Two years after the appointment of a new executive management team by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) has recorded significant progress in expanding Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and enhancing public sector service delivery.
The management team, led by Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Prof. Ibrahim A. Adeyanju, alongside Executive Directors Olusegun Olulade (Customer Centricity and Marketing), Muhammed Sani Ibrahim (Finance and Corporate Services), and Olumbe Akinkugbe (Digital Exploration and Technical Services), was inaugurated in 2024 with a mandate to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation.
At the core of their strategy is the Integrated Digital Transformation Strategy (IDTS) 2023–2028, designed to reposition GBB from a connectivity provider to a comprehensive digital ecosystem enabler. The initiative focuses on integrating infrastructure, platforms, policy alignment, and human capital development to support government operations.
Within the period under review, GBB expanded broadband access to nine underserved local government areas under Project 774, improving connectivity in previously unserved communities. The agency also completed Fibre-to-Hostel projects at the University of Lagos, University of Abuja, and University of Jos, boosting digital learning and research capacity.
Connectivity upgrades were also extended to key national infrastructure, including the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and federal secretariats, aimed at improving operational efficiency and service reliability.
In a move to strengthen long-term digital resilience, GBB entered into a strategic partnership with West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC). The collaboration is expected to enhance Nigeria’s fibre backbone, improve redundancy, and support scalable broadband expansion across the country.
The organisation also advanced Nigeria’s sovereign digital capabilities through the expansion of its 1Government Cloud platform, providing secure hosting and shared services to ministries, departments, and agencies. Its locally developed email platform, GovMail, now supports over 100,000 federal public servants, improving secure government communication.
Further reforms include the introduction of a Government-as-a-Platform (GaaP) framework, upgrades to the Government Service Portal, and improvements in cybersecurity through round-the-clock monitoring. GBB’s service desk now operates 24 hours daily, while data centre and colocation services have been enhanced for greater resilience.
Despite challenges such as fiscal constraints, legacy systems, and rising cyber threats, the agency maintained stability through financial discipline, strategic partnerships, and operational reforms.
Key government stakeholders, including the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, were acknowledged for their support in aligning policy direction with implementation.
Over the past two years, GBB has received more than 20 industry recognitions, including the NET5.5G Pioneer Award, Artificial Intelligence Award, and Best ICT Provider Company of the Year at the International Standard Excellence Awards. Prof. Adeyanju was also listed among the top 100 telecom industry personalities in Nigeria.
With sustained investment in connectivity, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity, Galaxy Backbone says it remains committed to building a secure, resilient, and digitally enabled Nigeria.
