Nigeria Gears Up for Digital Transformation: Highlights from NGPIF 2023
The Nigerian Peering and Interconnection Forum (NGPIF) 2023, held on October 25th and 26th at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, brought together key stakeholders in the Nigerian internet ecosystem for two days of insightful discussions and networking.
Focus on Building a Connected Nigeria
This year’s NGPIF centered around the theme “Building an Interconnected Nigeria.” Experts and industry leaders explored various aspects of internet infrastructure, connectivity, and peering strategies to accelerate the country’s digital transformation journey.
Day 1 Highlights:
- The State of the Africa and Nigeria Internet: Presentations by Obinna Adumike (Project Coordinator, African Cloud and Interconnection Exchange – AF-CIX) and Oluwasayo Oshadami (General Manager, Technical Solutions and Managed Networks, MainOne) explored the current landscape and future prospects of internet connectivity across Africa and Nigeria.
- Growing the West African Internet: Wouter Ensing (Business Development Manager, Amsterdam Internet Exchange Peering) discussed strategies for expanding internet access and improving connectivity in West Africa.
- Showcasing Innovation: Leading companies like Netflix (represented by Open Connect Partner Engagement Director, Salam Yamout) and Meta (represented by Edge Strategy Manager, Ben Ryall) presented their contributions to improving internet experiences in Nigeria.
Day 2 Highlights:
- Scaling Data Centers: Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, CEO of Medallion Data Centre, shared insights into their journey and offered valuable perspectives for future data center development in Nigeria.
- Building a Robust Digital Infrastructure Ecosystem: Engr. Chidi Ajuzie, Group Chief Operating Officer of WTES Project Limited, explored the importance of open-access infrastructure providers in fostering a strong digital ecosystem.
NGPIF 2023: A Catalyst for Collaboration
The forum facilitated vital discussions on critical topics like peering best practices, content delivery networks, and the role of data centers in supporting internet growth. The event provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, identify challenges, and explore collaborative solutions to accelerate Nigeria’s digital future.
Looking Forward
NGPIF 2023 served as a catalyst for further collaboration and innovation in the Nigerian internet space. As the country continues its digital transformation journey, future NGPIF events will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping a robust and inclusive digital ecosystem for all Nigerians.