A memorandum of understanding has been signed by Galaxy Backbone and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to provide digital infrastructure that supports government operations and enhances nationwide access to technology.
The Partnership, which was sealed at Galaxy Backbone’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, underscores the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Digital Transformation Agenda and the commitment of both institutions to foster a more inclusive, connected, and technologically empowered Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in providing digital infrastructure to underserved and rural areas.
According to him, “we intend to provide the secure digital infrastructure that powers government operations and expands access to technology across every part of this country. But digital transformation cannot happen in isolation. It must be supported by reliable, sustainable energy systems, especially in the underserved and rural areas.
“That’s why this partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency is so significant and timely. REA has consistently demonstrated excellence and innovation, expanding energy access to remote communities, empowering small businesses, higher institutions of learning, and enabling critical institutions to function efficiently.”
The MD further highlighted the areas of coverage under the MOU, “We’ll be looking at deployment of solar solutions to enhance sustainable power in GBP’s Tier 3 and Tier 4 data centres in Abuja and Kano.
“Secondly, we have this University Fibre to Hostel Initiative, jointly with the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to university hostels. We’ll be working with REA, empowering university hostels with small-scale solar solutions in addition to the fibre connectivity.
“Thirdly, we’re looking at the Project 774 digitalisation. REA will support Galaxy Backbone with a low-capacity solar installation to power the connectivity infrastructure. We’re hoping this will commence. We’ve already installed six local government locations across the country.
“Another area we’ll be working with REA is providing solar power for digitalisation projects currently being done across MDAs in support of Mr. President’s digitalisation agenda,” he said.
Also speaking, the MD/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, while highlighting the significance of the partnership,p revealed plans of addressing electricity deficits in rural communities within the country.
He said that “The nexus between electricity, financial inclusion and digital economy cannot be overemphasised. We have seen it over and over. It is said that wherever there is no electricity, there is no financial inclusion.
“There is no digital value that has been created within those communities.
“The leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working towards changing this narrative. The first thing the government has done is sign the biggest public sector funding renewable base in the entire world. It’s 750 million dollars that is expected to catalyse a private sector investment of about 1.1 billion US dollars.
“This amount of money is targeted to electrify close to 20 million Nigerians, of which we plan to provide 3 million using interconnected mini-grids, over 1.5 million using isolated mini-grids, and 12 million using solar home system grid extension and mesh grid.”
“But providing electricity is just one bit of it. Once you provide electricity, you have to make that electricity catalyse socioeconomic activities within these communities. And that is the essence of what we are doing today.
“We are now harnessing this infrastructure deployment across the country by ensuring that as we provide this electricity in this rural and sub-area, we are also catalysing financial inclusion, and at the same time, catalysing the digital economy within this community,” he added.