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Digital Transformation Summit 2026: FG Reaffirms Tech as Backbone of National Prosperity
Nigeria has reaffirmed that its long-term economic growth, governance efficiency, and public service delivery will increasingly depend on digital transformation, as stakeholders gathered in Digital Transformation Summit 2026, a landmark event marking the 20th anniversary of Galaxy Backbone.
RELATED: Galaxy Backbone at 20 reaffirms strategic role in Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda
The summit, held in Abuja, underscored the growing role of digital infrastructure in powering Nigeria’s digital economy expansion. It also highlighted the importance of such infrastructure in positioning the country for global competitiveness.
Digital Transformation Now Central to National Development
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said Nigeria’s future prosperity depends on the strategic deployment of digital technologies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He stressed that technology has moved beyond being an enabler to becoming a core driver of national development, transparency, inclusion, and economic growth.
“Technology is not merely an enabler. It is a catalyst for national development, transparency, inclusion and growth. The future of national prosperity will increasingly depend on how effectively we leverage technology to improve the lives of our people,” said Akume.
Akume also called for stronger collaboration between federal, state, and local governments to accelerate the national digital agenda, noting that existing digital infrastructure and partnerships must be fully leveraged.
“The transformation we seek cannot be achieved by the Federal Government alone. states and local governments remain at the frontline of governance and service delivery. I therefore encourage state governments, ICT agencies and public institutions to engage actively with Galaxy Backbone and its ecosystem of private-sector partners. The digital infrastructure exists, the expertise exists and 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 added.
Galaxy Backbone @ 20: Two Decades of Digital Infrastructure Impact
The Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, highlighted the organisation’s 20-year journey in building Nigeria’s digital backbone.
He noted that Galaxy Backbone has played a critical role in:
- Strengthening government digital infrastructure
- Expanding secure cloud services
- Enhancing cybersecurity capabilities
- Connecting Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) nationwide
- Supporting digital public service delivery
He stressed that Nigeria must focus on strengthening its “digital supremacy” to remain competitive. This involves improving the country’s capacity to build, secure, and effectively leverage digital assets. Such capabilities, he noted, are critical for driving national development.
“With one of Africa’s largest populations, a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and a young, innovative population, Nigeria’s digital future is not merely an aspiration but a necessity. The theme of this summit, ‘Powering Nigeria’s Digital Transformation’, is therefore both timely and urgent. Digital transformation is no longer just across the globe, nations are investing heavily in digital infrastructure because they recognise a simple truth: those who lead digitally will lead economically,” Adeyanju said.
He escribed the anniversary summit as a platform for collaboration between policymakers, innovators, investors, and technologists shaping Nigeria’s next digital decade.
Digital Economy as a National and Global Growth Engine
According to the National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, Nigeria’s digital economy has already reached an estimated $18.3 billion and remains the fastest-growing sector globally.
According to him, the global digital economy is expected to hit $28 trillion by 2026, accounting for more than 22% of global GDP. He also noted that Nigeria’s share could grow to approximately 20% of its national GDP. This would represent a significant boost for the country’s economic standing in the coming years.
Olatunji stressed the need for data-driven policy and investment in digital infrastructure. He described data as the bedrock of modern economic growth. Without it, he argued, sustainable development in the digital age would be difficult to achieve.
Digital Governance Reform and Civil Service Transformation
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, reported major progress in digitising Nigeria’s civil service operations.
She confirmed that all 38 federal ministries and extra-ministerial departments completed digitalisation of core processes by December 2025, marking a major milestone in governance reform.
She credited Galaxy Backbone for providing essential infrastructure such as:
- iGovernment Cloud services
- GovMail platform
- Secure connectivity systems
- High-speed government internet services
Legislative Push for Digital Economy Regulation
Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, Senator Shuaibu Salisu, announced progress on the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, which is expected to be passed before the end of the 10th Assembly.
He said the legislation will provide a regulatory framework for Nigeria’s digital economy and unlock job creation opportunities for young people with digital skills.
“Just imagine the number of jobs and opportunities that will be created when this bill becomes law. For those of you who have acquired digital skills, you can use those skills to digitise any government agency you choose”, he said.
AI, Cloud Computing and the Future of Nigeria’s Economy
Speakers at the summit agreed that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data analytics, and digital platforms are reshaping global economies.
They emphasized that digital infrastructure leadership will determine economic power in the coming decades. For Nigeria, this makes digital transformation an economic necessity. It is also a governance imperative that cannot be delayed.
20th Anniversary Significance: A Defining Moment for Nigeria’s Digital Economy
The 20th anniversary of Galaxy Backbone was described as a strategic milestone reflecting two decades of investment in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure ecosystem.
The anniversary summit highlighted:
- Progress in national connectivity and cloud infrastructure
- Expansion of digital public services
- Strengthening of cybersecurity architecture
- Growth of Nigeria’s digital economy ecosystem
The initiative reinforced Nigeria’s ambition to embed digital technology across governance, economic planning, and service delivery.
This strategic move is designed to drive digital transformation across all sectors. Ultimately, it positions the country for accelerated digital economy growth over the next decade.
