GBB Calls on Nigeria to Lead in Shaping Emerging Technology Use

Oghenevwede Ohworiole in Abuja

Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB), Nigeria’s information technology and shared services provider, has called on the country to take a leading role in shaping emerging technologies rather than merely consuming global innovations.

Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, Managing Director of GBB, urged Nigeria to lead the use of emerging technologies instead of being passive consumers.

He made the remarks at the company’s 20th‑anniversary press conference on Monday in Abuja, where he outlined the activities planned for the celebration.

Adeyanju said Nigeria must decide whether it wants to shape how emerging technologies transform lives or simply consume them.

“The question before us is simple: Will Nigeria merely consume these innovations? Or will Nigeria actively shape how they transform our nation? At Galaxy Backbone, our answer is clear. We choose to lead,” he said.

“The next chapter of Galaxy Backbone will therefore not simply be about building infrastructure; it will be about maximising infrastructure. It will be about enabling innovation through smart digital solutions, expanding digital access, and supporting sub‑nationals, businesses and institutions,” Adeyanju added.

Speaking about the company’s brand and identity, he noted, “Our new brand identity symbolizes our evolution from a government ICT infrastructure provider to a national digital transformation enabler, aggregator and platform that connects governments, businesses and institutions through secure and smart digital solutions.”

According to him, the organisation will host its first Galaxy Backbone Digital Transformation Summit, themed “Powering Nigeria’s Digital Future,” during the week. The platform will bring together leaders from government, industry and academia to share growth ideas.

He also disclosed that the company will launch a refreshed brand identity to reflect its shift from an infrastructure builder to an economic driver. This will enable the company to carry out new corporate social responsibility projects during the week to support local communities.

The state‑owned digital infrastructure company is celebrating two decades of providing a shared technology platform for the federal government, with a mandate to eliminate duplication, reduce costs and improve service delivery across the public sector.

In his words, “The company has grown from a simple connectivity provider into a major national asset spanning nearly 30 states, whose infrastructure connects various government ministries, departments and agencies, and creates a stronger base for digital governance.”

He added, “In line with its vision, the company has built world‑class data centres and a cloud platform to help public offices work more efficiently.”