By 
By Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju
Across the world, efficient digital infrastructure has become the deciding factor between nations that thrive and those that fall behind. It shapes how governments function, how innovation spreads, and how citizens access opportunities. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) accelerates global transformation, the importance of reliable, secure and scalable infrastructure becomes even more profound.
AI does not operate in isolation. It relies on fast networks, strong computing power, trusted data systems, and a governance environment that ensures safe and responsible use. Without these foundations, the promise of AI remains limited—especially for countries striving to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth.
Efficiency as a Catalyst for National Transformation
For AI to truly serve development goals, efficiency must be at the heart of the digital ecosystem. Efficient systems allow data to move where it is needed, applications to scale, and services to reach communities that have historically been underserved.
This includes building robust cloud environments that can host intelligent applications securely; scalable data centres capable of managing high-volume, AI-driven workloads; resilient fibre networks that ensure low-latency connectivity; and strong cybersecurity frameworks that build confidence in digital systems.
When these elements work together seamlessly, they create an environment where AI can enhance education, strengthen healthcare, support agriculture, improve governance, and fuel economic competitiveness.
Importantly, Nigeria is already taking practical steps in this direction. Through Galaxy Backbone (GBB), secure and scalable infrastructure is currently supporting AI workloads at the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), enabling advanced research, experimentation and innovation. This same national digital infrastructure can be expanded to further support universities, research institutes and higher education institutions with the computing power and storage capacity required for data-intensive research, AI model development and large-scale collaboration.
Technology must empower, not exclude
My journey through research and practice—spanning intelligent systems, machine learning, embedded systems and digital transformation, and now as MD/CEO of GBB—has continually reinforced one belief: technology must empower, not exclude.
I have seen how the right infrastructure can transform a school’s ability to learn, a hospital’s ability to diagnose, or a business’s ability to innovate. I have also seen how inefficiency can rob communities of advancement.
This is why I am deeply committed to advocating for systems that are seamless, efficient, trusted and accessible. Inclusive growth requires digital foundations that reach broadly, function reliably and evolve continuously.
AI adoption requires not only technical readiness but also institutional and societal confidence. Efficient infrastructure must be paired with strong governance, data protection, transparency and ethical standards. These principles ensure AI is deployed responsibly and sustainably, serving the public good while protecting citizens and institutions.
Nigeria has the talent, creativity and ambition to lead in AI
Looking ahead, Nigeria has the talent, creativity and ambition to lead in AI across the continent. To achieve this, we must continue building and optimising the digital foundations that make intelligent systems possible. Efficiency, resilience and collaboration will be the key drivers of this progress.
My personal mission remains clear: to help shape a digital future where technology accelerates development, expands opportunity and ensures that every step forward benefits all.
Inclusive growth is not achieved by technology alone; it is achieved by vision, partnership and consistency. As we continue to execute our mission at GBB, we remain committed to driving the digital foundation that allows AI to transform Nigeria—responsibly, securely and for the benefit of all.
