Telecom
Nigeria’s $1 Trillion Economy Vision Hinges on Digital Backbone

Industry leaders at a summit on the implementation of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) framework in Nigeria have established a direct link between Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy ambition and the critical roles of digital infrastructure in the country.

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Open Access Data Centre, Dr. Ayotunde Coker; Director, Legal (Global & Regional Business Affairs), Equinix, Abayomi Adebanjo; Chief Executive Officer, Rack Centre, Lars Johannisson; Ass. Business Editor and panel moderator, Yemi Adepetun; and Convener, Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFo), Omobayo Azeez, at the 7th PIAFo Summit on Critical National Information Infrastructure held in Lagos on Thursday.
During a panel session titled Appraisal of Data Centre Infrastructure Risks in the Scheme of CNII Implementation, they underscored the need for robust investments in data centers, broadband expansion, and cybersecurity.
Moderated by Yemi Adepetun, Assistant Business Editor at The Guardian Newspaper, the session featured insights from top industry executives, who stressed that Nigeria’s digital economy hinges on resilient infrastructure, energy integration, and strategic policy implementation.
Participants are the Chief Executive Officer, Open Access Data Centre (OADC), Dr. Ayotunde Coker; CEO of Rack Centre, Lars Johannisson; and Director of Legal (Global and Regional Business Affairs) at Equinix, Mr. Abayomi Adebanjo.
The panel session formed a part of the just concluded seventh edition of Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFo) with the theme: “Strengthening Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure through Proactive Implementation and Strategic Coordination.”
Strengthening Nigeria’s Digital Backbone
OADC boss, Coker, highlighted the fundamental role of digital infrastructure in driving economic growth. He pointed out that connectivity, data centers, and power must be aligned to ensure digital resilience.
Dr. Coker acknowledged Nigeria’s recent progress in restoring connectivity through increased subsea cable capacity, citing Meta’s new subsea cable project as a significant boost to global connectivity. However, he stressed the urgency of upgrading outdated subsea cables and fast-tracking infrastructure projects such as the Equiano and 2Africa cables.
With the government’s plan to expand fibre optic capacity by 90,000 kilometers, Dr. Coker emphasized the direct economic impact of broadband penetration, stating that a 10% increase could contribute 2.5% GDP growth. He also noted that while South Africa houses 50% of Africa’s data center infrastructure, Nigeria must scale up investments to bridge the gap and compete on a global level.
“The future of our digital economy depends on the seamless integration of connectivity, power, and data centers,” Dr. Coker asserted, calling for greater collaboration between private and public stakeholders.
Challenges in Execution and Investment
Mr. Johannisson echoed Dr. Coker’s sentiments, applauding Nigeria’s digital progress but warning that execution remains a major hurdle.
He highlighted asset protection policies as a key factor in attracting foreign investments.
Johannisson revealed that every megawatt of data center capacity requires an investment of approximately €12-15 million, with 70 megawatts currently in the pipeline.
He also stressed the importance of decentralizing data centers beyond Lagos to ensure broader access and affordability, especially with the pressing need for edge infrastructure which requires data centre spread across the country.
“If inefficiencies drive up costs, digital services will remain inaccessible to large segments of the population,” he warned.
Looking ahead, Johannisson emphasized the need to maintain cost-effective infrastructure investments to achieve Nigeria’s broadband penetration target of 80% by 2030.
Security, Power, and Government Support
Meanwhile, Abayomi Adebanjo, Director of Legal (Global and Regional Business Affairs) at Equinix, focused on the intersection of digital infrastructure and national security.
He underscored the vulnerability of critical networks to cyber threats and called for stricter security measures at both physical and digital levels.
Adebanjo also identified major gaps in Nigeria’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) framework, urging the government to take a more active role in enforcing protection programs.
He cited persistent issues such as fiber cable theft and legal obstacles in prosecuting offenders as deterrents to investment.
Recognising the significant power demands of data centers—comparable to large industrial operations such as the Dangote refinery—Adebanjo advocated for incentives such as designated special zones for data centers and priority access to electricity.
“Ireland is a prime example of how a stable regulatory and power supply environment can attract foreign direct investment,” Adebanjo noted, urging Nigerian policymakers to adopt similar strategies.
The Path Forward
The discussions at PIAFo underscored that Nigeria’s ambition to achieve a $1 trillion economy hinges on its ability to create a conducive environment for data centers and digital infrastructure growth.
In his opening remarks, Convener of PIAFo, Mr. Omobayo Azeez, stressed the need for concerted efforts among stakeholders to protect existing infrastructure and attract new investments to secure the digital future of the country.
Industry leaders agreed that increased broadband penetration, strategic investment, and supportive government policies are critical to bridging the digital divide and ensuring long-term sustainability.
With a growing commitment from both public and private sectors, Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its digital transformation journey—one that will define its economic trajectory for decades to come.
Telecom
NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom operators in the country to notify affected customers of any data breach within 48 hours ( that is two day) of detecting such unauthorised infringement.

This directive was contained in the revised Internet Code of Practice 2026 by the NCC, on Friday.
The document seeks to define the rights and obligations of telecom operators in handing the rights of internet users to an open internet.
In the move to protect customer information, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are to take necessary measures to protect customers’ data from unauthorised use, disclosure, access or breach.
Telecom operators must now notify affected customers within 48 hours of detecting a compromise through text message, email or any other effective means. As contained in Chapter 3.4 of the regulation titled “Data Breach Notifications,”
The telecoms companies are also directed to notify the NCC of such a breach not later than 48 hours after determining such a breach.
“Where full details of the breach are not immediately available, the provider shall issue a preliminary notification within the same period and furnish a comprehensive update within Fourteen (14) days thereafter, or within such extended period as the Commission may approve,” part of the section reads.
The guidelines, according to NCC, are in tandem with the provisions contained in the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023 and Part VI of Schedule 1 of the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2024.
The regulation also joins other agencies’ policies, ensuring protection. Agencies such as the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) protect consumers against misuse of personal data, identity theft, financial loss, and reputation damage.
The review comes at a time when privacy becomes core amid frequent breaches and illegal harvest of data such as biometric, national IDs, financial information, traffic and usage, and others.
Regulations are necessary for the proper handling, consent, and regulatory compliance regarding sensitive data, ensuring it is only processed for legitimate purposes.
Under Chapter 3.5, the Internet Code of Practice 2026 addressed the handling of harvesting of transactional data by notifying and getting approval from the NCC of any usage by a third party. It noted that the NCC approval will be defined by a review and assessment of such access and “its potential effects on national considerations, consumer information and personal data.”
Telecom
Globacom Promotes Valentine Gifting with Huge Discounts on Smartphones

Globacom has announced a Valentine Smartphone promotion, which provides incredible savings on a variety of high-end smartphones from top manufacturers including Tecno, Samsung, and Infinix.

Starting on February 9, the promotion provides substantial price reductions on a number of Samsung models, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy A07, Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G. Customers who buy any of the phones will also receive a complimentary travel pouch and charger, as well as up to 18GB of extra data for six months, only available on the Glo network.
Along with other Infinix models, Tecno devices are also offered at attractive discounts, giving customers a large range of smartphones to fit a variety of tastes and price ranges.
The goal of the Glo Valentine promotion is to provide customers with the best possible deals on carefully chosen smartphones that are renowned for their cutting-edge technology, stylish designs, and dependable performance. The offer, which includes alternatives to suit a range of budgets and lifestyles, reaffirms Globacom’s dedication to customer happiness, digital adoption, greater data usage, and client centricity.
The company revealed that the promotion aligned with customers’ expectations during celebratory seasons, when demand is highest for quality smartphones at affordable prices. The company added that its partnership with trusted global and regional brands such as Samsung, Infinix, and Tecno ensures that customers enjoy premium features without compromising on value.
“The Valentine season is about connection, and what better way to stay connected than with a smartphone that fits your needs and aspirations,” the company stated. “This promo gives our customers the chance to get their dream smartphones at some of the best prices of the year, along with generous data bonuses to keep them connected,” the company disclosed.
Customers are encouraged to visit Gloworld outlets nationwide to take advantage of the Valentine Smartphone Promo while stocks last.
Telecom
GBB Expands Broadband to 13 Underserved Communities In 2025

Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) has recorded a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey by advancing broadband connectivity to 13 underserved institutions and communities nationwide in 2025, reinforcing its position as the nation’s digital backbone and a trusted partner in national development.

Guided by its mandate to enable a digitally inclusive Nigeria, GBB deliberately extended connectivity to locations within reach of its infrastructure footprint, particularly institutions with strong potential for productive use but limited readiness for immediate commercial engagement. Through this effort, the organisation continues to unlock opportunity, stimulate innovation, and support sustainable growth across critical sectors of the economy.
The expansion reached three Federal Universities, two Local Government Areas, and eight Federal Secretariats, strengthening digital capabilities in education and public administration while enhancing service delivery across the country.
GBB also extended reliable broadband connectivity to strategic and cultural landmarks such as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, underscoring its commitment to supporting national infrastructure that drives economic activity, mobility, and global connectivity.
These deployments highlight Galaxy Backbone’s resolve to bridge the digital divide and empower institutions that shape Nigeria’s future. They demonstrate the measurable national impact of GBB’s infrastructure investments and reflect the tangible progress of the Integrated Digital Transformation Strategy (IDTS), further solidifying the organisation’s role as the platform upon which government institutions and communities can confidently build their digital future.
More importantly, the milestone illustrates that GBB’s work extends beyond technology by enabling education, improving governance, supporting economic participation, and connecting citizens to opportunity.
The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broadband penetration objectives and complements national programmes such as Project 774 – Universities’ Hostel Connectivity, ensuring coordinated, scalable, and sustainable impact across the country. Commenting on the achievement, Galaxy Backbone noted that every new connection brings Nigeria closer to a more inclusive digital economy while reinforcing the infrastructure required for innovation and national competitiveness.
As implementation continues, GBB remains committed to expanding access, pushing boundaries, and delivering on the promise of a fully digital nation, with further updates expected as additional phases of the deployment progress.
Galaxy Backbone Limited is the Federal Government’s digital infrastructure and shared services provider, dedicated to delivering secure, reliable, and scalable ICT solutions that support efficient governance, innovation, and sustainable national development.
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