Nigeria’s internet infrastructure is set for a major boost as Airtel Nigeria activates a second international internet gateway through the 2Africa submarine cable landing in Akwa Ibom State, easing the country’s heavy reliance on Lagos as the primary entry point for global data traffic.
The new connection, routed through Kwa Ibo, taps into the 45,000-kilometre 2Africa cable system — one of the world’s largest subsea cable projects — linking 33 countries across Africa, Europe and the Middle East. The expansion is expected to improve network resilience, reduce latency and deliver more stable internet services nationwide.
Speaking at a media roundtable in Lagos, Airtel Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Dinesh Balsingh, described the move as a strategic step toward strengthening service quality and future-proofing the company’s network. He said the additional gateway creates alternative data paths that enhance performance for users across both northern and southern Nigeria.
Beyond faster speeds, the new breakout route provides critical redundancy, helping to shield customers from service disruptions caused by congestion or technical faults at Lagos landing points. Industries that rely heavily on uninterrupted connectivity — including financial services, startups and public sector institutions — are expected to see immediate benefits.
Airtel is complementing the new gateway with continued nationwide fibre rollout, following a significant increase in capital expenditure last year aimed at reinforcing its network backbone and supporting Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
The move underscores a broader shift toward decentralising Nigeria’s internet infrastructure, improving reliability and positioning the country for increased digital demand in the years ahead.
