Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure, describing secure connectivity, data sovereignty and locally developed technology as critical drivers of economic growth.
Oyedele made the commitment during a visit to the headquarters of Galaxy Backbone Limited in Abuja, where he inspected the organisation’s digital infrastructure and received briefings on its operations, capabilities and expansion plans.
The minister said digital infrastructure should be treated as a core economic asset, stressing that deliberate investment in connectivity, secure platforms and data infrastructure was essential to improving government services, supporting innovation and enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
“Digital infrastructure is no longer simply a technology conversation; it is an economic and national development imperative,” Oyedele said.
He also called for increased investment in locally developed technology, including software, hardware and digital services, to build domestic capacity and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign technology providers.
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“We must intentionally invest in connectivity, secure platforms and data infrastructure, while giving greater consideration to Nigerian solutions across software, hardware and digital services,” he added.
Oyedele said the Federal Government’s “Buy Nigeria” initiative could help strengthen indigenous technological capacity and retain more economic value within the country.
He further underscored the importance of data and digital sovereignty to Nigeria’s economic and national security interests.
The minister commended Galaxy Backbone for providing shared digital infrastructure and secure services to ministries, departments and agencies of government. He also highlighted the organisation’s investments in data centres, cybersecurity capabilities and government digital platforms.
Oyedele assured the organisation of the Ministry of Finance’s support and urged its management to deepen partnerships, expand its services and develop a more sustainable operational model capable of delivering greater value across the different tiers of government.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, outlined the Organisation’s role in connecting government institutions, protecting public-sector data, facilitating digital services and reducing duplication across government.
He appealed for continued policy and investment support to expand its fibre network, data-centre capacity and cybersecurity infrastructure.
