Microsoft shrinks Nigerian office from six to two floors, moves more roles to Kenya

After laying off half of its workforce in Nigeria, Microsoft will reduce its office space at the Kings Tower building in Ikoyi from six floors to two, suggesting a scaleback in its Nigerian operations. One person with direct knowledge of Microsoft’s business said the global technology company may not renew its tenancy in 2025 when its current agreement runs out.

“Organizational and workforce adjustments are a necessary and regular part of managing our business,” Microsoft said in an emailed statement. “As we navigate these changes, Microsoft remains steadfast in our commitment to Africa’s growth and development.”

Microsoft’s sales team, largely unaffected by layoffs earlier in the year, will occupy the two floors for the next year. Layoffs in May and July 2024 affected most of the engineering team in Nigeria after the company closed its African Development Centre (ADC) in Lagos. One person with knowledge of the matter said engineers who stayed on the team have been asked to relocate to Kenya to join new projects.

By Frank Eleanya.

Full story at Tech Cabal.