A consortium of satellite stakeholders in Nigeria has emphasised the critical role satellite technology plays in enhancing national security and military operations.
This was disclosed during a Stakeholders Forum 2024 with the theme “Harnessing Communication Satellites for Sustainable Development,” held as one of the line-up of events to mark the Nigerian Satellite Week organised by the Nigeria Communications Satellite Ltd (NigComSat), National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and Defence Space Administration (DSA) in Abuja on Thursday.
In a communiqué shared with Science Nigeria, the consortium highlighted the strategic deployment of Nigeria’s satellite resources to support efforts in combating terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country.
During a panel discussion themed “Harnessing Communications Satellite for Sustainable Development,” the speakers underscored the importance of communications satellites in fostering economic empowerment, growth and development, particularly in rural and underserved areas. They also noted the advantages of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, including their speed and reduced latency.
The Chief of Defence at the DSA further elaborated on the connection between satellite technology and security, stating that communications satellites (COMSATs) are key enablers for improved military operations, rural connectivity and various applications such as telemedicine, precision agriculture, maritime connectivity, and the development of smart cities.
In his opening address, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani represented by the director of ICT, emphasised the forum’s goal of strengthening partnerships. He referenced the existing collaboration between the Ministry of Communications and NigComSat Ltd, particularly the recent training of over 2,000 Nigerian youths nationwide on very small aperture terminal (VSAT) and television receive-only (TVRO) technologies. This training, according to the minister, has empowered these youths for self-employment. He also reiterated the need for participants at the forum to recognise NigComSat’s efforts in advancing satellite communication in Nigeria.
The minister urged all participants to celebrate NigComSat’s achievements, forge new partnerships and harness the opportunities provided by satellite technology for national development.
In her welcome address, the managing director of NigComSat, Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen expressed her gratitude to the CEOs of DSA and NASRDA, describing the three agencies as part of the same “tribe” working toward a common goal. She cited two key events in her speech: first, the disruption in April 2024 when eight undersea fiber-optic cables along the coast of West Africa were cut, almost halting connectivity and impacting businesses and second, the persistent challenges with last-mile connectivity using fiber. She used these examples to underscore the importance of communications satellites as a viable alternative for communication, vital to ensuring national sovereignty, defense and development.
Egerton-Idehen also highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to acquire a second satellite, a project currently in progress and expected to be finalised soon.
This forum aims to bring together stakeholders from various sectors to explore the vast potential of the satellite industry. Since Egerton-Idehen took office, NigComSat’s TV channels have increased from 45 to 105, with viewership growing from 2,000,000 to 7,000,000. Significant strides have also been made in connecting local government areas (LGAs) across Nigeria with digital communication centres, with many already linked.
