Nigeria's first tier IV data centre

Galaxy Backbone (GBB), a leading digital transformation company, has achieved Uptime Tier IV certification for a data centre in Nigeria, marking the first facility in the country to receive this prestigious certification

Founded by the Federal Government of Nigeria, GBB is tasked with providing ICT services and infrastructure for government entities. It operates the National Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure Backbone (NICTIB), a comprehensive fibre optic network across Nigeria.

To address increasing network demands, GBB collaborated with Huawei on this new facility, utilising Huawei’s FusionDC1000B prefabricated modular data centre solution. This innovative approach shifts from traditional sequential construction to a model combining onsite assembly with factory prefabrication, resulting in rapid deployment and delivery.

Advancing data infrastructure 

Supporting Nigeria’s digital evolution, the new data centre features 17 prefabricated containers and integrates various systems such as smart modules, modular UPS, lithium batteries, data centre infrastructure management (DCIM), and iCooling. The prefabricated design minimises onsite construction waste and dust, with a streamlined process that allows for complete assembly and testing in just one month. These containers are designed for a 50-year service life, capable of withstanding magnitude 3 earthquakes and scale 12 winds, and meet IP55 standards for dust and water resistance, offering building-like quality.

With most data centres in Nigeria being Tier III, the introduction of this Tier IV facility is a significant advancement in closing the country’s digital divide.

GBB’s design process for the data centre incorporated features from top industry facilities, pre-integrating equipment and power distribution systems. This approach, which includes prefabricated modules for power supply, air conditioning units, and maintenance areas, has resulted in an industry-leading prefabrication rate and successful Uptime Tier IV certification for both design and facilities.

“Achieving this Tier IV certification from Uptime Institute is a testament to our unwavering dedication to excellence in cloud, data centre, and business continuity services,” said Ibrahim Adeyanju, managing director and CEO of Galaxy Backbone. “This certification assures our clients that they can rely on us for the highest levels of service availability and security. We remain committed to driving innovation and delivering world-class services to support the digital transformation of Nigeria and beyond.”