CommsSat Can Transform Nations’ Sustainable Devt

The managing director of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen has emphasised the transformative potential of communication satellites in driving the nation’s sustainable development.

Speaking at the unveiling of the maiden edition of Nigerian Satellite Week in Abuja, themed “Empowering Nigeria’s Digital Future: Innovations in Satellite Technology and Entrepreneurship,” Egerton-Idehen highlighted that the event serves as a springboard for action, showcasing how satellite technology can revolutionise Nigeria’s development across various sectors.

“Our goal is to ensure that satellite technology becomes a cornerstone of Nigeria’s sustainable future, driving impact across diverse sectors, even in the most remote areas,” she said. “This event marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s satellite and space industry as we gather to explore how communication satellites can be the driving force behind our nation’s sustainable development across various industries and initiatives.”

The event was designed to bring together experts, industry players, investors, policymakers, innovators and decision-makers from both the public and private sectors, locally and internationally.

Egerton-Idehen further stated that NIGCOMSAT’s mission is to unpack and showcase the transformative potential of satellite technology for Nigeria, with a focus on sectors like the economy, security, healthcare, and education. The event aims to foster connections and partnerships in these areas.

She also noted that startups from the 9-month accelerator programme would showcase their innovative solutions. “These startups represent the future of Nigeria’s space sector—young, dynamic, and full of potential,” she added.

Egerton-Idehen urged agencies and all sectors of society to understand and support the satellite industry to unlock its full potential for national development. She called for increased collaboration and partnerships to grow Nigeria’s digital economy.

“Let’s build collaborations, foster innovation, and ensure that the outcomes of this week lead to real, lasting progress. We are building something greater than ourselves—a connected, resilient Nigeria powered by satellite technology. Every one of us has a role to play in ensuring this vision becomes a reality,” she said.

Egerton-Idehen also disclosed that NIGCOMSAT is working closely with security agencies to tackle insecurity in rural areas of the country.

The director-general of the Regional African Satellite, Timothy Ashong revealed that Nigeria is the only African country with a communication satellite. He explained that the Nigerian Satellite Week aims to raise awareness of the services the satellite provides, encouraging citizens to utilise them.

Ashong emphasised that the workshop serves as an avenue to ensure African satellite communication operators secure their share of the African satellite communication market. 

“One of RASCOM’s strategies is to empower African satellite operators and promote the use of satellite services provided by African member states,” he said.

Executive director and technical partner of NIGCOMSAT, Engr. Abiodun Attah stressed that the organisation has deployed numerous technologies to combat insurgency in rural areas and regions facing significant security challenges.

He added that NIGCOMSAT aims to achieve 200 channels and 20 million viewers by next year.