Nigeria’s internet ecosystem has received a major international boost as the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) announces that China Mobile International Limited (CMI) has officially joined its peering fabric, a move expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional hub for global data traffic and digital interconnection in West Africa.
The development integrates CMI, the international subsidiary of China Mobile Limited, widely regarded as the world’s largest mobile operator by subscriber base, into Nigeria’s growing local interconnection ecosystem.
By connecting directly to the IXPN network, CMI will now be able to exchange internet traffic locally with Nigerian networks, reducing reliance on costly international transit routes and improving the efficiency of data exchange within the country.
Muhammed Rudman, CEO, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN). Image credit: Technology Times/Rilwan Oladapo.
IXPN describes the onboarding of CMI as a “landmark moment” for Nigeria’s internet ecosystem, noting that the partnership is expected to improve connectivity performance for enterprises, service providers and internet users nationwide.
IXPN: China Mobile International debut is “landmark moment” for Nigeria’s internet ecosystem
The announcement comes as IXPN continues its rapid expansion across Africa’s digital infrastructure landscape. Recent industry data shows that the exchange point recorded a peak traffic milestone of two terabits per second (Tbps) in late 2025, reinforcing its position as Africa’s leading community-driven Internet Exchange Point (IXP).
Industry stakeholders say the addition of global carriers like CMI could encourage more international telecoms operators, hyperscalers and content delivery networks to establish local peering arrangements in Nigeria, further accelerating the country’s digital economy ambitions.
IXPN describes the onboarding of CMI as a “landmark moment” for Nigeria’s internet ecosystem, noting that the partnership is expected to improve connectivity performance for enterprises, service providers and internet users nationwide.
“CMI’s presence on the IXPN fabric means that Nigerian businesses, enterprises, and internet users stand to benefit from enhanced connectivity, faster traffic exchange, and access to a truly global telecommunications network, right here, locally,” the exchange says in a statement seen by Technology Times.
The exchange point says localising internet traffic remains critical to improving Nigeria’s digital sovereignty by ensuring that more locally-generated data stays within the country. The model also helps reduce operational costs for internet service providers while improving the performance of latency-sensitive services such as cloud computing, video conferencing, streaming platforms and AI-driven applications.
The move also sends a strong signal about Nigeria’s growing attractiveness as a destination for global digital infrastructure investment.
“This is a powerful statement about the growing global relevance of IXPN as a world-class interconnection platform,” the exchange said, adding that it looks forward to a “long, impactful, and mutually rewarding partnership” with CMI.
With CMI joining the more than 130 networks already connected to IXPN, including global technology players such as Google, Meta and Microsoft, Nigeria’s internet landscape is becoming increasingly interconnected and capacity-rich.
For internet users, the deeper interconnection ecosystem is expected to translate into faster access to digital services, improved network performance and more resilient internet connectivity.
Headquartered in Hong Kong, CMI operates extensive international telecommunications and Internet Data Centre (IDC) infrastructure across more than 37 countries and regions. Its portfolio spans voice, data, roaming, cloud computing and enterprise connectivity services.
The company recently activated additional resources on submarine cable systems serving Africa, a move aimed at strengthening international bandwidth capacity and supporting rising demand for digital services across the continent.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s performance in office, telling Ekiti voters that the governor came into leadership fully prepared to serve the people.
Speaking ahead of the June 20 governorship election, Tinubu urged residents to re-elect Oyebanji for a second term.
The endorsement came on Tuesday at the All Progressives Congress mega rally in Ado-Ekiti. The venue was packed with party faithful, allies from other political groups, and supporters across religious and ethnic lines, all showing solidarity with Oyebanji’s re-election bid.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu praised Ekiti citizens for their loyalty to the APC over the years.
He described the state as fortunate to have Oyebanji at the helm of affairs, noting that the governor’s actions and policies prove that true leadership is about serving people, not oppressing them or undermining their rights.
Tinubu highlighted Oyebanji’s humility, patience, and respect for traditional rulers and past leaders, pointing out the absence of opposition posters across the state as a sign of Oyebanji’s wide acceptance.
“On Saturday, go out and re-elect this humble and peaceful man to further serve you better,” Shettima said on Tinubu’s behalf. The President then symbolically handed Oyebanji over to former governors and first ladies, urging them to secure victory for him.
Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, described Oyebanji’s popularity as electrifying.
Chairman of the APC Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, said the party’s visibility in Ekiti was unmatched. He noted that only the APC had campaigned market to market and house to house.
APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwadta, insisted the party’s confidence was rooted in Oyebanji’s connection to the people, not just in being the ruling party.
A visibly elated Governor Oyebanji, joined by his wife Dr Olayemi Oyebanji and Deputy Monisade Afuye, said he was not relying on federal might but on his record and the promises he kept since 2022.
He appealed for a peaceful election and promised that his second term would surpass the achievements of the last three and a half years.
Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen have secured the permanent signing of London-born Nigerian striker Toyosi Olusanya, with the forward committing his future to the club on a two-year contract after an impressive loan spell.
Sports247 reports that the 28-year-old joins the Dons as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Major League Soccer side Houston Dynamo. His arrival marks another key addition to manager Stephen Robinson’s rebuilding project ahead of the new season.
Olusanya spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Aberdeen, where he quickly adapted to life in Scottish football.
During his stint, he made 18 appearances across all competitions and contributed three goal involvements, earning the confidence of the coaching staff and convincing the club to pursue a permanent deal.
The striker’s work rate, physical presence, and attacking versatility made him a valuable option during his loan spell, and Aberdeen will be hoping he can build on that foundation as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming Premiership campaign.
His signing represents the fifth addition to Robinson’s squad during the summer transfer window as the club continues to strengthen its roster with an eye on domestic success and improved performances across all competitions.
Born in London and eligible to represent Nigeria, Olusanya has enjoyed a career spanning English football and Major League Soccer before making the move north of the border.
The permanent transfer offers him the opportunity to continue his development in a familiar environment after settling into the team during his loan period.
For Aberdeen, retaining a player who already understands the club’s style and expectations provides continuity as they reshape the squad for the new season.
Supporters will be eager to see the Nigerian forward translate his promising displays into consistent goals and assists over the course of the campaign.
With his future now secured at Pittodrie, Olusanya begins the next chapter of his career aiming to establish himself as a key figure in Aberdeen’s attack and help the club compete strongly in the Scottish Premiership.