Abuja: The Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Ltd has announced a remarkable 35% expansion in the country’s digital broadcast subsector, reaching 75% utilisation over the past two years. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing digital transformation efforts. The announcement was made by the Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen, during a retreat held in Abuja under the theme ‘Aligning for the Future: Innovation, Collaboration, and Sustainable Growth.’
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Egerton-Idehen emphasized that the retreat’s theme highlights NIGCOMSAT’s dedication to spearheading Nigeria’s digital transformation and establishing itself as a leader in the global satellite industry. She pointed out that a key accomplishment in the broadcast segment was the Digital Switch Over (DSO) project, which she described as not only a technical milestone but also a national service.
Egerton-Idehen credited this growth to improved service delivery and stronger engagement with partners and clients. She noted that the DSO project, a collaborative effort with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), is crucial to Nigeria’s digital transformation. NIGCOMSAT’s involvement in the project is facilitating digital broadcasting penetration across the nation, solidifying its position at the heart of Nigeria’s digital transformation.
As part of the company’s future plans, Egerton-Idehen revealed that they aim to drive revenue growth with a target of three billion naira in annual revenue and eight billion naira in revenue within three years. The expansion of broadband services and partnerships with the private sector are seen as pivotal in achieving these goals. However, she acknowledged the challenges posed by the organization’s financial and operational debt profile, emphasizing the need for strategic, disciplined, and creative approaches to overcome them.
Despite economic barriers and competition, NIGCOMSAT remains optimistic about the future. Egerton-Idehen stressed the importance of out-innovating the market, deepening partnerships, and fostering a culture of solution-focused, profit-driven, and people-centered excellence. Key initiatives include transitioning to software-defined satellites, expanding broadband services, and launching the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator for the Space Ecosystem. The organization is also prioritizing public-private partnerships, branding, communication, and investing in its workforce.
Mr. Olubayo Adekanbi, CEO of Data Science Nigeria, highlighted the transformative potential of a satellite-based economy for key sectors such as agriculture, health, and education. By providing internet access to remote areas, satellite technology can bridge the digital divide, ensuring inclusivity. Adekanbi cited Brazil’s success in covering over 90,000 schools with satellite internet as an example and mentioned that satellite technology could boost traditional businesses like agriculture, enhancing value and prosperity.
Furthermore, Mr. Quadri Yunusa, Senior Manager of Broadcasting at NIGCOMSAT, reported that the organization had expanded its satellite coverage to over 22 countries in Africa, operating across various bands such as C-Band, KU-Band, KA-Band, and L-Band. With over 100 TV channels on its broadcast platform, including NTA and other individual channels, NIGCOMSAT is making strides in promoting digital inclusiveness. The Digital Switchover program is ongoing, with over 30 channels currently running on the satellite and plans to increase this number to 90 TV channels. Yunusa also emphasized the importance of government support for rural communities to access these services and suggested partnerships with international agencies interested in sustainable development goals.