Temitope Ajayi, the senior special assistant to President Bola Tinubu on media and publicity, has refuted reports suggesting that American tech giant Microsoft is closing its operations in Nigeria. Ajayi clarified that media assertions regarding the shutdown of the Africa Development Centre (ADC) in Lagos are inaccurate.
The ADC, identified as Microsoft’s inaugural engineering offices in Africa, is not facing closure, according to Ajayi’s statement. He also criticized Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, accusing him of sensationalizing the issue.
In a statement posted via his X handle on Thursday, Ajayi stated, “The story that Microsoft is shutting down Nigeria office is not true. Africa Development Centre is just a department within Microsoft business in Nigeria.” He continued, “Contrary to incorrect media reports and @PeterObi’s naked dance, the Africa Development Centre is also not shutting down.”
Ajayi emphasized that Microsoft is merely restructuring its roles, with only a few positions being affected. He clarified that less than 30 staff members would be impacted and would have the opportunity to apply for new roles within the organization.
“Affected staff, which are less than 30, will be asked to apply for new roles within Microsoft – a standard practice within the organisation,” Ajayi explained. “Those who can’t find new roles in other departments or those who want to seek new opportunities outside the system will be asked to go.”
He rebuked the characterization of the situation by Peter Obi, stating, “The situation at Microsoft is not anywhere near the impression of the ‘earthquake’ that Peter Obi sensationally described.”
This clarification from the presidency comes amid heightened concerns over the reported closure of Microsoft’s operations in Nigeria and seeks to provide clarity on the situation.
