Galaxy Backbone, in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), yesterday hosted a high-level engagement workshop with the 12 key government agencies that will drive the first phase of this project.

This milestone marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s ongoing digital transformation efforts, with the goal of improving Government-to-Citizen (G2C) interactions and enabling easier access to government services.

The Government Service Portal is a unified digital platform designed to enhance the delivery of public services by providing a seamless, secure, and accessible portal where citizens can interact with multiple government agencies.

Through this portal, citizens can access critical services such as NIN Registration, Immigration Services, healthcare services, and more—with little or no need to visit to physical offices.

Galaxy Backbone, a leading digital infrastructure and services provider for the Nigerian public sector, has played a pivotal role in championing e-government and in designing and deploying the GSP.

Through its partnership with KOICA, Galaxy Backbone has ensured that the platform leverages the latest technologies, prioritizing user experience, accessibility, and cybersecurity. KOICA has provided technical expertise, capacity-building support, and funding for the development of the portal, underscoring the shared commitment to Nigeria’s e-government strategy.

Key Highlights of the Government Service Portal:

1. Accelerating Digital Transformation: The GSP supports the Federal Government’s commitment to digitize public services, enabling more efficient governance and ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of location, can access essential services.
2. Improving Government-to-Citizen Engagement: By reducing the need for face-to-face interactions and offering real-time service tracking, the portal fosters a more transparent and responsive government, enhancing citizens’ trust in public institutions.
3. Secure and Accessible Services: The GSP is designed with robust cybersecurity features, ensuring that citizens’ data remains protected. It is also mobile-friendly and accessible in multiple languages, making it easy for citizens from all parts of Nigeria to interact with government services online.
4. KOICA’s Role: KOICA has provided strategic support, leveraging its expertise in e-governance and technology-driven public service delivery. KOICA’s involvement ensures that the GSP aligns with international best practices and benefits from the lessons learned in similar successful projects globally.

Engagement Workshop with 12 Pilot Agencies:

The engagement workshop, which took place today, brought together senior officials from 12 pilot government agencies, including FMCIDE, NIMC, SMEDAN, NCC, NIPOST, FRSC, NAFDAC, NYSC, NPF, NIS, BPP and NEPC.

The goal of the workshop was to familiarize these agencies with the GSP’s features, capabilities, and integration process, and to ensure seamless service delivery as the portal goes live.

Speaking at the workshop, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, who represented the Honourable Minister, highlighted the significance of this project and the need deepened collaboration and deeper citizen engagement.

‘The Government Service Portal has the potential to change lives and I believe that through and efficient and effective collaboration we will achieve a lot for our nation’.  Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanyu, Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, emphasized the significance of this initiative in transforming how government services are delivered to Nigerians.

He noted: “The Government Service Portal is a testament to Nigeria’s dedication to embracing digitalisation for improved governance. Galaxy Backbone is proud to lead this initiative, working alongside KOICA to make public services more efficient, transparent, and accessible to all. With the engagement of these pilot agencies, we are taking a major step toward a fully digitized public service ecosystem that will benefit every Nigerian citizen.”

From KOICA’s side, the Country Director, Mr. Sunjil SON, expressed the agency’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s journey toward an inclusive digital economy, stating: “KOICA is delighted to partner with Galaxy Backbone and the Government of Nigeria in delivering a platform that will change how citizens interact with their government. This initiative aligns with our broader mission of promoting sustainable development through technology and innovation.”

Looking Ahead:

The successful integration of the 12 pilot agencies is a precursor to a broader rollout of the GSP across all government ministries, departments, and agencies. This initiative will serve as the backbone of Nigeria’s e-government strategy, reducing delays, improving transparency, and empowering citizens to engage more effectively with their government.

Starlink has added major price hikes for its Nigerian customers, with roaming now 234 percent more expensive, despite the cost of living crisis gripping the country.

Nearly two years after launching in Nigeria, Starlink, said that it is hiking the price so significantly because of rampant inflation gripping the nation.

“Due to excessive levels of inflation, the Starlink monthly service price will increase,” reads an announcement seen by TechCabal.

Customers will begin paying the new rates for the standard residential and Starlink roaming plans from 31st October.

The standard residential subscription will receive a 100 percent price increase, from $24 to $48 with the 1TB soft-cap still included.

Meanwhile, customers that use Starlink to roam – allowing them to use the kit outside their homes and workplaces in Nigeria – will see a nearly 234 percent price increase, from $30 to $100 per month.

This is over R1 700 in South Africa.

The $100 per month cost for the roaming price in Nigeria now mirrors the pricing of Starlink roaming in Botswana, a close neighbour of South Africa.

Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH 4.0), one of the continent’s leading technology-focused events, is scheduled to hold Thursday, November 07, 2024 at Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, Lagos-Nigeria.

The forum will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to explore the theme “Leapfrogging Digital Transformation for Future of Africa’s Economy.”

AfriTECH 4.0 is poised to address critical conversations around the digital evolution of Africa, with a focus on key topics such as emerging technologies, sustainability, policy frameworks, and innovation in the tech ecosystem.

The forum will highlight the importance of building sustainable and inclusive digital infrastructures that can drive economic growth and social development across the continent.

Event Highlights Include:

·       Keynote Presentations from prominent technology leaders and policymakers.

·       Panel discussions: telecommunications/data centre business, artificial intelligence, fintech, blockchain, cybersecurity, and digital skills development.

·       Workshops and Masterclasses led by industry experts on strategies for digital transformation.

·       Networking Opportunities for attendees to connect with key stakeholders in Africa’s tech landscape.

·       Exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovative startups from across Africa.

·       Africa Tech Alliance Excellence (ATAEx) Awards in recognition of individuals, businesses and institutions leading digital transformation in Africa.

Notable Speakers at AfriTECH past events include Mr. Austin Okere, founder, CWG PLC, Ola Williams, Country Manager, Microsoft Nigeria & Ghana; Dr. Ayotunde Coker, CEO, Open Access Data Centre (OADC); Dr. Aminu Maida, EVC/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Kashifu Inuwa, DG, NITDA; Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, CEO, Digital Realty (Nigeria); Chuks Anakudo, Managing Director/CEO – Global Accelerex; Prof. Wale Peter Obadare, Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode Limited; Dr. Seyi Akindeinde, founder, NeuRaL AI; Chris Uwaje (Oracle) pioneer president, Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria; Dr. Krishnan Ranganath, the Regional Executive for West Africa and Morocco at Africa Data Centres; Emmanuel Amos, President, InnovationBed Africa; among others.

Prominent speakers have also lined up for AfriTECH 4.0 who will share insights on driving Africa’s digital economy, fostering innovation, and ensuring digital inclusion for all.

“With Africa’s growing digital economy and the increasing importance of technology in various sectors, AfriTECH 4.0 will provide a platform for stakeholders to collaborate on strategies to harness the power of technology to solve some of the continent’s most pressing challenges”, said, Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-convener, AfriTECH.

Event Registration is now open via the link here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1xQJc8d141wUZ5Swuj2lhiPFLLKUV0xCjE3f_P2bjKfY/edit and interested participants can sign up to attend the forum both virtually and in person.