Nigeria Targets $18bn Digital Market with IPv6 Adoption

Nigeria is focusing on transitioning to Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) as part of a broader strategy to tap into an estimated $18 billion digital market. This initiative was highlighted during the inauguration of the Nigeria IPv6 Council in Lagos.

The chairman of the council, Muham Rudman, expressed concerns about the slow migration from the older Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4), which has only seen a 5% adoption rate over the past 13 years, lagging behind Africa's average of 6% and the global average of 40%. The IPv6 system, which provides a larger pool of unique internet addresses, is deemed essential for supporting the growth of connected devices, including emerging technologies like the Internet of Things, 5G, and cloud services.

The NCC plans to implement a dual-stack transit model to allow IPv4 and IPv6 to run simultaneously and aims for 20% IPv6 adoption by 2027, with a target of 30% by 2030. Dr.

Aminu Maida, vice chairman of the NCC, emphasized the urgency of this transition, stating that reliance on outdated systems could hinder Nigeria's digital future.