As Nigeria’s digital transformation accelerates, Muhammed Rudman, CEO of the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), emphasized that the country’s evolving tech ecosystem is no longer just about consumption, but creation. “We’re no longer just consumers of technology; we’re building our own future,” Rudman said, reflecting on Nigeria’s growing role as a digital leader.
This statement comes as IXPN celebrates a groundbreaking achievement—surpassing 1 Terabit per second (1Tbps) in local internet traffic. While the milestone itself is a technical success, for Rudman, it’s much more than just a number. It is a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s digital maturity and its transition from a passive technology consumer to an active creator of its own digital future.
“Nigeria’s tech ecosystem is no longer looking outward for solutions. We are developing our own infrastructure, building our own technologies, and creating opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive,” Rudman said, referencing the 1Tbps achievement as a clear indicator of the country’s digital confidence.
The milestone has wide-reaching implications for Nigeria’s digital landscape. For the first time, a significant portion of Nigeria’s internet traffic now stays within the country, reducing the dependency on international bandwidth and vastly improving the speed and reliability of local internet services. This shift, driven by IXPN’s innovative model of directly connecting local networks, is not only lowering costs for businesses but also enhancing internet performance for millions of Nigerians.
Rudman highlighted that the 1Tbps milestone is just the beginning of Nigeria’s digital revolution. “This is a testament to our resilience and determination to create a connected, self-reliant future,” he said. “As we continue to scale up our infrastructure and innovate, we are empowering local businesses, tech startups, and entrepreneurs to drive Nigeria’s digital economy forward.”
With over 130 members, including global giants like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and TikTok, IXPN has played a pivotal role in this transformation, facilitating seamless data exchanges between local networks and reducing reliance on international routes. This progress, according to Rudman, has far-reaching benefits for key sectors, including fintech, education, healthcare, and entertainment.
“For instance, the improved internet speeds will enhance everything from video conferencing to e-health services, making them more accessible and efficient for Nigerians,” Rudman noted. “In the long run, this means more opportunities for innovation, increased access to digital education, and more reliable online services for the general population.”
Celebrating the 1Tbps milestone is also a moment to reflect on the progress made in connecting underserved and remote areas of Nigeria. Through its ongoing expansion efforts, IXPN aims to bridge the digital divide by ensuring that rural communities have the same access to high-quality internet services as their urban counterparts.
As the demand for data grows with the rise of technologies such as artificial intelligence, 5G, and virtual reality, Rudman emphasized the importance of preparing for the future. “We are investing in next-generation infrastructure to meet the needs of emerging technologies,” he said. “The 1Tbps achievement is just one step in our journey to provide a scalable, secure, and sustainable digital ecosystem for Nigeria.”
Rudman also acknowledged the critical role of partnerships in this success. Collaborations with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Internet Society (ISOC), and various telecom operators have been integral in helping IXPN expand its reach and impact.
“We are building a future where Nigerian data, innovation, and opportunities remain in Nigeria,” Rudman concluded. “With this milestone, we’re not just improving connectivity; we’re shaping a digitally sovereign Africa, one where technology is driven by local innovation and homegrown solutions.”
IXPN’s 1Tbps achievement is more than a technical success—it’s a reflection of Nigeria’s digital transformation, powered by homegrown talent, local solutions, and a vision for a connected, self-sufficient future. As the country continues to build its own technological future, the road ahead promises even greater innovation and growth.
