Galaxy Backbone, the Nigerian government-owned agency which plays a crucial role in the development of digital infrastructure and the advancement of technology in the country has been making significant contributions to digital economy.
Galaxy Backbone contributions to the digital Nigeria are instrumental in advancing the country’s digital agenda, improving service delivery, fostering innovation, and empowering citizens in the digital age, hence strengthening the economy in the sector.
As Nigeria embraces digital transformation, Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) has made significant contributions to the digital landscape. Some of the key contributions are as follows:
National Digital Infrastructure
Galaxy Backbone is responsible for the development and management of the National Information and Communications Technology Infrastructure Backbone (NICTIB). This backbone provides the foundation for a reliable and robust digital infrastructure across the country, connecting government agencies, educational institutions, and other critical sectors.
E-Government Services
Galaxy Backbone facilitates the delivery of e-government services to Nigerian citizens. By providing connectivity and network infrastructure, they enable online services such as e-taxation, e-healthcare, e-education, and e-commerce. These services enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in the government’s operations.
Cybersecurity
Galaxy Backbone plays a vital role in strengthening Nigeria’s cybersecurity framework. They provide secure network connections, data centers, and cybersecurity solutions to protect government systems and data from cyber threats. Their efforts help safeguard critical infrastructure and promote a safe digital environment for businesses and individuals.
Only recently, GBB Limited entered into partnership with Moharram & Partners, an Egyptian firm, to provide enabling trust-based cyber and cloud solutions that will offer customers a well-rounded approach to cybersecurity.
The managing director/CEO of GBB, Prof. Abubakar Mohammed had said partnering with a company like Moharram and it clients like KASPERSKY, who are global cybersecurity solutions providers, will restore confidence and boost the services rendered to customers by the Galaxy Backbone.
The manager, Public Policy, KAPERSKY, Thamer Alharbi also said the idea was to have market access and engagement opportunities with governments agencies to explore the capabilities in it cybersecurity solutions, while soliciting for collaboration with GBB to showcase those products and services into the Nigerian Market.
Digital Inclusion
Galaxy Backbone is committed to promoting digital inclusion in Nigeria. They work towards bridging the digital divide by extending connectivity to underserved regions and promoting digital literacy programs. By ensuring that more Nigerians have access to digital resources, they contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable digital society.
Barely a fortnight ago, GBB) went into partnership with the Jigawa State Government to boost digital inclusion and digital infrastructural development at a courtesy on the Managing Director by the state governor, Umar Namadi.
Namadi had said: “We are here to seek Galaxy collaboration towards accelerating our digital transformation plan that is already in Jigawa. We develop about five policy instruments of global standard and we look forward to see us connected to the service as well as having a data center in Jigawa.”
This was as the GBB’s Boss stated that the agency was committed to ensuring digital inclusion in Jigawa and 36 states across the Nigeria to, “enhance digital inclusion.”
Collaboration and Partnerships
Galaxy Backbone collaborates with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector organizations, and international partners. Through these partnerships, they drive innovation, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer, fostering a collaborative ecosystem for digital development in Nigeria.
Also, as part of efforts to achieve its mandate, particularly in the area of fostering digital economy, Galaxy Backboone featured prominently at the just concluded #DigitalNigeria Conference, 2023 held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja between October from Tuesday to Thursday last week.
The conference themed: “Harnessing Digital Technologies for Job Creation, Inclusive Economic Growth, and Sustainability” was organised by National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
The GBB MD/CEO, Prof. Abubakar Backbone led management and staff to the #DigitalNigeria Conference, 2023 where he personally engaged guests and participants at the Galaxy Backbone exhibition stand.
Galaxy Backbone used the DigitalNigeria Conference, 2023 a launch pad to discuss actively and extensively on the need to leverage digital infrastructures in the drive towards digital transformation.
The government digital technology enabler also shared the work it is doing in deepening broadband penetration across the country, securing data and providing Cloud as a Service to public and private organisations
The Galaxy Backbone’s head, Mandate Integration and Corporate Strategy, Dauda Oyeleye participated in a panel discussion on ‘The Driving Force of Digitization in the Public Sector’.
In the discussion, he highlighted Galaxy Backbone Limited role in driving the digitisation process in government, the journey so far and what is ongoing at different areas of government.
Similarly, the agency’s Chief Information Security and Business Continuity Officer, Dr. Nasir Shinkafi, shared the Galaxy Backbone Limited path to the sustained development of Connectivity and Infrastructure development in Nigeria as a way to bridging the digital divide in the country.
The minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani had in his remarks said, Nigeria is presently a top destination for technology startup capital in Africa.
The minister said, out of the about $5 billion invested in technology startup in the continent in 2022, Nigeria took 20% of that total investment.
“The Nigerian government is always been one that is open to collaboration, but also imput from the private sector. There is hardly any policy committees that the government set up today that is not fully formed with the consent or participation of the private sector.
“So let’s not leave it to just the government to find innovative way to lift our economy forward with digital technologies. But let’s recognise the fact that our collective responsibility and investment got us to this point,” he noted.