E-Business
Data Centres Connecting to IXPN will Assist to Localise Traffic – Coker
Ayotunde Coker is the managing director of Rack Centre a Data centre operator. He spoke to Chike Onwuegbuchi on the importance of data centres interconnecting through Internet exchange point of Nigeria (IXPN),
What is the value proposition in Data Centre collocation?
Capital in millions of Dollars is needed to build a data centre, but that is not the core area of, it is better to put that resources in the front end of the business and collocate. In fact, it is difficult for those who choose to have their datacentres to have the expertise to execute. But, this is what I do every day. I wake up in the morning thinking of how best to offer services to the customers who are hosted with us. But that is not the core-competence of that company down the road that wants to build a datacentre.
They are not likely to achieve the right standard of operating it. Sometimes, it ends up as a big project that slows the system due to budget and maintenance – you have to think of 24/7 diesel availability. Some board meetings end up discussing datacentre downtime or lack of diesel; it should not be so. Make the right selection for the company and focus on transforming the company with technology.
When you have an option to collocate and it is proven to be secured, reliable and available, then, you can sleep at night. Of course, there are other services you may need to manage such as customer relationship and so on, but you get more credit from transforming the business and the customer experience will be top notch.
On the other hand, we have 32 carriers here. If you build your datacentre you need to worry about how many carriers would want to bring their fibre to you. Now, when you do not have high quality datacentres, then, your excuse for building a data centre is cogent. But, it is capital intensive. When I was the CIO of a bank, I looked everywhere for quality data centre but could not find any in the country. Today, the sub-sector has changed. That is the value proposition of taking on colocation.
Are all Data centres in Nigeria interconnected through iXPN?
Are all data centres in Nigeria hosting on IXPN? No, but there are quite a number of them that are hosted at IXPN. We run the IXPN here and we are pleased with our relationship. iXPN is strategically located in the country to localize and optimize content/traffic as much as possible. The growth is really significant in terms of the volumes we are seeing through the IXPN.
Now, talking about interconnectivity, it is very important. Let’s look at carrier neutrality: a carrier is an operator that provides fibre connectivity, radio or satellite. They carry data from A to B. Telcos like MTN, Glo, Airtel and so on, are carriers. If you are neutral it means you are not a carrier and the carriers are comfortable connecting to you because there is no competition between you and them. They don’t feel that any of their data or information will be used against them.
Every major carrier in the country is here in Rack Centre. If you want to get to Maiduguri or anywhere in the country, you will get there.
In fact, if you want to get to anywhere in Africa or around the world, you will; somehow. The reason is simple: we have the key Tier1 customers and pan-African facilities that cross-connect. We also have the added value of high quality carrier neutral environment at scale. So, it attracts the carriers. If you want to connect to Kaduna, Damaturu or anywhere else you can pick from the whole range of carriers and we will work out how to get there. Every bank here (in Lagos) connects to their branches in those far end States.
In terms of cost, what you will find is that, with time, hubs will start to emerge in some of the geo-political zones to deliver services closer to the point of use. We are going to witness that over the next three to four years, especially where you find more economic activities. It will allow us to optimise our footprints, nationally.
How is Rack Centre penetrating the West African Market?
Right now, we have customers that are located across different countries in West Africa. There are others who see the value of partnering with us. However, with the strength of brand we have now, we see the benefit of locating elsewhere in West Africa. A francophone kind of location is a good option. May people would think, ‘Oh, Ghana should be the next place’. Well, we reach Ghana through many options here. Do you want to go by Main One, Glo, MTN; we will take you to Ghana through any of them.
The benefit of being in a francophone is due to the synergy to address the needs around the West African area. We take a step at a time. In some of those countries are our competition, but competition is healthy. We have built ourselves to the market-leading position. The main thing is that the prepositions we take to those markets are real. We are going there with credibility and track record that is known.
Microsoft unveiled datacentre services in South Africa, recently. The likes of Facebook, Google, and even Microsoft offer services in Nigeria. Do you think we are going to see enough Foreign Direct Investment in datacentres infrastructure in Nigeria?
The fact that Microsoft hasn’t announced they are opening something in Nigeria doesn’t mean they won’t be coming here. So, there will definitely be Foreign Direct Investments to Nigeria. Our location is fantastic. The statistics shows that Facebook has over 24million daily users in Nigeria. That is the about half the population of South Africa. Let’s not worry, they will come.
Domestic investments in Data Centres, are they adequate?
The potential market is significant and we are working hard to secure the investments to meet the market demands as efficiently as possible. It is up to us to make sure we attract the right investments. Our fundamentals indicate the fact that the demand is there. We are going to double capacity this year. After that, we are looking at even doubling that, and another location.
What is the next phase for Rack Centre?
The next thing for us is get the scale doubled. We are already a megawatts company. That is a good psychological step to scaling. We are doing very exciting thing with the infrastructure we got here. We are not standing still; we are moving up and upgrading because there are challenges and opportunities and we are continuously looking out for ways to innovate and be prepared for the new frontiers.
A $60 billion Africa AI Fund is set to be established, leveraging public, private, and philanthropic capital. The goal is to build a secure, inclusive, and competitive African AI economy through foundational and catalytic investment, according to a declaration made at the recent Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali, Rwanda.
The declaration seeks to leverage the potential of AI to drive innovation and competitiveness to advance Africa’s economies, industries, and societies. Second, to position Africa as a global leader in ethical, trustworthy, and inclusive AI adoption.
The declaration also seeks to foster the sustainable and responsible design, development, deployment, use, and governance of AI technologies in Africa.
The memorandum was facilitated by Qhala, Smart Africa, Rwanda’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and supported by the Gates Foundation.
Qhala is an AI enabler dedicated to driving innovation and digital transformation across Africa.
In a statement, Qhala said the declaration outlines shared commitment among African nations to align national strategies with continental goals, safeguard data sovereignty, build digital infrastructure, and foster a sustainable AI innovation ecosystem.
The organisation went on to say Africa’s AI landscape is changing at a fast pace and it is projected to contribute $2.9 trillion to the African economy by 2030.
Shikoh Gitau, CEO of Qhala, said: “This declaration is timely, as Africa’s AI ecosystem is rapidly evolving but remains fragmented and underfunded. This will ensure that Africa takes its place in a leadership role in global AI development.”
Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa, added: “AI is not just technology to us, it’s an African arrow that, when thrown with the right ethical frameworks and inclusive policies, can pierce the way to African digital prosperity and resilience for the benefit of every citizen.”
Federal government has announced plans to roll out an electronic visa (e-visa) system by May 1, 2025, in a major step towards modernising Nigeria’s immigration processes.
The initiative, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Ministry of Interior, is designed to tighten border security while simplifying travel procedures for visitors.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on the implementation of immigration protocols under the Migration Visa Policy (MVP) 2025, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of Interior, outlined the far-reaching benefits of the new system.
He explained that the e-visa platform, alongside the automation of landing and exit card processes, would strengthen background checks and deter unauthorised entry into the country.
“With the e-visa, applications will be processed online, and a centralised visa approval centre is already operational at the Immigration headquarters,” Tunji-Ojo revealed.
“Officers have been trained and equipped with integrated solutions connected to global criminal databases such as Interpol, enabling thorough background checks for all incoming travellers.”
The new procedure mandates that passengers must complete an online landing and exit card before boarding their flight.
This information will be cross-verified by airlines in collaboration with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
According to the minister, this integration ensures that anyone attempting to enter or exit Nigeria without proper clearance will be flagged immediately.
“The responsibility of coordinating and verifying this process rests with the NCAA. They are fully committed, as we all are, to safeguarding our nation’s borders and upholding our sovereignty,” he added.
The collaboration between the ministries has already yielded tangible results through initiatives like the EPIC Solution, an advanced passenger information system that has led to the interception of individuals flagged by Interpol at Nigerian borders.
Furthermore, e-gates have been installed at key terminals in Lagos and Abuja airports to support automated, efficient, and secure passenger clearance.
Tunji-Ojo announced that in the coming weeks, the NCAA and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) will jointly establish a dedicated team to finalise the implementation framework, regulatory guidelines, and protocols for airlines.
“This is not a task for one agency alone. It is an inter-ministerial effort requiring seamless cooperation,” he emphasised.
Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, minister of Aviation, described the partnership as a model of effective governmental collaboration. He highlighted that both the e-visa and the automated landing and exit card systems will be free of charge, ensuring accessibility while reinforcing security.
Keyamo provided further details on the operational flow of the new system, explaining that travellers will be required to complete an entry card online before their arrival.
The digital system will store their details, including visa type, entry date, and permitted duration of stay. Upon departure, passengers must present their exit cards at the airline’s check-in desk, where the NCAA’s protocol will be applied.
“As you prepare to leave Nigeria, the first checkpoint will be the airline’s boarding desk,” Keyamo explained.
“If you’re a foreign traveller, they will ask for your exit card. Without it, you won’t be issued a boarding pass.”
The process is designed to trigger automatic verification: once the traveller enters their passport number, the system retrieves their entry data and duration of stay.
Should any irregularities arise—such as overstaying a visa – the airline, following NCAA protocol, will refuse to board the passenger and refer them to immigration authorities.
“When you approach immigration, officers will have complete visibility of your travel history and status. Depending on the nature of the violation, they may issue fines, cancel visas, or impose travel bans of up to 10 years,” Keyamo stated.
Both ministers underscored that the overarching goal is to enhance Nigeria’s national security, curb illegal immigration, and create a seamless, digital travel experience.
With this modernised approach, the country aims to align with global best practices while maintaining its sovereignty.
As preparations advance toward the official launch date, authorities are optimistic that the e-visa system will not only improve efficiency but also bolster Nigeria’s reputation as a secure and welcoming destination for legitimate travellers.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has announced that operatives of the Department of State Security and Nigeria Police Force have arrested suspects involved in the illegal collection of National Identity Numbers (NIN), in Anambra State.
This comes as the commission also warned Nigerians against sharing their National Identity Number with unauthorised persons in exchange for money.
Dr. Kayode Adegoke, spokesman for NIMC issuedthis warning in a statement on Wednesday.
This follows reports of some Anambra residents submitting their NIN to unauthorised individuals in exchange for money.
Reacting, NIMC said the activities contravene NIMC Act No. 23, 2007, the Data Protection Act, and the Cyber Crime Act.
The commission said individuals involved in the act have been arrested by operatives of the Department of State Security and the Nigeria Police Force.
“Upon receiving the information on the activities of the unscrupulous individuals, NIMC, in conjunction with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), swiftly arrested the culprits behind the illegal collection of the NIN.
“They are currently being interrogated and will be made to face the full wrath of the law. The commission, therefore, advises Anambra State residents and Nigerians to avoid submitting their NINs to unauthorised individuals, organisations, or platforms, as the Federal Government and NIMC have not authorised this. Anyone caught will be sanctioned appropriately.
“At no time should NIN holders give out their NINs for monetary compensation. This is against the laws of the Federation. Anyone caught will be dealt with appropriately.
“The Commission had earlier issued a statement warning Nigerians against sharing their NIN or data with anyone or on any fictitious sites. The NIN can only be used by the holders to access government or private sector services, and it must be verified.
“The Commission has taken necessary measures to kerb the activities of these unscrupulous individuals,” NIMC stated.
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