Galaxy Backbone Requires N200bn for Broadband Connectivity

By Ahmed Rahma

The Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone (GBB), Mr Mohammad Abubakar, on Thursday, said that the organisation would need not less than N200 billion for broadband connectivity at National Broadband Plan (NBP) recommended speed to the Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

He also said that about N35 billion would be needed to provide effective internet service at 2mbps to federal government’s agencies.

He, therefore, sought the assistance of the National Assembly to enact laws that would enable it to operate without bureaucracy.

Mr Abubakar, while speaking in Abuja when the parliament’s joint committee on Information Communication and Technology (ICT) and Cybersecurity were at the agency to carry out its oversight function, said if this law is put in place, Galaxy Backbone would be able to compete with other business outfits providing same services

“To provide connectivity services at a minimum broadband speed of 2Mbps to all MDAs nationwide as mandated funding in excess of N35 billion will be required.

“More than N200 billion will be required for broadband connectivity at National Broadband Plan (NBP) recommended speed,” he said.

He noted that, “Despite the state of the art infrastructure, Galaxy is finding it increasingly difficult to compete with private sector companies because of bureaucracy that is peculiar to public sector institutions.

“Despite a 40 per cent increase in Annual Service Contract, the provision fails to match the steep rise in demand for Galaxy’s services.

“Additional increase will be required to keep up with MDAs’ demands and needs,” he said.

Mr Abubakar, however, said that the internal infrastructure readiness issues within some MDAs would continue to affect the quality of services enjoyed by the MDAs.

He also said that the internal IT capacity issues within several MDA affected uptake and utilisation of Galaxy Services, adding that GBB had continued to mitigate the challenge through training.

Mr Abubakar also used the opportunity to ask the national assembly members to assist in making the agency more viable.