The Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd, NigComSat, a Federal Government-owned agency overseeing Nigeria’s communication satellites, has kicked off a regional training program aimed at equipping young Nigerians with satellite technology skills.

The initiative, titled “Building Grassroots Innovation in Satellite Technology,” begins with a five-day Space-Tech Hackathon in Yola, Adamawa State, from February 24 to 28. It targets university students, local innovators, and young professionals from Borno, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, and Adamawa States.

According to Aisha Bantam, Head of Corporate Affairs at NigComSat, the training will introduce participants to Very Small Aperture Terminal (V-SAT) technology and explore applications for NigComSat satellites, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) satellites, and other emerging space technologies.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Jane Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director of NigComSat, emphasized that the hackathon aims to inspire young Nigerians to develop innovative solutions to local challenges using space technology.

She revealed that winning teams would advance to the NigComSat Accelerator Programme in 2025, where they will receive mentorship and resources to refine and commercialize their solutions.

“This initiative is designed to drive sectoral growth, raise awareness about satellite technology, and create economic and social impact,” Egerton-Idehen stated.

The Yola hackathon marks the first of four regional competitions planned across Nigeria, with Adamawa State hosting the North-East edition. Through these hackathons, NigComSat aims to reduce youth unemployment, promote digital skills, and encourage technology-driven problem-solving.

As Nigeria seeks to expand its space technology sector, NigComSat remains a key player in enhancing economic growth, supporting national security, education, and advancing e-governance initiatives.

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The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat) has entered into partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding with Hotspot Technology solutions to provide internet access to rural communities in Nigeria.

According to authority of NigComSat, the strategic collaboration would revolutionise access to reliable and affordable internet services in underserved communities across the country.

The terms of the agreement indicated that NigComSat and Hotspot would leverage their respective platforms to deploy cutting-edge satellite technology and innovative connectivity solutions to connect remote and rural areas that have traditionally lacked access to internet connectivities.

By combining NigComSat’s extensive satellite infrastructure and Hotspot’s expertise in rural connectivity, this partnership would empower communities to bridge the digital divide and unlock new opportunities for socio-economic development, NigComSat Managing Director, Jane Egerton-Idehen said at the weekend.

Speaking at an event for the signing of the agreement, Mrs Egerton-Idehen expressed the commitment of NigComSat to leverage its ” technological capabilities to drive digital transformation and improve the lives of Nigerians, especially those in underserved regions.”

“This collaboration with Hotspot highlights our unwavering dedication to connect the unconnected and ensure that no community is left behind in the digital age”, she added.

Hotspot’s Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Morenikeji Aniye, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that “We are thrilled to work alongside NigComSat in this endeavour.”

“At Hotspot, connecting the millions of unconnected persons remains a cardinal objective of our mission. By combining our expertise and resources, we will be able to deploy innovative solutions that bring reliable and affordable internet access to rural communities, empowering them to participate fully in the digital economy and access essential services,” Aniye said.

NigComSat is a communication satellite service provider with coverage over African countries and parts of Europe and Asia, while Hotspot Network Limited is a one-shop for all networking and telecommunications needs.

The rural connectivity project is also in partnership with Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).

The project is expected to deliver rural connectivity on NigComSat-1R Ka-Band platform.

So far, Hotspot has proposed targeting a sizeable number of rural communities across Nigeria with the service.

Our correspondent gathered that the joint initiative between NigComSat and Hotspot will commence immediately, with plans to roll out the first phase of the project in some selected rural areas within the next six months.

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In a significant step to be part of the global community in leveraging the benefits of emerging technologies, Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a global Act for adoption of Sixth Generation Technology (6G) and other facilities related to Radio and Telecommunications.

Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani signed the Act on behalf of Nigeria at the just concluded World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC) 2023.

This development was part of the record landmark decisions taken at the conference.

The 6G Technology Act comprised both the new and revised provisions of the Radio Regulations, an international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.

Those who attended the conference were the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida and the Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat Ltd), Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen

The WRC-2023 is a global, inter-governmental treaty conference held every three to four years by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations-affiliated international organization for telecommunications.

At the end of each conference, countries signed an updated Final Act, the outcome of agreements on agendas put forward by country administrations.

The Public Affairs Director of the NCC, Mr Reuben Muoka quoted the ITU as saying that, “the agreement to the updated Radio Regulations identifies new spectrum resources to support technological innovation, deepen global connectivity, increase access to and equitable use of space-based radio resources, and enhance safety at sea, in the air, and on land.”

Mr Reuben Muoka said “Among the decisions reached, the Conference also identified spectrum for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), which will be crucial for expanding broadband connectivity and developing IMT mobile services, also known as 4G, 5G and, in the future, 6G.

“The conference also identified new frequencies for non-geostationary fixed-satellite service Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs) that would provide high-speed broadband onboard aircraft, vessels, trains, and vehicles. These satellite services are also critical following disasters where local communication infrastructure is damaged or destroyed.

“Provisions were also included to protect ship and aircraft mobile service stations located in international airspace and waters from other stations within national territories.

“Nigeria’s delegation at the conference comprised seasoned engineers and experts in telecommunications and satellite regulations and governance from the Ministry, NCC, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), NigComSat Ltd, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), telecom operators and other practitioners from the telecommunications industry in Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, Tijani, who led the Nigerian delegation at the WRC-23, thanked the delegation for their sacrifices which, he noted, were made for the collective benefit of the future of Nigeria.

He also enjoined the Nigerian delegation to commence preparation for future conferences to ensure the preservation of the country’s interest by developing capacity through investments in extensive research and inter-agency collaboration.

Also, during an engagement with the Nigerian delegation at the conference, Maida commended the delegation for collaborating towards Nigeria’s best interest. He emphasised the conference’s significant importance for Nigeria.

According to him, “The agreements reached at this year’s conference will provide valuable spectrum resources that will benefit the Commission’s stakeholders, especially ordinary Nigerians by enhancing service quality and bridging the digital gap in rural areas.

“Additionally, the establishment of international standards for radiocommunications and the decisions made at the conference will impact the development and implementation of new technologies.

“These outcomes align with Nigeria’s overall objectives and the Honorable Minister’s Strategic Plan for the Ministry particularly on expanding broadband connectivity, in harmony with the global transition to 5G and future 6G technologies, as well as improving quality of experience and providing equitable access to all Nigerians.”

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