Galaxy Backbone, a digital infrastructure services and solutions provider, has called for stronger government policies, increased investment in digital infrastructure and deeper collaboration across the public and private sectors as Nigeria seeks to build an economy increasingly driven by data.
The company’s Managing Director said Nigeria’s ability to benefit from the growing importance of data would depend not only on the volume of information generated across the economy but also on the country’s capacity to securely manage, connect and transform that data into useful economic and public-sector outcomes.
According to Galaxy Backbone, a coordinated approach involving government, businesses, academia, development partners and the wider technology ecosystem will be critical to building the infrastructure and institutional framework needed to support a data-driven economy.
The company identified three priorities that should guide Nigeria’s digital transformation efforts: policy, investment and collaboration.
“To build a truly data-driven economy, Nigeria must adopt a whole-of-government and whole-of-ecosystem approach anchored on three priorities: policy, investment, and collaboration,” the Managing Director said.
On policy, Galaxy Backbone said Nigeria needs forward-looking frameworks that facilitate responsible data sharing across government while protecting privacy, security and public trust.
The company identified interoperability standards and stronger data governance frameworks as key components of an environment where data can be securely shared and used more effectively across public institutions.
It also called for policies that support digital public infrastructure, saying such frameworks could help unlock the broader value of data for national development.
The emphasis on interoperability reflects a wider challenge facing digital governments, where information held by different institutions can generate greater value when systems are able to communicate securely rather than operate as isolated platforms.
Galaxy Backbone also called for sustained investment in resilient digital infrastructure, including high-speed broadband networks, sovereign cloud capabilities, secure data centres, cybersecurity systems and digital platforms that can provide citizens and businesses with seamless access to government services.
“Strategic investment in resilient digital infrastructure is essential,” the Managing Director said. “This includes expanding high-speed broadband connectivity, strengthening sovereign cloud capabilities, scaling secure data centres, enhancing cybersecurity, and developing digital platforms that enable seamless access to government services.”
The company stressed that infrastructure investment must also be accompanied by human capital development. According to Galaxy Backbone, infrastructure alone cannot deliver the benefits of a data-driven economy without a workforce capable of effectively using the technologies and platforms being developed.
The call comes as cloud computing, digital platforms, artificial intelligence and connected services continue to increase demand for secure systems capable of storing, processing and exchanging large volumes of information.
For Nigeria, the challenge extends beyond expanding internet access. It also involves ensuring that digital infrastructure can support government services and businesses, while data is securely managed and institutions can efficiently exchange information.
Galaxy Backbone, which provides digital infrastructure and shared services to the Federal Government, identified collaboration as the third major requirement for Nigeria’s transition to a data-driven economy.
The Managing Director said no single institution could build such an economy independently, making partnerships among government, the private sector, universities, development organisations and technology innovators essential.
“Stronger collaboration between government, the private sector, academia, development partners, and the innovation ecosystem is indispensable,” the MD said.
The company said such collaboration should promote innovation, research and local talent development while supporting the creation of technologies and services that address Nigeria’s economic and social needs.
Galaxy Backbone also positioned its role around providing infrastructure capable of turning digital investment into practical outcomes for government and citizens.
“At Galaxy Backbone, we believe that digital infrastructure is only valuable when it enables better outcomes for people,” the Managing Director said.
The company said it remained committed to working with its partners to develop secure, resilient and interoperable digital platforms that can empower government institutions, support businesses and improve access to services.
The broader challenge for Nigeria is now shifting from simply generating and collecting more data to using that information effectively. This requires institutions to build public trust around how data is collected and shared, while ensuring that the necessary infrastructure and skills are available to convert information into useful services and commercial opportunities.
Galaxy Backbone said Nigeria’s progress in the digital economy should therefore not be measured solely by the amount of data generated.
“Ultimately, Nigeria’s success in the digital economy will not be determined solely by the amount of data we generate, but by how effectively we transform that data into trusted insights, better public services, inclusive economic opportunities, and sustainable national development,” the Managing Director said.
