NIGCOMSAT links 200 rural areas to internet
The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited says it has connected about 200 rural communities to the internet in the past eight months as part of efforts to bridge the country’s digital divide.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during her keynote address at a one-day media training for ICT reporters and editors. The event, which was held at the NIGCOMSAT Ground Control Station, focused on strengthening media capacity to report on the satellite and ICT sector with greater context and clarity.
Egerton-Idehen, who was represented by the Executive Director, Technical Services, Abiodun Attah, said the organisation had been working with mobile network operators to extend basic connectivity to hard-to-reach communities across the country. “Within the last eight or nine months, we’ve been able to connect about 200 communities on 2G and 3G technologies with some major mobile network operators.
These are facts that we’ve been able to achieve,” she said.
She added that the rollout was part of a broader initiative to ensure that all 774 local government areas across Nigeria have access to reliable connectivity before the end of 2026. “Our target for the end of next year is to have completed the entire 774 project by connecting all local government areas. Every Nigerian, regardless of location, deserves to be connected,” she said.
The NIGCOMSAT boss stressed the importance of satellites as critical national assets, noting that beyond enabling internet connectivity, they underpin essential services such as education, healthcare, commerce, governance, and national security. She drew attention to global conflicts where satellites played pivotal roles, warning that Nigeria must protect and expand its own satellite assets to avoid dependence on foreign powers.
“If we don’t have that critical national asset and protect it, we risk being cut off completely from communication,” she cautioned. Egerton-Idehen acknowledged the challenges facing the agency, including limited funding and equipment gaps, but said NIGCOMSAT was determined to work within its means to expand coverage.
She noted that in addition to the initial 200 communities, the next phase of rollout would target about 120 local governments before the end of this year. She urged the media to play a stronger role in shaping how Nigerians understand the value of satellite technology and its role in national development.
According to her, informed reporting can influence policymakers, inspire young people to innovate, and help attract investment into the ICT sector. “You are not just talking technical jargon; you are shaping how people see opportunities in technology. You are influencing how policymakers respond and inspiring young people to dream and create solutions,” she said.
Egerton-Idehen also stressed that Nigeria is not just a consumer of technology but a contributor, pointing to the growth of the ICT sector as one of the fastest in Africa. She called for collective efforts to unlock its full potential through stronger partnerships, informed policies, and accurate media narratives.
