At its core, this move reinforces the country’s ambition to build a $1 trillion economy, where digital infrastructure, space technology, and secure connectivity form the backbone of national productivity and global competitiveness.

As Nigeria accelerates its digital transformation agenda, the message is increasingly clear: terrestrial fibre infrastructure alone cannot meet the demands of a modern, resilient digital economy.

Under the leadership of Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the country is closing long-standing gaps in national connectivity.

While progress on the 90,000km national fibre backbone, now over 60 percent complete, is commendable, fibre must be complemented by satellite infrastructure to achieve universal coverage, redundancy, and security.

The future of connectivity is hybrid: fibre plus satellite.

Satellites as Critical National Infrastructure

Through NigComSat, led by Jane Egerton-Idehen, the managing director and CEO, Nigeria is strengthening its space-enabled communications capabilities across key sectors, including broadband access, aviation, maritime operations, defence, disaster recovery, and remote-area connectivity.

Satellite communications are no longer optional, they are a core pillar of national infrastructure and digital sovereignty.

Global engagements at Space-Comm Expo Europe in London, alongside industry and investment exhibitions across the United States and Canada, reinforce a clear international consensus: satellite communications remain the most scalable and practical solution for last-mile connectivity, particularly in regions where fibre deployment is economically prohibitive, physically insecure, or geographically impractical.

For emerging and frontier markets, satellites are not a fallback, they are a strategic advantage.

From Vision to Execution

The focus now must shift decisively from policy intent to execution.

This includes:

• Mobilising diaspora capital and venture investment into Nigeria’s digital, defence, and space-technology ecosystem
• Structuring partnerships with OEMs, satellite operators, defence contractors, and space-technology firms
• Driving capacity development, CAPEX optimisation, and indigenous technical capability
• Championing the protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII)
• Embedding strong Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) frameworks aligned with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), Cybercrimes Act, and regulatory oversight from NCC and NITDA

These efforts are backed by commitments exceeding ₦1 billion in combined CAPEX and OPEX across infrastructure deployment, enterprise platforms, software upgrades, OEM partnerships, and workforce development.

A Call for Strategic Partnerships

Nigeria’s space and digital infrastructure ecosystem is open to serious, long-term partners.

We are actively engaging with strategic investors in satellite communications, secure connectivity, and digital infrastructure; OEMs and technology partners across space, defence, and cybersecurity, and institutional and diaspora investors seeking structured, compliant entry into Africa’s fastest-growing digital markets

For stakeholders based in Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, or Canada, this is a timely opportunity to participate in space-enabled connectivity, last-mile broadband solutions, and secure digital infrastructure partnerships across Africa.

Nigeria’s future is space-enabled, secure, and globally connected. The window for early, strategic collaboration is open.

Olanrewaju Sulyman Lanre, is a member, N&CBN Toronto GTA Hub. He is also the ED/CEO, Equinoxcore Technology Limited.

Managing Director, Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen, made this known during a stakeholder roundtable in Lagos, stressing that the company’s broadband potential is largely underused. 

According to her, only 7% of NIGCOMSAT’s capacity is currently being utilised, leaving 93% dormant.

“We know broadband has greater value and wider use cases, from connecting local government offices to supporting education, defence, healthcare and even fintech. The challenge is that we cannot do it alone,” Egerton-Idehen said.

While NIGCOMSAT has noted a rise in Nigeria’s broadband penetration from 35% in 2023 to 75%, official records from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) place penetration at 45.6% as of January 2025, with 98.88 million subscriptions.

The National Broadband Plan (2020–2025) sets a goal of 70 per cent penetration and 90% population coverage before the end of 2025. But obstacles remain: poor infrastructure, high deployment costs, and underutilised networks. 

Despite this, demand for internet access has never been higher, with over 1 million terabytes consumed in January 2025 alone, driven by fintech growth, remote work, and the explosion of streaming.

Egerton-Idehen pointed to projects already delivered as proof of NIGCOMSAT’s strength. Under Project 774, the company connected 45 local government secretariats across eight states in just two months, an achievement she said terrestrial fibre operators could not have matched in terms of speed.

These connections provide local governments with direct access to services ranging from birth and death registration to healthcare and education in remote areas. However, scaling such interventions nationwide is still a challenge for the agency’s 250-member workforce.

“Our role is to provide the service backbone and support partners to take it to the market. We are not set up to compete directly with consumer operators because we don’t have engineers in every state to do installations and support. However, by working with partners, we can reach schools, health centres, fintech companies and government agencies across Nigeria and even in West Africa,” Egerton-Idehen explained.

Global satellite providers, particularly Starlink, have already made deep inroads into Nigeria’s rural broadband market, using low-Earth orbit satellites to deliver low-latency services. 

Some stakeholders at the meeting warned that NIGCOMSAT risks losing relevance in the broadband sector if it continues to be viewed as a bureaucratic agency rather than a competitive commercial operator.

They proposed government policy interventions mandating ministries, agencies, and parastatals to prioritise NIGCOMSAT services over foreign alternatives.

Egerton-Idehen countered doubts by pointing to successful state-backed ventures. “For example, NALSAT makes about 150 million dollars yearly. If we focus and work with the right partners, our N8 billion target, which is only about three to four million dollars, is not ambitious at all,” she said.

She further promised partners access to Ka-band, Ku-band, and C-band platforms, alongside technical support, co-branded marketing, and flexible partnership structures.

“This is the next chapter for NIGCOMSAT. We want to build it with you, our partners, because we cannot do it alone,” she assured.

NIGCOMSAT’s goal aligns with the Federal Ministry of Communications’ Strategic Blueprint, which prioritises digital inclusion at the grassroots level. 

The fulfilment of the company’s revenue target depends on how quickly it can shake off its image as a slow-moving government body, secure private sector buy-in, and counter global competitors in Nigeria’s broadband space.

The Managing Director/CEO of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat) was not there to deliver a routine speech.

She came with a bold vision, one that could redefine the nation’s satellite communications landscape.

At the July edition of the DevsInGovernment MDA workshop series, Egerton-Idehen unveiled a staggering projection: NigComSat is targeting an average of $3 billion in annual revenue as it expands beyond traditional boundaries.

The event, themed “Driving Operational Excellence through Technology at NigComSat”, was more than a gathering of civil servants and tech enthusiasts.

Supported by Galaxy Backbone and the World Bank, it marked a turning point, a moment when NigComSat declared it was no longer content with playing in the background of Nigeria’s digital evolution.

“For us to grow, we must think differently,” Egerton-Idehen said, her voice steady with intent. “If we can stretch the life of our products and tap into emerging needs, we’re not just talking about $3 billion, we could do even more.”

This ambition is more than a pipe dream. NigComSat is actively diversifying. Broadcasting may have been its traditional stronghold, but new revenue streams, from enterprise connectivity to satellite-powered solutions for unserved rural areas, are already coming online.

Abiodun Attah, executive director of Technical Services, reinforced this shift in strategy. “We’re no longer limiting ourselves to government contracts. We’ve begun working directly with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to deliver 2G, 3G, and 4G traffic to remote communities,” he said. “That used to be out of reach, but not anymore.”

Attah’s words reflected a broader cultural shift within NigComSat: a transformation from a reserved, inward-facing agency into a commercial player with an eye on national impact and global relevance.

At its core, the DevsInGovernment initiative, a movement aimed at galvanising technologists within public service, served as the perfect backdrop for this announcement.

For a country chasing digital transformation, the signal was clear: NigComSat is not only orbiting the skies, it’s aiming for the stars.

And if Egerton-Idehen’s vision holds true, the $3 billion target might just be the beginning.

The programme, which combines a Space-Tech Hackathon and Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) training, will take place in Dutse, Jigawa, from April 7 to 11.

The initiative will target students, startups, and innovators from seven states—Kaduna, Kano, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Jigawa. According to NIGCOMSAT, this initiative is designed to promote technological innovation and enhance digital inclusion in underserved areas.

Speaking on the development, Jane Egerton-Idehen, the managing director of NIGCOMSAT, noted the impact of the hackathon: “The hackathon allows participants to identify challenges, create ideas, build prototypes, and receive mentorship using satellite technologies.”

Beyond the competition, the programme will train 100 youths in VSAT installation, providing them with practical knowledge to deploy broadband solutions in remote communities. The certification from this training will open doors for participants in the ICT sector, whether as employees or entrepreneurs.

NIGCOMSAT has urged interested participants to register via its official website before the programme commences. 

The organisation previously held a similar initiative in Yola, Adamawa, for the North-East region, reiterating its focus on driving grassroots innovation in satellite technology.

Egerton-Idehen asserted the organisation’s mission: “The aim of Space-Tech Hackathons and VSAT Training is to inspire innovation, solve community challenges, and tackle youth unemployment nationwide.” 

The programme is being co-hosted by the Jigawa State Government and NIGCOMSAT Ltd.

The NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme is a gateway to leveraging space technology for real-world change.

The organisers aim to empower startups leveraging satellite technology to address everyday challenges across various sectors, including but not limited to spacetech, agritech, fintech, edtech, healthtech, and cybersecurity.

“If you’re a bold innovator aged 18 or above, ready to solve critical challenges in Nigeria using space technology, then this programme is for you. We’re here to mentor and support you on your journey to success in the space sector”, said NIGCOMSAT.

Why Join the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme?

• Expert Mentorship: Learn from industry leaders like Google and AWS who will guide you every step of the way.
• Global Exposure: Access opportunities to showcase your startup on the global stage.
• Networking: Connect with investors, space-tech experts, and like-minded entrepreneurs.
• Funding Opportunities: Compete for funding to scale your innovative solutions.

Who Can Apply?

The organisers are looking for early-stage startups passionate about transforming challenges into creative solutions using space technology.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Must be a registered Nigerian Startup
• Must have a Minimum Viable Product
• Your solution must incorporate Space-Based Technology alongside other innovations

The strategic agreement positions NIGCOMSAT as Nigeria’s leading satellite service provider by leveraging the OneWeb LEO network to deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity.

The services will cater to a wide range of sectors, including government, enterprises, and underserved rural areas, supporting essential applications like remote communications, mobile connectivity, and offshore operations.

Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen (Mrs.), NIGCOMSAT managing director and chief executive officer, who announced the partnership, said:

“We are delighted to deepen our collaboration with Eutelsat, a globally renowned satellite technology leader. This partnership is a milestone for NIGCOMSAT, enabling us to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide through the cutting-edge capabilities of OneWeb LEO satellites. Together, we will deliver scalable, reliable connectivity solutions to foster growth across government services, businesses and communities nationwide.”

According to her, ‘the partnership attests to the strong ties between Nigeria and France in advancing satellite and space technology.

By joining forces, Eutelsat and NIGCOMSAT are poised to drive innovation, accelerate digital transformation, and open new opportunities for connectivity across Nigeria and beyond.

As a global leader in satellite communications, Eutelsat Group addresses the needs of customers in four key verticals of Video, where it distributes more than 6,500 television channels, and the high-growth connectivity markets of Mobile Connectivity, Fixed Connectivity, and Government Services.

The company wholly owned by the Nigerian government, believes that the planned new satellite launch represents the next phase of its commitment to advancing the country’s space capabilities and providing world-class satellite services.

Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen, managing director/chief executive officer, NIGCOMSAT Ltd, hinted on this plan at one-day sensitisation training for journalists in Lagos, recently.

According to her, NigComSat-2 satellite would significantly enhance the capacity to deliver robust, high-speed communication services across Nigeria and beyond.

NigComSat-2 will become NIGCOMSAT’s second satellite launch into the space after NigComSat-1 was launched at 16:01 UTC on 13 May 2007 in China by Nasrda and became the third African geosynchronous communication satellite.

Egerton-Idehen who was represented by Aisha Bantam, assistant general manager, communications, NIGCOMSAT, said the new satellite would support a wide range of applications, including broadband Internet, telemedicine and e-learning, among others.

She said, NigComSat-2, whose launch is in the immediate future, will also enable the agency to better serve critical sectors such as agriculture, security health and education, driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for Nigerians.

In her words:

“The launch of NigComSat-2 satellite is not just a technological milestone; it attests to Nigeria’s growing prowess in the global space industry and underscores our resolve to harness the power of space technology for national development.

“As we continue on this path of growth and innovation, our commitment to providing reliable, high-quality satellite communication service is unwavering, and we are continuously innovating to meet the growing demands of our digital economy.”

Aimed at bolstering the communications, innovation, and digital economy sector, President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of Egerton-Idehen as MD of NIGCOMSAT in October 2023.

NIGCOMSAT under Jane Egerton-Idehen’s leadership

Giving an overview of some of the recent key transformation activities that have taken place at NIGCOMSAT, the MD said:

“Our organisation has embarked on a significant journey to reposition itself as a leader in satellite communications and space technology, not only in Nigeria but across the African continent.

“The remarkable transformation unfolding is a direct result of the renewed vision and strategic direction brought in by our new executive management team, the leadership and the staff at NIGCOMSAT which I am privileged to lead.

“This is clearly stated in the Strategic Blueprint we launched last year with the support of the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. The pillars contained in the strategy document are Strategy, Public-Private Partnerships, Infrastructure, Branding and People.

“Our collective efforts have focused on enhancing our technological capabilities, expanding our service offerings and strengthening our partnerships with government agencies, private sector enterprises, academic institutions and the general public to better serve the needs of our diverse clientele and broaden our market reach.

“We have been working diligently to upgrade our infrastructure, our Hubs at Lagos and Abuja, to provide communication solutions that meet global standards.

“We have launched a service delivery team to ensure we support our clients and our of services are reliable for all our offerings such as broadband internet, direct-to-home (DTH) services, transponder leasing, broadcast services, e.t.c.

“We have forged new partnerships to provide connectivity in rural and underserved areas, partnerships to support startups and innovative enterprises in the satellite industry with our NIGCOMSAT Startup Accelerator programme.

There has been a lot of focus in creating awareness for our brand, what we stand for and our value offerings both in the traditional and digital media space. In recognition of the importance of human capital, we continue to invest in training and capacity-building programmes for our staff, ensuring that we are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving industry”.

She said these were possible because of the determined leadership and reliant people at NIGCOMSAT.

A statement by Tinubu’s media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, noted that Mr. David is an academic and industry expert with a deep under­standing of digital tech­nologies and educational leadership.

Beyond David’s ap­pointment, Tinubu also approved the appointment of Mr. Reuben Oshomah as Executive Director, Marketing, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), while Mrs. Adama Kure, takes over as Executive Director, Finance and Administration (NIGCOMSAT).

The presidency said Mr. Oshomah has extensive experience in communi­cations satellite market­ing and strategic business development, while Mrs. Kure is a seasoned finance professional with a strong record in financial manage­ment and corporate gover­nance.

According to the statement, the president expects the newly appointed officers to bring their wealth of experi­ence and expertise to bear in driving the stra­tegic vision for these in­stitutions.

Among these appointees is Jane (Amadi Nkechi) Egerton-Idehen, a highly accomplished and dynamic leader, who will serve as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT).

Jane Egerton-Idehen brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise in the technology and telecommunications industry. 

With a strong background in sales, marketing, and business development, she has consistently set clear visions, established comprehensive strategies, built award-winning teams, and driven executional excellence throughout her career.

Nkechi is a seasoned Fortune 500 technology executive and an angel investor, strategic advisor, as well as spokesperson, making her a valuable asset to any organization she is associated with.

Before taking on her new role at NIGCOMSAT, Nkechi Egerton-Idehen served in leadership roles at various multinational organizations. 

Her extensive experience includes positions as Head of Sales (Middle East and Africa) at Meta (formerly Facebook), Country Manager for Nigeria, and Regional Sales Director at Avanti Communications Group PLC. 

She has also worked with telecommunications giants like Avanti, Ericsson and Nokia-Siemens, where she honed her skills in sales and management.

Nkechi is not just a corporate leader; she is also a dedicated advocate for empowering women and girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. 

She has demonstrated her zeal to this cause by leading the NGO “Women and Career” and authoring the book “Be Fearless: Give Yourself Permission To Be You.” Through her book and various initiatives, she has inspired and empowered women to excel in male-dominated STEM fields, making a significant impact on the industry.

In addition to her corporate achievements, Nkechi Egerton-Idehen is a renowned speaker and has shared her insights at prestigious events like TEDxYouth@Ho 2017. Her contributions to the industry have been widely recognized, and she was celebrated as one of Nigeria’s “50 Leading Ladies in Corporate Nigeria” by Leading Ladies Africa.

Nkechi’s educational journey is equally impressive. She holds a Master’s degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and pursued executive education at prominent institutions such as Harvard Business School and Yale School of Management. Her continuous pursuit of knowledge and skills reflects her drive to personal and professional growth.

As the new MD/CEO of NIGCOMSAT, Jane (Amadi Nkechi) Egerton-Idehen will lead the organization to new heights. With her strategic vision, innovative thinking, and passion for empowering others, she is well-equipped to drive NIGCOMSAT’s mission of advancing communication and digital solutions in Nigeria.

Her appointment marks a new chapter for NIGCOMSAT, and under her leadership, the organization is expected to achieve remarkable milestones in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and communications.

NIGCOMSAT Limited is an entity governed by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

Prof. Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy gave this directive: NIGCOMSAT should collaborate and reach out to the aviation sector for SBAS application, during a workshop on Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) on Thursday.

According to Pantami, communication and digital technology are critical enablers of other sectors such as security, military, health, agriculture, education, and aviation, among others.

The NigComSat-1R payload, the L-Band, was used in a flight demonstration within Nigerian airspace by NIGCOMSAT Ltd.

The NigComSat-1R navigation (L-Band) payload offers navigational overlay services with disruptive applications in both the aviation and non-aviation sectors.

NIGCOMSAT added that the program is to boost the knowledge-sharing platform to support stakeholders’ decision-making in the creation of synergies and enable the benefits provided by SBAS on the continent, including safety, efficiency, and environmental protection benefits.

“The satellite covers parts of the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean, it covers parts of Asia and Europe. Our satellite here in Nigeria can provide navigation overlay services.

The Minister also stated that the Nigerian Communications Satellite can help with the implementation of the SBAS not only in Nigeria but in the entire African continent, which has 54 countries, and urged African nations to consider the Nigerian Communication Satellite when the need arises.