In a landmark move dated August 19, 2025, the Federal Government of Nigeria, via the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), issued a circular reaffirming Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) as the prime provider of ICT infrastructure to all federal institutions. This is a decisive step under the “Nigeria First” policy, aimed at strengthening homegrown capacity, safeguarding national data sovereignty, and harnessing the significant investment made in the National Information Communications Technology Infrastructure Backbone (NICTIB).
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A Renewed Mandate for Local Digital Sovereignty
The government’s directive isn’t just a routine bureaucratic statement—it firmly places Galaxy Backbone at the heart of Nigeria’s digital ambitions. Under the circular, Galaxy Backbone is officially designated to manage essential infrastructure requirements for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), encompassing IP-network services, data centre hosting, and a broad suite of infrastructure solutions.
At the heart of this policy is the government’s renewed emphasis on data sovereignty. By tapping the full potential of NICTIB—the nation’s digital spine—MDAs are expected to operate more securely and efficiently while keeping data within Nigeria’s borders. Galaxy Backbone, established by the Federal Government for this very purpose, now has a reinforced mandate to drive e-government operations, ensuring data remains both locally hosted and globally competent.
Galaxy Backbone as the Government’s Interoperability Layer
Beyond basic infrastructure provision, Galaxy Backbone is now officially recognised as the Government Data Exchange Platform (GDX), and serves as the interoperability layer for Nigeria’s broader Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). In this capacity, GBB will coordinate, manage, and unify all federal digital services—ensuring they align with national data sovereignty goals and operate seamlessly together.
In practical terms, this means that disparate digital systems across MDAs can now interface smoothly under GBB’s coordination—minimising duplication, enhancing efficiency, and enabling better cross-departmental collaboration. The result? A more responsive, integrated digital public service framework that works for citizens and government alike.
A Message of Trust, Collaboration, and Innovation
Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, GBB’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, delivered a message that blends professionalism with warmth—underscoring the agency’s readiness to partner closely with MDAs across Nigeria.
“We have repositioned our organisation in such a way that the MDAs experience the quality, reliability and innovation of our services, and they can see us as a partner in their digital transformation journey. Our pledge is to listen, collaborate and provide tailored digital infrastructure solutions that meet the unique needs of each agency, while ensuring Nigeria’s data remains safe within our borders.”
This vision is grounded in action: GBB boasts a portfolio of ISO certifications and global-standard operating frameworks, signalling its commitment to service excellence, security, and modernisation—hallmarks of its evolved operational posture.
The circular goes further, urging MDAs with data hosted overseas to migrate to GBB’s platforms. This migration promises enhanced security, streamlined service delivery, and alignment with global best practices—offering Nigerian institutions both assurance and innovation.
Accelerating Nigeria’s Digital Transformation & Economic Growth
This renewed partnership between the Federal Government and Galaxy Backbone is far from symbolic. It is a strategic enabler of Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda—expected to boost operational efficiencies across government, elevate citizen service delivery, and fuel economic growth.
By returning focus to a locally-owned and government-aligned infrastructure provider, the nation fortifies its digital sovereignty, strengthens the resilience of its systems, and sets the stage for sustainable, inclusive tech-led development. With Galaxy Backbone at the centre of this drive—serving as the platform, the integrator, and the guardian of Nigeria’s critical digital infrastructure—the future looks decidedly more cohesive, secure, and promising.
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