The Presidency has debunked media reports alleging the closure of Microsoft’s Africa Development Centre in Lagos.
Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Bola Tinubu, clarified in a statement released on Thursday that the shutdown was inaccurately reported by the media.
He explained that while the organization is re-aligning roles within its business, only a few positions will be affected.
Ajayi criticized a tweet made by the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on the same subject, describing it as a “naked dance.”
Obi had expressed concern over the shutdown announcement, emphasizing the need for economic reforms in Nigeria.
Contrary to the reports and Obi’s tweet, Ajayi affirmed, “The story that Microsoft is shutting down Nigeria office is not true.”
He clarified that the Africa Development Centre is just a department within Microsoft’s business in Nigeria and is not being shut down.
Ajayi further explained that affected staff, who are less than 30, will have the opportunity to apply for new roles within Microsoft.
Those unable to find new roles or seeking opportunities outside the organization will be asked to leave.
He emphasized that the situation does not warrant the sensational description provided by Peter Obi.