Nigeria is upgrading its internet infrastructure with the latest technology, IPv6, to improve online user identification, device tracking, and numbering systems.
This move by the Federal Government aims to enhance the country’s digital landscape and provide a more robust and secure online experience for Nigerians.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) recently hosted the IPv6 Driven Digital Summit, in partnership with Huawei, the IPv6 Forum, and the IPv6 Council of Nigeria.
The event, themed “Bringing Net 5.5G Into Reality: Inspiring New Growth”, unveiled Nigeria’s plans to adopt the latest internet protocol, IPv6.
This upgrade will revolutionize internet traffic management and security, enabling easier monitoring and protection of online activities.
It also aligns Nigeria with global cybersecurity and digital infrastructure standards. According to Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Nigeria’s adoption of IPv6 positions the country as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.
“IPv6 adoption enables Nigerian network providers to offer more reliable and secure services, enhancing online transactions and boosting the digital economy,” he emphasized.
Nigeria’s move to IPv6 is a big deal, as only a few countries have done it. Dr. Tijani says this puts Nigeria alongside the US, France, and others in terms of internet standards. IPv6 helps keep the internet safe and secure by identifying users and tracking online activities.
This means network providers can ensure their services are always available and secure.
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the National Information Technology Development Agency’s (NITDA) Director-General, emphasized the minimal investment needed to implement IPv6 in Nigeria.
Citing research from Roland Berger, a global consultancy firm, he noted that adopting IPv6 could tap into a vast $10 trillion global market.
Inuwa highlighted that most devices already support IPv6, so the main effort will be developing a clear strategy and policy to ensure operators comply with the migration.
He stressed that this move will not only unlock new economic opportunities but also bolster Nigeria’s cybersecurity defenses.”