Nigeria’s Internet infrastructure is at a critical stage as regulators, network operators, Internet service providers, data centres and technology companies prepare to converge in Lagos for the 2026 Nigerian Peering and Interconnection Forum (ngPIF).

Nigeria’s Internet infrastructure is at a critical stage as
regulators, network operators, Internet service providers, data centres and
technology companies prepare to converge in Lagos for the 2026 Nigerian Peering
and Interconnection Forum (ngPIF).

The two-day forum, scheduled for October 28–29, 2026, will
focus on strengthening Internet peering and interconnection, improving local
traffic exchange and building the infrastructure needed to support Nigeria’s
rapidly expanding digital economy.

The forum is convened by the Nigerian Network Operators Group
(ngNOG), in collaboration with the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN)
and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

According to the Convenor of ngNOG, Prof. Adewale Adedokun,
the forum comes at a time when Nigeria must take a more strategic approach to
how Internet traffic is exchanged, content is delivered and digital services
are hosted.

“As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand, we must
pay closer attention to the infrastructure and interconnection arrangements
that underpin it. Keeping more traffic local, strengthening peering and
improving access to resilient infrastructure are critical to building a faster,
more efficient and sustainable Internet ecosystem,” Adedokun said.

He said ngPIF provides an opportunity for stakeholders across
the Internet ecosystem to move beyond isolated discussions and develop
practical solutions to shared infrastructure challenges.

The forum will bring together telecommunications and network
operators, ISPs, data centres, content providers, technology companies,
regulators and other stakeholders to examine issues affecting Nigeria’s
Internet infrastructure.

Key areas of discussion will include Internet peering and
interconnection, local traffic exchange, data centres, connectivity
infrastructure, content delivery, regional connectivity and regulation.

The forum will also examine the changing national digital
infrastructure landscape and initiatives aimed at expanding connectivity and
strengthening critical infrastructure across the country.

Adedokun said collaboration among different parts of the
ecosystem would be essential to meeting the demands created by rising Internet
usage, cloud services, content consumption and emerging technologies.

“No single player can address these challenges alone.
Operators, data centres, content providers, regulators, IXPs and technology
companies must work together to create an environment where digital services
can be delivered efficiently and reliably from within Nigeria,” he added.

The programme will feature research presentations, technical
sessions, fireside conversations and industry panels focused on the
infrastructure required to support the next phase of Nigeria’s digital growth.

A major focus will be the localisation of Internet traffic,
content and digital services, with industry leaders expected to examine how
stronger domestic interconnection can improve performance, resilience and the
overall efficiency of Nigeria’s Internet ecosystem.

The organisers said the forum will also provide opportunities
for stakeholders to exchange technical knowledge, strengthen industry
relationships and identify areas for collaboration and investment.