Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, said the satellites would provide additional technical capabilities for defence and security agencies, particularly in locations where conventional communication infrastructure is limited or vulnerable to compromise.

Egerton-Idehen disclosed this during an interview on Sunrise Daily on Monday, where she highlighted satellite surveillance and secure communications as potential applications of the new space assets.

According to her, satellite technology, digital mapping and tracking systems could support security agencies in monitoring and locating criminal activities, particularly in areas where terrestrial infrastructure is difficult to deploy.

“Satellite comes in, and we can track criminals with it. Surveillance is part of the things you can do with satellites,” she said.

She explained that the effectiveness of such capabilities would depend on the satellite technology and supporting equipment available to security agencies.

“If there’s a digital map there, that means if there’s access to technology, of course there are things you can track and survey,” she said.

Egerton-Idehen also identified secure communications as a major potential benefit for Nigeria’s defence sector, particularly for troops deployed to remote and difficult-to-access locations.

She said military personnel operating in areas such as the Sambisa Forest can face difficulties maintaining reliable communication with command and control centres, while existing communication channels may sometimes be vulnerable to interception or compromise.

“We have our armed forces or the people in the defence sector, and sometimes their biggest challenge is communication. You’re going to put them in Sambisa Forest to go and fight there, and there is no way to talk to command and control. That is very difficult,” she said.

She added that even where communication links are available, security vulnerabilities could expose troops and operations to additional risks.

“And sometimes there is a way, but it’s not secure because it gets compromised, and they get compromised. That’s what we’re saying,” she said.

The NIGCOMSAT chief said the planned satellite capacity would help address some of these gaps by providing more reliable and secure communication infrastructure capable of supporting defence and security operations on a wider scale.

The post New Satellites To Boost Nigeria’s Military Communications, Surveillance – NIGCOMSAT appeared first on Tech Digest News.

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has underscored the importance of collaboration between government institutions and emerging startups as a catalyst for Nigeria’s digital transformation and national development.

Speaking at the Nigerian Satellite Week 2026 in Abuja, themed “Harnessing Space Technology for an Extraordinary Nigeria,” Inuwa urged stakeholders to embrace partnerships as a pathway to innovation and impact.

“Take a good step, and you can make a difference,” he said, emphasizing the need to translate ideas into tangible outcomes through collective effort.

The NITDA boss, represented by the Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Aristotle Onumo, during his presentation on “Enhancing collaboration between government agencies and emerging start-ups”, outlined four guiding principles for driving transformation: enabling the ecosystem rather than controlling it; prioritising networks over institutions; developing talent while supporting innovation and adopting practical solutions; and focusing on platforms rather than isolated projects.

To illustrate the power of digital innovation, Inuwa shared the story of a rural farmer whose productivity challenges ranging from unstable rents to failed loans were overcome through access to digital tools and networks. He explained that such incremental interventions can scale into broader economic gains, ultimately contributing to national infrastructure like satellite systems.

“This is the power of space technology, and it shows why events like this are so important,” he noted.

Highlighting the evolving role of space technology, Inuwa observed that startups are increasingly driving innovation across telecommunications, navigation, security, and cloud services. Once dominated by global superpowers, the sector is now emerging as a key economic driver, with Nigeria’s “Sunrise Packet” projected to contribute over $1.5 billion to the economy by 2030.

“Innovation without adoption is wasted,” he added, stressing the critical role of government in enabling start-ups to scale through supportive policies, infrastructure, and incentives.

According to him, developmental regulation should focus on creating markets, orchestrating ecosystems, and delivering public value rather than stifling innovation. He pointed to several initiatives supporting the growth of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, including the Digital Start-Up Act, Idea Hatch, and the National Digital Leadership Programme, all designed to empower young innovators and connect them to global opportunities.

He further highlighted platforms such as GITEX Africa, GITEX Nigeria, and Digital Nigeria, which provide visibility for start-ups and attract investment, partnerships, and mentorship.

Inuwa concluded with a strong call for collaboration among government, start-ups, non-governmental organisations, and investors, describing Nigeria’s youth as the country’s greatest asset.

“If we are going to create a digital Nigeria, we must collaborate,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Tijani, described Nigeria’s satellite infrastructure as central to the nation’s digital future.

“Nigeria is the only West African country with its own satellite. NigComSat provides critical connectivity and resilience, benefiting not just Nigeria but the entire region,” he said.

Tijani disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the acquisition of NigComSat-2A and NigComSat-2B, a move expected to significantly enhance the country’s space capabilities.

He stressed, however, that infrastructure alone is not sufficient.

“What truly matters is how we leverage this technology to improve agriculture, education, security, and business operations,” he said.

The Minister also highlighted key government investments, including a ₦12 billion digital economy research cluster fund under Project Bridge, which will support academics and researchers nationwide. He added that Nigeria is expanding its digital backbone through 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables, nearly 4,000 telecom towers in underserved communities, and new satellite deployments to strengthen regional connectivity across countries such as Cameroon, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and the Republic of Benin.

“The talent, ideas, and energy are all here in Nigeria. It is up to us to turn them into real outcomes for our people and the economy,” Tijani added.

The Nigerian Satellite Week continues to provide a strategic platform for collaboration among government, start-ups, academia, and the private sector, fostering innovation and reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s digital and space economy.

Welcoming participants, the Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Jane Nkechi Egerton-Ideyen, said Nigeria’s space programme is entering a new phase marked by deliberate and focused growth.

She pointed to strengthened institutional capacity, expanding partnerships, and clear economic gains, noting that the agency’s revenue grew from less than $650 million in 2023 to over $2 billion in 2025. She attributed this surge to key reforms, new commercial deals, and increasing demand for satellite broadband services across the African continent.

Egerton-Ideyen also disclosed that Nigeria has launched seven space assets in just over two decades, adding that the country is shifting its focus from prestige-driven initiatives to practical outcomes—enhancing connectivity, improving livelihoods, and promoting inclusive development.

She further revealed that more than 500 young Nigerians received training in satellite technology within the past year, while over 50 startups have benefited from NIGCOMSAT’s  accelerator programme.

The post NITDA Advocates Joint Action to Drive Nigeria’s Digital Innovation appeared first on Tech Digest News.

The Federal Government plans to bankroll the construction of 3,700 telecom towers in rural areas, a move aimed at connecting millions of citizens who currently lack reliable mobile and internet services.

Telecom operators often avoid sparsely populated rural areas due to low profit potential, focusing instead on urban centres where investment can be recouped. The government’s intervention will extend mobile and internet services to over 23 million Nigerians who presently lack access.

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani said the initiative has been approved by President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council.

“At the recent Federal Executive Council meeting, the President approved investment in close to 4,000 towers in rural areas. About 20 million Nigerians, mostly in the north, north-central, and northwest, are currently unconnected,” Tijani told Channels TV.

In the video clip seen on Monday, he explained the social and developmental rationale for the project. “Commercial companies may avoid these areas because there are few people and limited profit opportunities. The government is investing in these towers to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind,” he said.

The tower deployment is part of a broader national strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. This includes the 90,000-kilometre Project Bridge fibre-optic backbone, which will connect every geopolitical zone, state, and local government area, and the expansion of NIGCOMSAT, with the replacement of its existing satellite and the launch of two new satellites to improve coverage and resilience.

Officials say the towers will enable rural populations to access mobile services, the internet, and e-government platforms for the first time, bridging a critical gap in Nigeria’s digital economy. The project is expected to support development, education, financial inclusion, and economic growth in previously underserved communities.

Minister Tijani emphasised the government’s commitment to nationwide connectivity. “This is not just about profit or commercial interest; it’s about ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location, can access reliable communication services and participate fully in the digital economy,” he said.

The Federal Government’s investment in rural telecom towers, the national fibre-optic backbone, and satellite infrastructure reflects a broader effort to address gaps in digital connectivity that currently limit economic opportunity, restrict access to services, and pose development and security risks.

Earlier this year, in February, the Nigerian Communications Commission launched the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria, a policy initiative aimed at expanding internet access nationwide. NBAN seeks to connect key sectors such as schools, healthcare facilities, religious centres, and markets, creating a sustainable model for broadband adoption.

The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan (2020-2025) and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy’s strategic blueprint. Its targets include increasing broadband penetration from 44 per cent in December 2024 to 70 per cent by 2025, delivering minimum data speeds of 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural areas, and boosting broadband investment by 300–500 per cent by 2027. NBAN is rolling out a pilot programme in eight states: Edo, Ogun, Kwara, Katsina, Imo, Abia, Borno, and Nasarawa.

Tijani emphasised that the government’s interventions aim to address both social and economic inequalities. “Digital infrastructure is not just about commercial profit; it is a national priority. Ensuring that every Nigerian can access reliable communication services is central to development, inclusion, and long-term economic growth,” he said.

The combined effect of the 3,700-tower rollout, Project Bridge, NIGCOMSAT enhancements, and NBAN is expected to deepen connectivity, strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy, and create opportunities for education, business, and e-governance across previously underserved areas.

The post FG to Expand Telecom Infrastructure with 3,700 Towers appeared first on Tech Digest News.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to expand broadband penetration and drive adoption of digital health platforms. NigComSat recently unveiled a plan to generate N8 billion within three years by extending satellite-based connectivity services nationwide.

Olubumi stressed that widespread connectivity remains crucial to unlocking the value of telemedicine, noting that millions of Nigerians currently lack basic internet access. Leveraging NigComSat, he said, will enable coverage in underserved and remote regions.

Also speaking at the event, National Data Protection Commission CEO Dr. Vincent Olatunji urged healthcare providers to embed privacy compliance directly into system design. Represented by Barr. Alexander Onwe, he warned that as digital health tools expand, strong data-protection measures must accompany telemedicine, remote monitoring and AI-enabled diagnostics to prevent privacy breaches and misuse of medical information.

Onwe emphasized that the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 requires platforms to obtain clear user consent, collect only essential medical data, and observe strict retention limits. He added that cross-border processing in telemedicine may require NDPC-approved safeguards.

MySmartMedic founder Dr. Chuks Ekweme described telemedicine as necessary to close healthcare access gaps, particularly with Nigeria facing a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:4,000. He said enabling remote consultation could ease medical strain and improve outreach in underserved communities.

The post FG Eyes Broadband Access for 20 Million Nigerians Through NigComSat appeared first on Tech Digest News.

By Abbas Badmus,

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the state into Nigeria’s leading hub for technology and innovation, as he rewarded outstanding student innovators at the Kwara Futures Exhibition 2025, held on Monday in Ilorin.

The event, themed “Kwara Futures: Empowering a Digitally Ready Generation,” showcased the creativity of young coders and inventors trained under the Kwara Coding and Digital Literacy Programme, a state-led initiative that has trained over 5,604 students across 50 public schools in all 16 local government areas between August 2024 and October 2025.

Governor AbdulRazaq, who presented cash prizes to top-performing schools, described the exhibition as a reflection of his government’s strategic vision to build a generation of digitally skilled problem-solvers ready for the global economy.

“Our administration is unwavering in its commitment to transforming Kwara into a beacon of technological excellence and empowering our youth to lead the digital revolution,” AbdulRazaq said.

“For the first time in our state’s history, Kwara is etching its name on the world map of digital startups, thanks to the innovative spirit of our entrepreneurs and the strategic policies we’ve implemented.”

At the competition, United Junior Secondary School, Ilorin, emerged overall winner of the 2025 Kwara Futures Innovation Challenge, taking home the N1 million grand prize. Ilorin Grammar School and Government Girls’ Day Secondary School, Pakata, came second and third, winning N500,000 and N250,000, respectively.

The student teams presented an impressive array of projects including a Smart School Attendance System, Universal Report Card Generator, Weather Forecast App, Python-Based Banking Simulation, Expense Visualiser, and an Igbaja Farm Expense Tracker App—innovations that earned wide praise from judges and industry stakeholders.

AbdulRazaq commended Hon. Kayode Ishola, his Special Assistant on Digital Innovations, for spearheading the initiative, describing the programme as a “legacy project” that bridges the gap between education and opportunity.

“Young techies, your vision is our blueprint,” the governor told the students. “Together, we’ll ensure Kwara doesn’t just appear on the map—we’ll redefine it as a global hub for tomorrow’s solutions. The future is here, and it’s Kwara’s to claim.”

In his remarks, Hon. Ishola said the exhibition marked the fulfilment of the governor’s vision for a “digital Kwara where every child can learn, create, and compete globally.”

“When His Excellency approved the pilot phase of the Kwara Coding and Digital Literacy Programme in 2024, it was not merely an experiment; it was a strategic intervention to prepare our children for the future of work,” Ishola noted.

He revealed that over 120 instructors—including NYSC members, ICT teachers, and digital volunteers—had been deployed across the state, with 60 per cent of participating schools located in rural or underserved areas, thereby bridging the urban-rural digital divide.

Ishola also unveiled the next phase of the programme, which will expand to 100 schools, establish Innovation Learning Centres in each senatorial district, and launch ‘Girls Code Kwara’, an initiative targeting 60 per cent female participation in technology by 2026.

“Kwara is not just catching up. We are setting the pace for what subnational governments can achieve through vision and willpower,” he said.

Kwara’s Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, highlighted that the coding and digital literacy programme underscores the administration’s commitment to youth development.

“When you look at the budget, the highest we met for education was about 5 per cent. I’m proud to say this administration has raised it to around 14 per cent,” Olohungbebe stated, noting that the governor prioritizes the future of young people.

Other dignitaries, including the Commissioners for Communications, Business, Innovation and Technology, and Social Development, lauded AbdulRazaq’s leadership in promoting innovation and inclusion through education.

A representative of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Mrs. Funmilayo Obi, also praised the governor’s youth-focused policies.

“Your Excellency, you are showing Nigeria and the world that when we invest in our youth, we invest in a future that is timeless, inclusive, and extraordinary,” she said.

The Kwara Futures Exhibition 2025 reaffirmed the state’s growing reputation as a rising center for digital innovation, driven by forward-looking policies and the creativity of its young generation.

The post AbdulRazaq Rewards Student Innovators, Vows to Make Kwara Nigeria’s Tech Hub appeared first on Tech Digest News.

The discussions took place during a courtesy visit by KSA’s Director General, Brigadier (Rtd.) Hillary Kipkosgey, to NIGCOMSAT’s Ground Control facility in Abuja. Kipkosgey said the visit was intended to explore partnerships and build stronger ties with Nigerian institutions.

NIGCOMSAT Managing Director, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, described the collaboration as a milestone for Africa’s space ambitions, stressing that Nigeria’s investment in the sector was meant to drive economic growth, strengthen sovereignty, and attract global investors. She urged African nations to take an active role in shaping global space policy, pointing to decades of leadership from countries like Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa.

Egerton-Idehen also highlighted NIGCOMSAT’s goal of generating N8 billion in revenue within three years by expanding broadband services. Despite broadband being its most profitable service, only 7% of capacity is currently in use. By diversifying into enterprise connectivity, digital infrastructure, and rural mobile services, the agency projects an annual average revenue of $3 billion as it repositions itself as a driver of Nigeria’s digital economy.

The post Nigeria, Kenya Strengthen Space Ties as NIGCOMSAT and KSA Explore Deeper Collaboration appeared first on Tech Digest News.

“A geostationary satellite typically lasts 15 to 20 years. Because we’ve managed it well, we can keep this satellite running until 2028. Our ultimate goal is to have a replacement in place by then,” said Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director and CEO of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat).

NigComSat-1R remains central to Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, carrying broadcasting, broadband, defence, and navigation services. Broadcasting, powered by the Ku-band, has been its strongest segment, supporting the Nigerian Television Authority, the National Broadcasting Commission, and over 100 other broadcasters. Broadband use has grown more slowly, hampered by the satellite’s limited 1.5 GHz capacity and high latency compared with low-earth orbit rivals like Starlink.

The replacement process—choosing a vendor, design, build, and launch—normally takes four to six years, but Egerton-Idehen believes Nigeria can complete it in 30–36 months, given preparatory work started in 2019. NigComSat is in final vendor and investor negotiations, with funding expected from a mix of export-credit agencies and commercial banks.

Beyond sustaining services, Nigeria is also racing to protect its orbital slots assigned by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Losing them could weaken its position as West Africa’s only country with a national communications satellite.

Despite criticism that NigComSat has not engaged enough with broadcasters and end-users in planning the next satellite, officials see the project as key to Nigeria’s regional ambitions. With no other West African country operating a national satellite, Nigeria is positioning itself to dominate broadcast and broadband services across the region.

The post Nigeria Delays Replacement of NigComSat-1R Satellite to 2028 appeared first on Tech Digest News.

Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat), Jane Egerton-Idehen, disclosed this in Abuja during a one-day training for Information Technology reporters. She said the initiative aims to boost financial inclusion, productivity, and national development by bridging the digital divide in underserved areas.

Egerton-Idehen, represented by the Executive Director, Technical Services, Abiodun Attah, explained that the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy is also driving a programme to extend internet access to all 774 local government areas in the country.

“We live in a digital age where satellites and ICT are no longer abstract or futuristic; they are part of our daily life. Satellites power internet in rural villages, help us predict the weather, support disaster response, and even strengthen national security,” she said.

She stressed the role of the media in translating technical issues such as spectrum allocation and broadband penetration into stories ordinary Nigerians can understand. “You are shaping how people see opportunities in technology. You are influencing how policymakers respond. You are even inspiring young Nigerians to dream of careers in tech and space,” she told the reporters.

Head of Media and Corporate Communications at NigComSat, Aisha Bantam, said the training, themed Equipping the Media, Reporting it Right, was timely in ensuring accuracy, balance, and context in ICT reporting.

The post 200 Rural Communities Connected to Internet, Media Engaged on ICT Awareness – NigComSat appeared first on Tech Digest News.

Managing Director Jane Egerton-Idehen disclosed this at a stakeholder roundtable in Lagos on Friday, stressing that only 7% of the company’s broadband capacity is currently in use, leaving 93% underutilized.

“Broadband has the widest use cases, from powering schools and hospitals to connecting naval ships and fintech hubs. The challenge is that we cannot do it alone,” she said.

NIGCOMSAT has demonstrated capability through its Project 774, which connected 45 local government secretariats across eight states within two months — faster than fibre cable providers could deliver.

Egerton-Idehen stressed the need for private sector collaboration:

“We don’t have engineers in every state. Our role is to provide the backbone while partners take services to the market. This way, we can cover Nigeria and even West Africa.”

With competitors like Starlink gaining ground, stakeholders urged government to adopt policies compelling MDAs to patronize NIGCOMSAT over foreign services.

Egerton-Idehen cited examples like Egypt’s NALSAT, which makes $150 million annually, saying Nigeria’s ₦8bn ($3–4m) target is modest if partnerships succeed.

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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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