In response to recent media reports suggesting the closure of Microsoft’s Africa Development Centre in Lagos, Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Bola Tinubu, has clarified that the company is not shutting down its operations in Nigeria.
Speaking on Thursday, Ajayi emphasized that Microsoft is only realigning roles within its business, and while some roles will be impacted, the organization remains operational.
Addressing the misinformation, 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 further criticized a tweet from Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, describing it as a “naked dance.”
Obi had expressed concern over the reported shutdown, highlighting its implications for Nigeria’s economy and its aspirations to become a technology hub in Africa.
However, Ajayi clarified, “Contrary to incorrect media reports and Peter Obi’s naked dance, the Africa Development Centre is also not shutting down.”
Ajayi explained that Microsoft, like any other organization, is adjusting roles within its business, with a limited number of positions affected. He reassured that affected staff, numbering less than 30, will be given the opportunity to apply for new roles within Microsoft.
“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,” Ajayi added.
Ajayi emphasized that the situation at Microsoft does not warrant the dramatic depiction and portrayal.
He stated, “The situation at Microsoft is not anywhere near the impression of the ‘earthquake’ that Peter Obi sensationally described.”
This clarification aims to dispel rumors and assure stakeholders of Microsoft’s continued presence and operations in Nigeria.