This is a compressed version of our podcast conversation with Nnaadouzie Ogbuehi, VP Services at Schneider Electric.
Have you ever stopped to think about what happens when you hit “play” on Netflix or do a quick Google search? Behind that instant response is a powerful network of data centres—giant buildings filled with computers that keep the Internet running.
In our latest conversation, I spoke with Nnaadouzie Ogbuehi, a data centre expert and VP at Schneider Electric, to break down what data centres are, how they work, and why they’re more important than ever. Here’s a summary of that insightful chat.
What is a data centre?
At its core, a data centre is a specialised building that houses the computers, networking equipment, and systems that store and process digital data.
According to Ogbuehi, “a data centre is a building that houses computer systems used for storing data and processing information.” Think of it as the brain of the Internet, a place where all the digital content we use daily lives.
He compared a data centre to a massive memory card, one that holds websites, apps, documents, videos, and more. Everything you see online is stored and retrieved from data centres around the world.
Why are data centres so important?
“Data is the currency of the 21st century,” Ogbuehi said. And just like currency needs to be stored securely and moved quickly, so does data. That’s where data centres come in.
He explained that financial institutions rely on data centres to track customer behaviour, detect risks, and deliver smooth digital experiences. Artificial intelligence, streaming services, cloud storage, and even online gaming, none of it would work without data centres.
How do data centres actually work?
Let’s say you search for something on Google. What’s really happening is your phone sends a message to a data centre. A set of network devices directs your request to the right server, the exact computer that holds the answer. That server sends the result back through your Internet provider to your phone. It all happens in milliseconds.
Ogbuehi used the analogy of a giant library: the servers are bookshelves, the network equipment is the librarian, and your phone request is a reader asking for a specific book. It’s a simplified view, but a helpful one.
What’s inside a data centre?
Ogbuehi walked us through the core components:
- Servers – These are high-powered computers that store and process data.
- Networking equipment – Routers and switches that direct data traffic in and out.
- Power supply systems – Including backup systems like UPS and generators.
- Cooling systems – Because all that equipment generates heat.
- Security systems – Both physical (access control, surveillance) and digital (firewalls).
- Monitoring tools – For performance, energy use, and alerts. Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure IT is one example.
Why is your Internet sometimes slow?
We also talked about latency; the delay you experience when data travels from your device to a data centre and back. Several factors affect latency: distance from the data centre, network congestion, poor routing, limited bandwidth, server delays, and even environmental conditions like bad weather.
Imagine data like a package being delivered from a warehouse to your house. If the warehouse is far away, or the roads are jammed, or the delivery van takes the wrong route, it’ll arrive late. That’s latency.
In fact, I personally noticed a huge improvement in speed when Call of Duty: Mobile launched a West Africa server. The closer the data centre, the better the experience.
What is the cloud, really?
Ogbuehi also cleared up a common misconception: the cloud isn’t in the sky. It’s data stored on someone else’s servers in a data centre, usually operated by companies like Microsoft, Amazon, or Google. You pay them to store and manage your data, and they handle the infrastructure behind the scenes.
Thinking of building a data centre in Nigeria?
It’s not a small project. Ogbuehi explained that building a data centre in Nigeria requires serious capital, planning, and expertise. Costs depend on land (especially in places like Banana Island or Eko Atlantic), infrastructure, security systems, cooling equipment, and compliance with local regulations.
You’ll also need a skilled workforce to maintain the facility and ensure everything runs smoothly from the servers to the cybersecurity defences.
In short, data centres are the invisible engines of our digital world. Whether you’re watching a video, making a bank transfer, or training an AI model, a data centre somewhere is making it happen.
