IXPN, Nigeria’s leading Internet eXchange Point, has hit a landmark achievement: crossing 1 Terabit per second (1Tbps) in aggregate peak domestic internet traffic for the first time.
This milestone signifies a major leap forward in developing Nigeria’s internet infrastructure and underscores the critical role of local internet infrastructure in driving economic growth, innovation, and connectivity for millions of Nigerians.
“This milestone is more than just a number. It’s a symbol of Nigeria’s digital maturity and our united strides towards becoming a tech-driven nation. By keeping local internet traffic within Nigeria, we reduce costs, improve speeds, and ensure our digital economy thrives with homegrown infrastructure.” said Muhammed Rudman the CEO of IXPN. “Achieving 1 Tbps is a significant victory for Nigeria’s ICT ecosystem, a breakthrough for domestic internet traffic. It serves as a catalyst, enabling millions of Nigerians to enjoy faster, more affordable, and resilient internet connectivity.”
What it means for Nigeria
1 Terabit per second is a game-changer for Africa’s most populous country. To put it in perspective:
- Mega Video Calls: A speed of 1 Tbps can support over 1 million concurrent Zoom calls, allowing students, entrepreneurs, and professionals to connect and drive Nigeria’s digital revolution.
- Streaming Frenzy: With 1 Tbps, more than 200,000 people can stream HD Nollywood films or movies on Netflix simultaneously without any buffering or interruptions.
- Data Superpower: This speed enables the transfer of the entire contents of 50,000 smartphones—including photos, apps, and videos—in just one second.
For Nigeria, hitting this milestone means reducing reliance on international bandwidth, decreasing latency for local services, and strengthening our position as Africa’s digital heartbeat.
This milestone is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of a faster, more connected Nigeria.
This accomplishment goes beyond technical advancements; it has significant economic implications.
By encouraging local traffic exchange, IXPN reduces dependency on international bandwidth, leading to:
- Significant Cost Savings: By utilizing local data exchange, Nigerian businesses can save millions of dollars annually on international bandwidth fees.
- Enhanced Speed and Connectivity: With reduced latency, users experience smoother streaming, gaming, and real-time services, enhancing their overall online experience.
- Increased Resilience: Strengthening Nigeria’s internet infrastructure protects against global disruptions, ensuring consistent access to vital services such as healthcare and education.
- Improved Efficiency: Optimizes digital services like fintech, edtech, e-commerce, and e-health, propelling innovation and growth in these sectors.
Surveys conducted among IXPN members over the years have shown a growing percentage of local internet traffic in Nigeria. A recent report indicates that some connected members can localize or domesticate up to 70% of their internet traffic through IXPN.
“As more content providers, ISPs, banks, and public institutions localize their traffic through the IXP, end users benefit directly,” added Raphael Iloka, marketing manager. “We’re not just routing data — we’re building the foundation for Nigeria’s digital economy.”
The 1 Tbps peak highlights the remarkable impact of collaboration among all stakeholders. This milestone is a significant achievement not only for IXPN, but for the entire ICT ecosystem. IXPN deeply appreciates the vital contributions of all stakeholders involved.
He thanked members and partners of IXPN, saying, “Your trust and participation have been essential to our growth. Together, we have established a hub where networks can interconnect, innovate, and thrive”.
“To the government and regulators, we express our sincere appreciation to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for all its support over the years and its vision of a digitally inclusive Nigeria”.
“We are grateful to partner organizations like the Internet Society (ISOC). Your support and advocacy in domestic peering empower us all.
Earlier in his presentation, Raphael Iloka, technical sales & marketing manager at IXPN said that reaching 1 Tbps is just the beginning.
“As data demands skyrocket with AI, IoT, 5G, and immersive technologies, IXPN is committed to staying ahead of the curve.
Here’s how:
Scaling Infrastructure:
“We are investing in advanced hardware and software to support multi-terabit capacities.
Enhancing Resilience:
“We are strengthening our network to ensure uptime, security, and adaptability in an ever-changing digital landscape.
Empowering Underserved Communities:
“We aim to expand our reach to rural areas, bridging the digital divide, and supporting agritech, edtech, and telehealth.
Strengthening Africa’s Digital Sovereignty:
“Partnering with regional IXPs to keep Africa’s data on the continent”.
On his part, Uchechukwu Ugwuanyi, assistant general manager at IXPN said that as Nigeria’s largest Internet Exchange Point, a non-profit and membership-based organization, they are serving as a critical hub for interconnection between ISPs, content networks, enterprises, and digital platforms.
“Through its neutral and high-capacity infrastructure, IXPN facilitates the efficient exchange of internet traffic within Nigeria, promoting faster and more reliable connectivity across Nigeria and the wider West African region”.
IXPN serves as West Africa’s premier Regional Internet Exchange Point (RIXP), boasting an impressive network of over 130 interconnected active members.
This includes industry giants such as Google, Meta (Facebook), Microsoft, TikTok, Amazon, and all Nigerian Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), among others.
By establishing a single connection to any of the 13 IXPN sites across Nigeria, members gain unparalleled access to one another, fostering collaboration and innovation.
IXPN’s infrastructure includes seven strategically located sites in Lagos, supplemented by locations in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano, Delta, and Gombe.
The Lagos Points of Presence (POPs) are all interconnected through high-capacity links, ensuring robust connectivity that extends to other cities.
This initiative is crucial for bridging the digital divide, bringing essential internet services to unserved and underserved areas.
