Credit rating agency DataPro says the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) directive requiring banks, fintech firms, and other payment service providers to store payment transaction data generated in Nigeria on local servers by January 1, 2027, is expected to significantly boost the country’s data centre industry.
In a briefing titled Understanding Data Centers Credit Rating Metrics, DataPro said the policy would strengthen regulatory oversight, enhance data sovereignty, and support the rapid expansion of electronic payments and digital financial services.
The agency noted that the directive aligns with a growing global trend toward localising critical financial data and reducing dependence on offshore infrastructure, adding that it could serve as a major catalyst for investment in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
According to DataPro, the increasing demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital payments has made data centres a critical component of the digital economy.
However, it stressed that not all data centre operators have the same credit profile despite the sector’s strong growth prospects.
The rating agency said investors and lenders are increasingly focused on identifying operators capable of translating favourable industry trends into sustainable financial performance and long-term credit strength.
DataPro explained that a key factor in assessing a data centre’s creditworthiness is its ability to convert strong market demand into stable and predictable revenue.
It said analysts typically evaluate customer diversification, tenant concentration, long-term contractual revenue, scalability of the operating model, and competitive positioning.
It added that operators with diversified, high-quality clients and recurring revenue streams are generally better positioned to maintain stable cash flows across economic cycles.
The agency also identified operational and technological resilience as critical considerations. It said uninterrupted operations are essential because even short service disruptions can result in financial penalties and reputational damage.
According to DataPro, strong credit profiles are supported by reliable and redundant power infrastructure, energy-efficient cooling systems, robust cybersecurity measures, disaster recovery capabilities, and continuous technology upgrades to support AI and high-density computing.
The agency warned that rapid technological changes could create obsolescence risks, requiring operators to modernise facilities regularly without creating excess capacity or weakening profit margins.
DataPro further highlighted financial strength as a major determinant of long-term credit quality, describing data centres as highly capital-intensive infrastructure assets requiring significant upfront investment and continuous capital expenditure.
The agency said analysts assess operating cash flow, profitability, leverage, debt-servicing capacity, liquidity, refinancing risks, and the balance between maintenance and expansion spending.
Governance and sustainability were also identified as increasingly important factors. DataPro said experienced management, transparent financial reporting, and effective risk management frameworks enhance operational stability and investor confidence.
It added that environmental, social, and governance considerations are becoming more influential as global investors place greater emphasis on sustainable infrastructure.
DataPro concluded that the strongest data centre operators will be those that combine diversified revenue streams, reliable infrastructure, technological adaptability, prudent financial management, and sound governance, enabling them to generate resilient cash flows and meet long-term financial obligations.
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