been synonymous with secure technology solutions. Its footprint spans biometric identity systems, financial transaction platforms, and a range of ICT services delivered through its existing subsidiaries: Card Centre Nigeria Limited, Chams Access Limited, ChamSwitch Limited, and Chams Mobile Limited.
With ChamsCorp, the company aims to ascend the technology value chain. The subsidiary will focus on:
- Digital device manufacturing and infrastructure development
- Data centre design, deployment, and operations
- AI infrastructure and intelligent systems
- Other emerging technology verticals
This shift signals a strategic intent: to move from facilitating transactions to owning the compute, storage, and intelligence systems that power digital services for businesses, governments, and end users alike.
Nigeria’s data centre market is projected to reach $782.82 million by 2031, highlighting the commercial potential of this sector. Chams’ investment in AI infrastructure also underscores the importance of local capability, reducing dependence on foreign providers and strengthening national digital sovereignty.
Leadership for a New Era
At the helm of ChamsCorp is Olufemi Oyenuga, an information management and data analytics specialist with extensive experience across healthcare, telecoms, ICT, and manufacturing. His appointment, effective 1 February 2026, reflects the company’s focus on seasoned leadership to guide this complex, capital-intensive venture.
While operational details remain limited, Chams has stated that it is “embarking internally on the strategic positioning of ChamsCorp Plc and will make further disclosures as and when there are material developments, in accordance with applicable NGX disclosure requirements.” The financial scale of the initiative has not been disclosed, though the company previously raised ₦7.65 billion ($5.52 million) in 2025 to fund strategic projects aligned with its broader ambitions.
Implications for Nigeria’s Digital Economy
ChamsCorp represents more than corporate strategy; it is a potential catalyst for national technological growth. By investing in AI and data centre infrastructure, Chams is creating opportunities for:
Economic growth and local value creation:
Infrastructure projects stimulate demand across construction, engineering, and manufacturing sectors, while digital platforms could generate new revenue streams for local businesses.
Employment and skills development:
Cloud engineers, AI specialists, and data centre technicians will be essential, highlighting the need for targeted training and university-industry collaboration.
Digital sovereignty and enterprise readiness:
Locally owned infrastructure reduces reliance on foreign providers, strengthening Nigeria’s control over critical data and digital services.
These developments align with the government’s broader digital agenda and reflect the trajectory of Africa’s technology sector: a shift from consumer-facing services to strategic, high-value infrastructure.
Challenges on the Horizon
Despite the promise, ChamsCorp will navigate a complex landscape. Nigeria’s energy and connectivity limitations, the capital intensity of large-scale infrastructure projects, regulatory complexities, and talent shortages pose significant challenges. Success will depend not only on corporate strategy but also on partnerships, policy support, and investments in local human capital.
A New Chapter in Nigeria’s Technology Story
The launch of ChamsCorp Plc is a milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a more self-sufficient and sophisticated digital economy. It reflects a broader industry trend: African technology companies are moving beyond traditional services to stake claims in sectors that will define the next era of digital innovation.
For Chams, this venture is both a test and an opportunity. It is a statement of intent: Nigeria can compete in AI infrastructure, nurture local talent, and build platforms that support the digital economy of tomorrow.
The success of ChamsCorp could redefine not only the company’s legacy but also the broader contours of Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.
Senior Reporter/Editor
Bio: Ugochukwu is a freelance journalist and Editor at AIbase.ng, with a strong professional focus on investigative reporting. He holds a degree in Mass Communication and brings extensive experience in news gathering, reporting, and editorial writing. With over a decade of active engagement across diverse news outlets, he contributes in-depth analytical, practical, and expository articles exploring artificial intelligence and its real-world impact. His seasoned newsroom experience and well-established information networks provide AIbase.ng with credible, timely, and high-quality coverage of emerging AI developments.