Science & Tech
THE Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nadungu Gagare, says that the Galaxy Backbone’s (GBB) G-Zone Free Internet Hotspot will deepen digital inclusion in the country.
Gagare said this on Thursday at the official inauguration of the G-Zone Free Internet Hotspot in Abuja, one of the activities marking the 20th anniversary celebration of the GBB.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative is being implemented in partnership with some operators of public parks across the Federal Capital Territory including City Park and Jabi Lake Park.
He called on Nigerians to take ownership of digital infrastructure projects in their communities to ensure their sustainability and long-term benefits.
He urged such communities to regard government-provided infrastructure as their own and protect them for continuous use and development.
Drawing from his experience in the Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gagare said communities that benefited from government projects were always encouraged to safeguard such facilities.
“When we provide infrastructure such as water supply or electrification we tell the people not to see them as Federal Government property but as their own because they are the direct beneficiaries,” he said.
The permanent secretary urged residents where parks are located and other hosting the hotspot facility to protect and maintain the infrastructure.
According to him, connectivity has become an indispensable resource in modern society and a critical driver of economic and social development.
“Data is like life. In today’s world, connectivity is more valuable than many natural resources because it creates opportunities for everyone,” he said.
Gagare described the inauguration of the Green Zone Hotspot as a milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward digital transformation and inclusion.
“In today’s knowledge-driven economy, access to reliable, affordable and high-speed internet connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
“Connectivity enables innovation, drives productivity, supports education, strengthens governance and creates opportunities for businesses and citizens alike,” he said.
He congratulated the board, management, staff and former leaders of the organisation for their contributions to the country’s digital development.
Gagare said the Federal Government would continue to support GBB through policy backing, patronage and funding to enable it to expand connectivity across the country.
“As we celebrate GBB at 20, let us renew our collective commitment to harnessing technology as a tool for national development, economic growth, innovation and inclusive prosperity,” he said.
The Managing Director of GBB, Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, said that was the first phase of the organisation’s free public internet hotspot initiative aimed at expanding digital inclusion and providing affordable internet access nationwide.
Adeyanju said that the initiative was designed to democratise access to digital services and bridge connectivity gaps among citizens.
“Twenty years ago, GBB was established with the mandate of providing access to internet services in Nigeria at a time when internet connectivity was expensive, limited and largely out of reach for many citizens.
“Two decades later, that mission has not changed; it has only deepened,” he said.
He said that internet access had become a critical necessity in modern society, comparable to other essential services.
He said that parks would be transformed into digital hubs where citizens could access educational resources, conduct business activities, work remotely and connect to global opportunities without the burden of data costs.
The Manager of Junkyard, Mr Imoukhuede Felix, who spoke on behalf of other park operators commended the quality and speed of internet services provided by GBB.
Felix describing the connectivity as reliable and faster than other networks he had used.
(NAN)
W.U
June 18, 2026
Tags: Mr Imoukhuede Felix Nadungu Gagare Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju