Abuja: The Galaxy Backbone (GBB) announced its intention for Nigeria to take a leading role in shaping emerging technologies, rather than merely consuming global innovations. This declaration was made by the Managing Director of GBB, Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, during a press conference held in Abuja to commence the celebration of the organisation’s 20th anniversary.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the GBB has spent two decades creating a shared technology platform for the Federal Government. Prof. Adeyanju elaborated on the agency’s evolution from a simple connectivity provider to a substantial national asset extending across nearly 30 states. The infrastructure now serves various government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), establishing a robust foundation for digital governance.
In adherence to its vision, GBB has constructed world-class data centers and a cloud platform, enabling public offices to operate more efficiently. These facilities ensure that critical national data remains safe and is hosted domestically to guard national sovereignty. Prof. Adeyanju posed a crucial question: “Will Nigeria merely consume these innovations, or will Nigeria actively shape how they transform our nation?” He affirmed that Galaxy Backbone’s response is to lead.
The GBB chief emphasized the leadership’s significant investment in people, cybersecurity, and operational standards to align with global practices. This effort seeks to position the agency as a leading digital transformation driver across Sub-Saharan Africa. “The next chapter of Galaxy Backbone will therefore not simply be about building infrastructure; it will be about maximising infrastructure,” he stated.
Prof. Adeyanju highlighted that the focus will be on enabling innovation through smart digital solutions, expanding digital access, and supporting sub-nationals, businesses, and institutions. He noted, “Our new brand identity symbolizes our evolution from a government ICT Infrastructure provider to a national digital transformation enabler, aggregator, and platform connecting governments, businesses, and institutions, through secure and smart digital solutions.”
The organisation plans to host its inaugural Galaxy Backbone Digital Transformation Summit, themed ‘Powering Nigeria’s Digital Future,’ this week. This platform will gather leaders from government, industry, and academia to exchange growth ideas. Additionally, the company will unveil a refreshed brand identity to reflect its transition from an infrastructure builder to an economic driver.
New corporate social responsibility projects are also slated for the week, aimed at supporting local communities. Prof. Adeyanju expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for their unwavering support and pledged that the next twenty years will bring even greater transformation for the nation.