
The Shift in Nigeria's Digital Landscape
Nigeria's internet traffic has surged to an impressive 1 terabit per second, revolutionizing the way millions of users access content. This increase is fueled primarily by the rising popularity of video platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. The Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) reported that this milestone was achieved in March 2024, marking a significant turning point in the nation’s digital evolution.
Understanding the Impact of Video Consumption
As of early 2025, Nigeria boasts an astonishing 38.7 million active Facebook users and 37.4 million TikTok users—figures that reflect a broader trend of video dominance across social media platforms. IXPN CEO Muhammed Rudman emphasized this growth, stating, "1 terabit per second means that 1 million people can concurrently make phone calls and Zoom meetings," reflecting an era where video communication is increasingly mainstream.
Navigating the Change
This significant growth is not solely due to the influx of users; critical infrastructure investments have played a role. Many global content providers such as Google and Netflix now connect directly with IXPN, enabling local data routing that greatly reduces costs and speeds up access for Nigerian users.
Why Local Content Delivery Matters
The shift to local content delivery is game-changing for Nigeria. Historically, internet traffic had to travel internationally, resulting in slower speeds and higher costs. The establishment of IXPN has reversed this trend, enabling around 70% of certain traffic types to be managed locally, thus streamlining internet access. Such advancements are pivotal for fostering a robust digital economy in Nigeria.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Growth
This transformation positions Nigeria favorably within Africa as the continent’s second-largest internet hub, showcasing how technology can drive economic development. Investors and innovators in tech sectors such as AI and fintech should pay attention to these trends, as they provide fertile ground for the next wave of digital disruption, presenting countless opportunities for startups and established tech firms alike.
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