The Internet eXchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), the nation’s leading Internet Exchange Point, has announced a groundbreaking achievement: surpassing 1 Terabit per second (1Tbps) in aggregate peak domestic internet traffic for the first time1 .
This landmark achievement signifies a major advancement in the development of Nigeria’s internet infrastructure and highlights the crucial role of local internet infrastructure in fostering economic growth, innovation, and connectivity for millions of Nigerians1 .
According to Muhammed Rudman, CEO of IXPN, “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”.
He further stated that “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”.
To put this achievement into perspective, 1 Tbps can support over 1 million concurrent Zoom calls, enable more than 200,000 people to simultaneously stream HD Nollywood films or movies on Netflix without buffering, or facilitate the transfer of the entire contents of 50,000 smartphones in just one second2.
This milestone has significant implications for Nigeria, including reducing reliance on international bandwidth, decreasing latency for local services, and strengthening the nation’s position as Africa’s digital heartbeat
Economically, by encouraging local traffic exchange, IXPN is contributing to significant cost savings for Nigerian businesses on international bandwidth fees. Users will also experience enhanced speed and connectivity, leading to smoother streaming, gaming, and real-time services. Furthermore, a stronger domestic internet infrastructure increases resilience against global disruptions, ensuring consistent access to vital services like healthcare and education.
This development also improves the efficiency of digital services such as fintech, edtech, e-commerce, and e-health, driving innovation and growth in these sectors. Recent surveys among IXPN members indicate a growing trend of localizing internet traffic, with some connected members able to domesticate up to 70% of their internet traffic through IXPN.
Raphael Iloka, Marketing Manager at IXPN, added, “As more content providers, ISPs, banks, and public institutions localize their traffic through the IXP, end users benefit directly. We’re not just routing data — we’re building the foundation for Nigeria’s digital economy”.
The achievement of 1 Tbps peak traffic underscores the remarkable impact of collaboration within Nigeria’s ICT ecosystem. IXPN expressed deep appreciation for the vital contributions of its members and partners, the support of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the dedication of its team, and the partnership with organizations like the Internet Society (ISOC).
Looking ahead, IXPN is committed to staying ahead of increasing data demands driven by technologies like AI, IoT, 5G, and immersive technologies. Their future plans include scaling infrastructure to support multi-terabit capacities, enhancing network resilience, empowering underserved communities by expanding reach to rural areas, and strengthening Africa’s digital sovereignty through partnerships with regional IXPs.
