The Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria has stepped up its efforts to enhance internet connectivity in northern Nigeria, with a focus on promoting balanced growth of the internet ecosystem across the country.
In a bid to achieve this goal, IXPN recently hosted a workshop, titled “Gombe Connectivity Engagement Forum” in Gombe State, bringing together internet service providers, higher education institutions, and other key stakeholders in the region’s internet ecosystem.
The non-profit Internet exchange said in a statement that the workshop was targeted at discussing the benefits of Internet peering and interconnectivity.
It also focused on how the recently established Point of Presence in Gombe could be leveraged to improve internet access and affordability in the North-East region.
According to IXPN, the Gombe PoP will enable internet service providers, educational institutions, and government organisations in the region to access more affordable internet bandwidth by keeping their internet traffic within the country.
The Chief Executive Officer of IXPN, Muhammed Rudman, emphasised the need for regional internet exchanges to optimise network performance, reduce latency, and stimulate economic growth across Nigeria.
He highlighted the benefits of keeping internet traffic local, which can lead to faster speeds, lower costs, and an improved overall internet experience for users.
A Groupe Special Mobile Association report revealed that about 71 per cent of Nigerians do not have regular access to mobile Internet.
The Federal Government launched a Special Purpose Vehicle to increase the connectivity backbone from the current 35,000 km to a minimum of 125,000 km, making it the third-longest terrestrial fibre optic network in Africa.
This, aligned with the National Broadband Plan 2020–2025, aims to deliver data download speeds of at least 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural areas, with effective coverage available to at least 90 per cent of the population by 2025.
More so, the former president of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association attributed the high cost of building fibre optic infrastructure between states to various factors, including right-of-way challenges, multiple taxation, vandalism, and security concerns.
“The regional IXPs could mitigate these issues by promoting local traffic exchange and reducing reliance on long-haul fibre connections,” he explained.
Rudman echoed the importance of domicile-critical internet resources within each region.
“This approach would enhance internet accessibility, improve website and email performance, and ultimately position Nigeria as a global leader in internet technology.
“By advocating for regional IXPs, IXPN aims to bridge the digital divide in Nigeria and ensure that all citizens have access to fast, reliable, and affordable internet services,” he noted.