The Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB), Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, has called for Nigeria to position itself as a leader in digital innovation amid the rapid global rise of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Adeyanju made the call on Monday in Abuja during a media briefing marking the commencement of activities for the organisation’s 20th anniversary.
He warned that Nigeria risks being left behind if it remains a consumer of technologies developed elsewhere, stressing that future global competitiveness will depend heavily on digital capability and innovation leadership.
“The question before us is simple: Will Nigeria merely consume these innovations? Or will Nigeria actively shape how they transform our nation?” he said. “At Galaxy Backbone, our answer is clear. We choose to lead. We choose to innovate. We choose to collaborate and we choose to build.”
Established in 2006 by the Federal Government, Galaxy Backbone was created to provide shared digital infrastructure for government institutions, with the goal of improving efficiency, reducing duplication, and strengthening public service delivery.
Over the past two decades, the organisation says it has evolved into a key digital infrastructure provider supporting connectivity, cloud services, cybersecurity, data hosting, and other government technology systems.
Adeyanju disclosed that Galaxy Backbone’s fibre network now spans nearly 30 states, connecting Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and enabling digital government operations across the country.
He added that its Uptime-certified Tier III and Tier IV data centres, alongside the One Government Cloud platform, provide secure infrastructure for hosting critical national systems while enhancing data sovereignty and digital trust.
“We have delivered platforms such as GovMail, our homegrown official government email, collaboration tools, hosting services, connectivity solutions and shared applications that support thousands of public servants and hundreds of institutions every day,” he said.
The GBB boss noted that the organisation’s success should not only be measured by infrastructure expansion but also by its impact on governance and service delivery.
“The true value of Galaxy Backbone is measured by impact — faster government services, improved collaboration between institutions, enhanced transparency and accountability, stronger cybersecurity and digital trust, better access to information and ultimately improved service delivery to citizens,” he said.
Looking ahead, Adeyanju identified artificial intelligence, cloud computing, automation, data analytics, and cybersecurity as key drivers of the next phase of global economic competition.
He said the organisation’s next phase will focus on expanding digital access, optimising existing infrastructure, supporting sub-national governments, and enabling greater participation in the digital economy.
As part of its 20th anniversary activities, Galaxy Backbone will host a Digital Transformation Summit themed “Powering Nigeria’s Digital Future,” bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and technology experts to discuss strategies for strengthening governance and accelerating digital growth.
Adeyanju also announced plans to unveil a refreshed corporate identity, reflecting the organisation’s evolution from a government ICT infrastructure provider into a broader digital transformation enabler.
“Twenty years ago, Galaxy Backbone was founded on a vision. Today, that vision is alive and stronger than ever,” he said. “The first twenty years were remarkable. The next twenty years will be transformational.”
