In pursuit of its commitment to enhancing the internet ecosystem in Nigeria, the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) in collaboration with Anambra State Government, hosted a stakeholders’ interactive session on Thursday, in Awka, Anambra State Capital.
The one-day workshop brought together various Internet Service Providers and Higher Educational Institutions in Anambra state, representatives from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Anambra State ICT Agency.
The primary focus was to discuss he possibility, prospects and benefits of establishing and connecting to an Internet Exchange Point (IXP) in the state.
In his opening remarks, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, MD/CEO of Anambra ICT Agency, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in reducing internet traffic.
He stressed the need for those in the internet business to join hands with the government to make the establishment of an IXP in Anambra State a reality.
Agbata highlighted the potential for 70% local internet connectivity and expounded the vision of Mr Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, for Anambra to become a tech hub.
According to him, “aside providing the enabling environment for business, the government as it is today, has no business running businesses.
“The onus is players to ride on the pedestal created by government to drive the change the society desires in the ICT sector.”
Rudman Muhammed, the CEO of IXPN, elucidated the role of IXPN in keeping Nigerian internet traffic local, contributing to the country’s ICT ecosystem and the broader digital economy agenda.
He also said they play a critical role in advocating for the localization of educational and research content within the country.
Connecting to the exchange point, he explained, significantly reduces capital flight, improves latency, mitigates the risk of traffic hijacking, and enhances overall resiliency.
He further expressed IXPN’s readiness to support any educational institution seeking to acquire autonomous service numbers (ASN) and connect to the exchange point.
Muhammed also highlighted the good work the NCC is doing to make internet traffic, imploring the ICT agency to organize feedback sessions to strengthen the ISPs and HEIs.
Rudman also revealed that with 3 ISPs, an exchange point can be set up in Anambra State and connect on a higher level with the IXPN
“We are here to grow the local ecosystem, the local ISPs.
“We are also ready to assist as many ISPs in the state who want to acquire the autonomous service numbers (ASN) within a period of 2-3 weeks, the HEIs can come together to have one ASN that they can still use to connect to the Exchange point.
“The Anambra project was seamless because we have an anchor person here who understands the technicalities of setting up this internet exchange point in the state. CFA has been quite resourceful and we wish to commend him for that.
“We want Anambra to set the example as to what is achievable with government’s enabling support and the willingness of players in the industry to make things happen,” Rudman added.
Event highlights include an eye-opening question and answer session and a presentation of the Roadmap to Technological Advancements in the state by the Anambra State ICT Agency and progress made so far towards achieving comprehensive technological integration in Anambra state.
These include the laying of fiber ducts, the establishment of a state ICT policy, and the removal of Right of Way (RoW) charges, amongst others.
The importance of providing interconnectivity to attract data centers was also emphasized as a means to enhance technological infrastructure.
The workshop outlined the role of an Internet Exchange Point, including the attraction of content providers, cost reduction, and improved connectivity.
The session underscored the pivotal role of IXPN as a cornerstone for improving the internet ecosystem in Anambra State.
As stakeholders unite to implement the discussed strategies, Anambra aims to emerge as a leader in technology, driven by a robust and locally oriented digital infrastructure.
Participants appreciated the MD/CEO of Anambra ICT Agency for bringing them together to brainstorm on how they can work together to increase interconnectivity in the state at reduced costs.
