Temitope Ajayi, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Bola Tinubu, has denied reports that Microsoft's Africa Development Centre in Lagos is shutting down.
Ajayi clarified that the reports of a shutdown were incorrect, stating that the organization is restructuring job roles and only a few positions will be affected.
He made this statement on X.com on Thursday.
Using the Twitter handle @TheTope_Ajayi, he also criticized a tweet from the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, calling it a “naked dance.”
Obi expressed concern about the announcement of the shutdown, emphasizing the need for comprehensive economic reforms in Nigeria.
In a tweet, Obi expressed his distress about the news, stating that it highlights the necessity for widespread economic reforms in Nigeria.
He further stressed the challenges and broader issues affecting the Nigerian economy, pointing out that the closure of Microsoft’s innovation centre represents a significant setback for Nigeria’s technology and innovation aspirations in Africa.
The former Anambra State Governor raised serious concerns about the shutdown's impact on Nigeria’s business environment for investors.
In response, Ajayi clarified that the reports of Microsoft shutting down its Nigeria office are false, emphasizing that the Africa Development Centre is just a department within Microsoft's business in Nigeria.
He explained that Microsoft, like any other organization, is only adjusting job roles within the business and only a few positions will be affected. Less than 30 staff will be impacted and asked to apply for new roles within Microsoft, which is a standard practice within the organization.
Ajayi also mentioned that employees who cannot find new roles within the organization or wish to explore opportunities outside will be asked to leave. He highlighted that the situation at Microsoft is not as severe as Peter Obi sensationally described.
