Nigeria may save $2.4 billion, about N295.2 billion annually through the use of single network connectivity. According to the chief executive officer, Galaxy Backbone Plc, Gerald Ilukwe, who stated this during the inspection tour of the company's facility by the minister of science and technology, Mrs Grace Ekpiwhre, the current situation, whereby all the federal ministries, agencies and parastatals connected to different networks, does not encourage tight budgeting as huge sum of money is lost daily to the system.



He said, with official mandate to be the sole provider of connectivity, internet access and other infrastructure and in transversal services to ministries, departments, and agencies of the federal government as well as providing a platform for e-education in the country, a lot of money would be saved. Ilukwe, however, asked the minister to assist the company in revalidating import duty waiver as shipment of equipment is being delayed. He also asked for adequate budget for provision of its services in 2008, adding that Nigeria would derive maximum benefit from the project once it commences operation. "When we commence operation Galaxy will be bound by service level agreements with penalties that will ensure that quality standards are met and sustained", he said



The minister, Mrs Grace Ekpiwhre, however, expressed the federal government's readiness to assist the company to achieve its laudable objective. Galaxy Backbone, owned by the federal government was established to manage all information, communication and technology (ICT) for all government ministries, departments and agencies (MDA) in Nigeria as well as deploying a nationwide fiber optic, microwave and VSAT and other assets to provide reliable and cost effective services to the public and private sector establishment. According to Mrs Ekpiwhre, her ministry would do everything possible for Galaxy Backbone to ensure that the project takes off in time for the benefit of Nigerians as well as various government's institutions, parastatals, ministries and agencies. "I am very proud of what I have seen; I think Nigerians should be proud of it as well. Just count on my ministry's support as we are ready to ensure that the project commences operation soonest", the minister said.