By Progress Godfrey

ABUJA — The Federal Government has commended Galaxy Backbone (GBB) Limited for its two-decade role in driving digital transformation across Nigeria’s public service, describing the agency as a critical pillar in modern governance.

Speaking at a Gala and Awards Night, held in Abuja on Friday to mark GBB’s 20th anniversary, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman Board of Directors GBB, Senator George Akume, represented by the Permanent Secretary General Services, Dr Abubakar Ibrahim Kana, said the 20th anniversary marked not just the passage of time but a celebration of innovation, resilience and national impact through technology.

Akume said Galaxy Backbone was established to provide a unified and secure IT infrastructure for government institutions, noting that the agency has since evolved into one of the country’s foremost digital infrastructure providers.

The SGF added that the organisation has played a vital role in strengthening service delivery, enhancing transparency and improving collaboration across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) through its fibre optic network, data centres and cloud services.

He noted that digital transformation has become a necessity for economic growth and governance efficiency, urging continued investment in innovation, cybersecurity and broadband expansion.

“Twenty years ago, Galaxy Backbone was established with a bold mandate to provide a unified and secure IT infrastructure platform for government institutions to facilitate efficient service delivery and drive the modernisation of public administration through technology,” he said.

He further stressed that the achievements of the agency were driven by visionary leadership, strong partnerships and sustained commitment from stakeholders, adding that the next phase would require deeper collaboration and adoption of emerging technologies.

The Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone, Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, in his remarks, described the organisation’s journey as one built on people, partnerships and shared vision rather than infrastructure alone.

He said the agency has moved beyond early ideas of fibre connectivity to delivering real digital solutions that support governance and national development.

He also credited past leaders, staff and stakeholders for laying the foundation that has sustained the institution over the years.

“Institutions are often described by their infrastructure, their systems, their budgets, or their technologies. But great institutions are built by people,” he said.

He added that the organisation remains committed to supporting government digital transformation efforts and expanding its impact through stronger collaboration with both public and private sector partners.

On his part, Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, represented by Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Ibrahim Gantsa, noted that Jigawa State has invested in ICT development through policy reforms, digital identity systems and capacity building initiatives aimed at strengthening governance and service delivery.

Namadi added that the state is pursuing deeper collaboration with Galaxy Backbone in areas such as connectivity, cybersecurity, cloud adoption and digital skills development, commending the firm for its role in transforming the public sector.

The Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, commended Galaxy Backbone for demonstrating that government institutions can deliver efficient and professional digital services. She said the agency’s visible presence across public institutions reflects its impact in improving access to technology and service delivery nationwide.