GITEX 2022: Special report on top organizations propelling economic growth via digitization
…Galaxy Backbone: Accelerating economic growth via digital transformation
The story of the growth of the Nigerian Digital economy cannot be sweet and interesting to lovers of true development without the contributions of Galaxy Backbone Limited.
Galaxy Backbone (GBB) Limited, an agency of government which is not frequently seen in the spotlight has established its footprints as one of the key drivers of the growth of Nigeria’s economy via digital transformation.
Recall in 2020 when there was a nationwide lockdown and there were fears of an economic plunge, Nigeria was able to avoid a very drastic plunge in its economy via the digital connectivity services provided by GBB to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and MDAs. GBB helped the Federal Government saved Three billion naira via its video conferencing initiative in 2021.
The unprecedented 18.44% contribution of ICT to the GDP and the increase of 44.30% in Broadband penetration cannot also be traced without highlighting the infrastructural services that is being provided by GBB as a game changer.
The National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria the key policy document for Nigeria’s transition towards a digital economy focuses on eight pillars. One of such pillars is Solid Infrastructure, Service Infrastructure, Soft Infrastructure where GBB plays a major role.
Infrastructure development has primarily been driven by GBB via the National Information Communications Technology Infrastructure Backbone (NICTIB) project which is in its second phase. Currently at 70%, upon completion it is expected that Nigeria’s broadband penetration will deepen further and we can as well extend this services to neighboring countries.
Another infrastructure put in place by the agency to drive digital transformation is the yet to be commissioned Galaxy Backbone’s (GBB) Tier IV Datacenter. The Tier IV Datacenter will provide a larger structure with the capacity and ability to store securely, huge amounts of data being generated by small businesses, government and other organisations across the country.
GBB’s contribution to the deepening of broadband penetration in Nigeria and digital connectivity services have thus accelerated Nigeria’s economic growth despite the challenges the nation is faced with.
Led by a visionary leader in the person of Professor Muhammad Bello Abubakar, the agency is on the right path to stir Nigeria towards economic prosperity via digitization.
