The federal government says it is scaling up investment in digital infrastructure for it holds the key to the nation’s prosperity.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, said this on Wednesday in Abuja during  the 2026 Digital Transformation Summit, organised by Galaxy Backbone (GBB).

The event was part of the activities to mark GBB’s 20th anniversary.

Mr Akume said the federal government was aware that Nigeria’s future prosperity, economic competitiveness and public service delivery would increasingly depend on the country’s ability to leverage digital technology.

He described the summit as an important platform for advancing conversations on digital government, innovation and national development.

Speaking on the theme “Powering Nigeria’s Digital Future,” he said achieving that goal required infrastructure, collaboration, innovation and strong institutions capable of delivering sustainable digital solutions.

According to him, the event is particularly significant as it coincides with the celebration of two decades of GBB’s contributions to Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.

“Over the last two decades, GBB has evolved from a traditional initiative into a critical national asset.

“It has been providing digital infrastructure, platforms, connectivity, cloud services, secure networks and support for service delivery across the country.

“Today, as we reflect on this journey, we must also look ahead. The future of government will be digital, the future of economic competitiveness will be digital, and the future of public service delivery will be digital,” he said.

Mr Akume said the President Bola Tinubu administration places strong emphasis on digital innovation, economic transformation, institutional efficiency and the creation of opportunities for Nigerians.

He said the Renewed Hope Agenda recognised technology as a key enabler of national development and economic growth.

He commended GBB for its role in driving digital transformation across government institutions through its national infrastructure, cloud platforms, cybersecurity capabilities and shared services.

According to him, the organisation continues to provide a solid foundation for building a more connected, efficient and citizen-centred public sector.

Mr Akume expressed delight at the participation of representatives from state governments at the summit, stressing that digital transformation could not be achieved by the federal government alone.

He urged state governments, ICT agencies and public institutions to take advantage of GBB’s infrastructure and partnerships to accelerate digital adoption and service delivery.

“The digital infrastructure already exists. The expertise exists. The partnerships exist.

“What is required is greater collaboration, stronger adoption and a shared commitment to accelerating digital transformation at every level of government,” he said.

The SGF also commended the managing director, executive management and staffers of GBB for their commitment to innovation and service excellence over the years.

He encouraged the management and members of staff to remain focused on excellence, innovation and service delivery as the organisation enters a new phase of growth.

Mr Akume expressed confidence that the summit would foster meaningful conversations, partnerships and ideas capable of supporting a more connected, innovative, competitive and prosperous Nigeria.

He called on stakeholders across the public and private sectors to work collectively towards building the country’s digital future.

“Let us use this platform not only to facilitate the future but also to collectively build it,” he said.

Earlier, GBB Managing Director Ibrahim Adeyanju advocated stronger collaboration among government, the private sector, academia, development partners and innovators to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Mr Adeyanju said that digital technology was a critical driver of national development, economic competitiveness and improved governance.

“The summit is not merely about technology but about shaping Nigeria’s future through innovation and digital advancement.

“We are here to discuss a future where governments are more efficient, businesses more competitive, citizens more empowered and opportunities more accessible because digital technology has become a catalyst for national transformation,” he said.

He said that digital transformation was an economic, governance and nation-building agenda that should be prioritised to unlock opportunities and improve citizens’ lives.

Reflecting on GBB’s 20-year journey, Mr Adeyanju said the organisation was established with a bold vision to provide shared digital infrastructure for government and support Nigeria’s transition to a modern digital economy.

He said the vision had enabled the organisation to build critical infrastructure, support digital public service delivery, strengthen cybersecurity capabilities, provide secure cloud services and connect institutions across the country. 

(NAN)