Following the handing over of a Point of Presence (PoP) in Gombe to the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) earlier this year, the organization has decided to intensify its drive to improve internet connectivity across the country by engaging stakeholders in North-East Nigeria.
Thus, IXPN hosted a workshop titled “Gombe Connectivity Engagement Forum” to discuss the benefits of internet peering and interconnectivity. The workshop emphasized that the Point of Presence (PoP) in Gombe aims to promote balanced growth of the internet ecosystem across the country.
The PoP will provide ISPs, educational institutions, and government organizations in the Northeast Region the opportunity to access more affordable internet bandwidth by keeping their internet traffic within the country. Furthermore, existing customers of IXPN will have additional options for connecting to IXPN’s infrastructure.
The event brought together internet service providers, higher education institutions, and other key players, and was aimed to foster knowledge sharing and collaboration within the region’s internet ecosystem. Participants explored the latest trends, opportunities, and challenges in network connectivity.
Commending the NCC for the gesture at the workshop, IXPN’s CEO, Muhammed Rudman, emphasized the need for regional internet exchanges (IXPs) to optimize 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 improved overall internet experience for users.
Meanwhile, Rudman has attributed the high cost of building fiber optic infrastructure between states to various factors, including right-of-way challenges, multiple taxation, vandalism, and security concerns. He stressed that regional IXPs could mitigate these issues by promoting local traffic exchange and reducing reliance on long-haul fiber connections.
The former NIRA President also echoed the importance of domiciling critical internet resources within each region. He argued that 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.