Digital infrastructure is essential for economic growth and service delivery, says Akume.

By Progress Godfrey

ABUJA — Dr George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, emphasized that digital infrastructure remains essential for fostering economic growth and enhancing public service delivery across Nigeria.

He addressed the audience in Abuja on Wednesday during the Digital Transformation Summit, an event organized to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Galaxy Backbone and themed “Powering Nigeria’s Digital Future.”

Akume argued that the future of governance, economic competitiveness, and national prosperity hinges on how effectively technology is deployed to better citizens’ lives. He noted that Galaxy Backbone has, over time, become a vital national asset that underpins digital services in government institutions.

“The future of government will be digital, the future of economic competitiveness will be digital, the future of public service delivery will be digital, and the future of national prosperity will increasingly depend on how effectively we leverage technology to improve the lives of our people,” he said.

The SGF added that, beyond a vision, Nigeria’s digital future demands robust infrastructure, collaboration, innovation, and institutions capable of delivering results at scale. He called on states, agencies and the private sector to strengthen partnerships and speed up the adoption of digital solutions.

Earlier, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, Managing Director and CEO of Galaxy Backbone Limited, stated that digital transformation is no longer merely a technological issue but a fundamental driver of economic growth and national development.

Adeyanju added that nations investing in digital infrastructure are positioning themselves for global competitiveness, pointing out that Nigeria’s large population and expanding innovation ecosystem give it strong potential.

“Across the globe, nations are investing heavily in digital infrastructure because they recognise a simple truth: those who lead digitally will lead economically,” he said.

He further said that the next phase of Nigeria’s digital growth will rely on deeper collaboration among government, the private sector, and other stakeholders to create a connected ecosystem.

Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, also spoke, asserting that Nigeria’s legal framework must evolve to mirror the realities of a digital economy.

He revealed that the National Assembly is drafting new legislation to provide legal backing for digital records and transactions, along with amendments aimed at strengthening cybersecurity laws.

Salisu