By Daniel Akinte
Microsoft’s decision to shutter its operations in Nigeria has sent shockwaves through the country’s burgeoning tech industry, potentially leaving 200 jobs in limbo.
Reports suggest that Microsoft may be winding down its African Development Centre located in Lagos, a move that insiders confirmed to The Guardian newspaper on Tuesday.
Affected employees, according to the report, will receive salary payments until June and will retain health insurance coverage during this transition period.
The news has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with many expressing concerns about Nigeria’s attractiveness to investors.
A Facebook user, Anthony Alfred speculated, “And who knows maybe they are considering Ghana.”
Meanwhile, Olalekan Moyosore Lalude lamented, “APC came and shut down progress in Nigeria. Such an agelong calamity.”
Others echoed these sentiments, with Jamiu Sadiq remarking, “Ease of doing business in Nigeria is gradually diminishing ,” and Fortune Maverick stating, “All countries are moving forward but Nigeria is moving backward .”
Iziaq S Olawale expressed apprehension, remarking, “I hope this remains rumour as purported by The Punch. Otherwise it’s going to be a heavy blow on our tech sector and job market. Also, it’s not a good record in our nation that Microsoft is closing its Lagos office while the Nairo office is still functioning.”
Frustration with the current administration was palpable among some users, with Ekene Anaebo criticizing, “Emilokan and APC are taking Nigeria to her permanent site! It is very obvious they have nothing to offer other than taxes, charges, rate, deductions, subsidy removal from fuel and electricity etc from the already overburdened citizens.”
Others highlighted the challenges faced by businesses in Nigeria, with Joe Aez suggesting, “Why Microsoft no go leave, tomorrow one governor fit tell them say their building is an illegal structure and will be demolished. Everything una dey do to investors, those planning to invest are learning. It’s sad because a common man may suffer the consequences.”
Concerns about the business climate were also raised, with Bashir Bala warning, “More software companies are going to shutdown their business with Nigeria in as much as leaders don’t have the caliber of good and quality leadership to take the country to the promised land.”
Prince Ntuahaba Umoh underscored the impact of heavy taxation on industries, stating, “Heavy Taxation is shutting down industries. Electricity tariff is high, meanwhile you hardly will see power supply -Yet by month end they bring estimated bills in some areas, and those using Prepaid are paying high too.”
Similarly, Okiemute Oghenetega James criticized the government’s policies, saying, “Instead of the government making the environment a business-friendly environment, they are driving away investors thereby increasing the level of unemployment.”
John Ogbajie summed up the prevailing sentiment, asserting, “Nigeria has become very hostile for every business organization.
The overhead cost of running every business has become unbearably and increasingly high and to break even has become impossible.”
