Olatomiwa Williams, Microsoft country manager for Nigeria, denied speculation during a meeting with minister of finance.

Microsoft has denied reports that it intends to close its operations in Nigeria.

This follows speculation last month that the technology giant was considering to close its innovation centre in Lagos due to concerns about the country's business environment.

The purported closure was expected to affect approximately 200 people.

Olatomiwa Williams, Microsoft country manager for Nigeria, denied this speculation during a meeting with minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy in Abuja late Monday.

The ministry's director of information and public relations, Mohammed Manga, provided an update to the media on negotiations between the minister and the Microsoft team.

"The managing director reassured the minister that Microsoft remains committed to its operations in Nigeria, contrary to recent speculation," Manga said.

"He (Williams) expressed the company's desire to partner with the government in areas of mutual interest, including cyber security and youth upskilling," the spokesperson added.

He stated that the Microsoft team was at the meeting not only to address recent media allegations about the supposed leave, but also to explore potential areas of partnership between the federal government and the technology corporation.

Manga stated the government expressed it's commitment to establishing a favourable business climate for global firms to invest in Nigeria and contribute to the country's economic development.

"The Minister welcomed Microsoft's commitment to Nigeria and emphasised the administration's understanding of the strategic importance of sector leaders like Microsoft."

The meeting is regarded as a crucial step towards creating a productive connection between the federal government and multinational technology businesses.