Abuja: The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has called on Nigerian citizens and organizations to patronize indigenous digital solutions to foster economic growth and ensure data sovereignty. Oyedele made this appeal during a courtesy visit to Galaxy Backbone Ltd. (GBB) on Monday, emphasizing the importance of the Federal Government’s ‘Buy Nigeria, Make Nigeria’ initiative, which encourages the use of locally developed software, hardware, and other digital infrastructures.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Oyedele highlighted that some Nigerian organizations have found locally made technology to be more affordable while maintaining quality. He stressed the importance of maximizing the opportunities presented by the digital economy, identifying it as a priority area in the government’s economic growth agenda. He assured Galaxy Backbone Ltd. of the government’s support in strengthening digital infrastructure, urging organizations, particularly in the private sector, to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and invest in domestic technology providers.
Oyedele described the digital economy as requiring deliberate investment in infrastructure, innovation, and local technology. He referred to the work of GBB as a national duty, pledging the support of the Ministry of Finance to enhance its operations and sustainability.
Earlier, Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, the Managing Director of GBB, emphasized the need for sustained investment to expand GBB’s fibre network, data centres, and cybersecurity capabilities. He appealed for increased investment, private-sector partnerships, and appropriate policy support to enable GBB to connect more institutions, strengthen digital infrastructure, reduce duplication, and improve public service delivery.
Adeyanju noted that every Naira invested in digital infrastructure is an investment in productivity, innovation, economic growth, and national development. He assured that GBB remains committed to delivering greater value to Nigeria and Nigerians, describing the organization as a critical component of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure ecosystem. GBB boasts more than 5,000 kilometres of fibre infrastructure, data centres, cybersecurity capabilities, and other shared digital platforms that support government ministries, departments, and agencies. Adeyanju added that GBB operates both Uptime Institute-certified Tier III and Tier IV data centres and adheres to international standards including ISO 9001, ISO 27001, ISO 22301, and ISO 20000.