Nigeria To Deploy Internet Protocol Version For Enhanced Security, Connectivity

Nigeria Set to Roll Out Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)

The Federal Government has announced that Nigeria is on the verge of deploying the latest Internet Protocol version, IPv6, a move expected to significantly enhance the nation’s digital infrastructure.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, made this announcement during a one-day summit in Abuja on Tuesday, organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

The event, titled “Bringing Net 5.5G Into Reality: Inspiring New Growth,” was held in collaboration with Huawei, the IPv6 Forum, and the IPv6 Council of Nigeria.

The deployment of IPv6 is expected to transform the way Nigeria handles internet connectivity, user identification, and cyber security.

Understanding the Benefits of Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)

IPv6, the latest version of Internet Protocol, allows for better identification and numbering of Internet users and their devices.

According to Dr. Tijani, this upgrade is crucial for ensuring that online transactions and activities can be effectively tracked.

“The IPv6 is the latest protocol responsible for ensuring that online transactions and activities allow authorities to identify users, both for security purposes and ensuring appropriate usage of the internet space,” Tijani explained.

The minister highlighted that only a few countries, including the United States, France, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, have fully adopted IPv6.

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Nigeria’s move to embrace this technology positions it as one of the first African countries to make the transition from IPv4 to IPv6.

Implications for Cyber Security

One of the key advantages of adopting Internet Protocol version 6 is its impact on cyber security. IPv6 will enhance the ability to track internet traffic, making it more difficult for cybercriminals to mask their identities.

“IPv6 will improve the country’s capability to track traffic and ensure our citizens are safe,” Tijani said.

This new protocol will also provide network providers with the ability to offer more reliable services. “Network providers will make sure the services they provide are always available by identifying where the traffic is coming from,” added Tijani.

This ensures that systems are less vulnerable to cyberattacks, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

Minimal Investment for Maximum Impact

Malam Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of NITDA, emphasised that the financial investment required for the deployment of IPv6 would be minimal.

He explained that most devices currently in use in Nigeria are already compatible with IPv6. “The investment needed to implement the IPv6 would be minimal as most of the devices already deployed by the country were IPv6 compatible,” Inuwa stated.

The NITDA has prepared a white paper to guide the deployment and implementation of IPv6. This document is intended to spark discussions and awareness among industry stakeholders, encouraging them to embrace the new protocol.

“This paper is just to spark the conversation and awareness so people can embrace IPv6. As a nation, we should have a broad market and strategy to migrate from IPv4 to IPv6,” Inuwa said.

Economic Opportunities and Global Integration

The adoption of IPv6 is expected to open new markets and economic opportunities for Nigeria. Inuwa referenced research by Roland Berger, a global consultancy firm, which suggests that IPv6 could unlock a $10 trillion market globally.

“This migration can lead to great economic activities and ensure the security of our cyberspace,” Inuwa noted.

In addition to economic benefits, the widespread adoption of IPv6 in Nigeria could address some of the country’s major cybersecurity challenges.

“With IPv6, every person in the world can have billions of Internet Protocol (IP) devices available for use, and this will help address our cyber security challenges,” Inuwa explained.

Nigeria Leading in Internet Usage

Mr. Latif Ladid, President of the IPv6 Forum, highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in Internet usage within Africa and globally.

He stressed the need for the country to upgrade from IPv4 to IPv6 to maintain this leadership position.

“Nigeria is already leading in Africa in terms of internet usage and is the seventh in the world; hence the need to upgrade from IPv4 to IPv6,” Ladid said.

With the deployment of Internet Protocol version 6, Nigeria is set to experience a more productive and secure Internet environment, paving the way for future growth and innovation in the digital economy.