Temitope Ajayi, senior special assistant to President Bola Tinubu on media and publicity, has denied reports that American technology company, Microsoft, is shutting down its operations in Nigeria.
In a post on X on Thursday, the presidential aide said Microsoft is only re-aligning roles, which would impact some positions.
On May 8, it was reported that Microsoft sacked its workers at the Africa Development Centre (ADC), located in Lagos.
A staff, who confirmed the development to TheCable, said the workforce was laid off but the reasons are still unknown.
Ajayi said the affected staff are less than 30.
“The story that Microsoft is shutting down Nigeria office is not true,” the presidential aide said.
“Africa Development Centre is just a department within Microsoft business in Nigeria.
“Contrary to incorrect media reports and @PeterObi’s naked dance, the Africa Development Centre is also not shutting down.
“Microsoft, like any other organisation, is only re-aligning roles within the business, and few roles will certainly be impacted.”
According to the presidential aide, the affected staff will be asked to apply for new roles within Microsoft.
He said this is “a standard practice within the organisation”.
Ajayi added that those who cannot find new roles in other departments or those who want to seek new opportunities outside the system will be asked to go.
Describing Peter Obi’s comment as sensational, Ajayi said the situation at Microsoft is not anywhere near the impression of the ‘earthquake’.
On May 8, Peter Obi said the announcement of Microsoft shutting down its innovation centre and cutting 200 jobs is deeply troubling.
Obi said it represents another significant setback for Nigeria’s aspirations to become a hub for technology and innovation in Africa.
