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Tag: NIGCOMSAT

  • NigComSat targets $3bn annual revenue

    NigComSat targets $3bn annual revenue

    The Director-General, Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited (NigComSat), Jane Egerton-Idehen, says that the organisation is projecting an average annual revenue of three billion dollars.

    Egerton-Idehen said this on Thursday in Abuja at the July edition of DevsInGovernment MDA workshop series organised by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy with focus on NigComSat.

    The programme supported by Galaxy Backbone and World Bank was tagged: “Driving Operational Excellence through Technology at NigComSat”.

    DevsInGovernment is a community that aims at creating a group of technologists and tech enthusiasts within the civil service who are actively contributing to digital transformation across all government agencies.

    The D-G said that for NigComSat grow it had to explore new ideas and increase products life that can lead to significant revenue increases.

    “Currently we are projecting to average about three billion dollars in revenue year. If we can think about ideas, we can do more than that because if you can increase your product life, you can provide more solutions to problems,” she said.

    She also said that there were other revenue streams like beyond the broadcasting, which could double or triple the existing broadcasting revenues.

    According to her, creating awareness about the programme’s services and solutions was crucial for its success.

    Earlier, the Executive Director, Technical Services, NigComSat, Abiodun Attah, said the agency was charting new course in its operations with a view to increasing its revenue earnings and serve the country better.

    Attah said that one of what the agency had done with the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) was to carry 2G, 3G, and 4G traffic in rural areas where there was no connectivity.

    “In the past NigComSat was shying away from going into enterprises; it was shying away from doing businesses outside the government sector. Now we have gone beyond that,” he said.

  • FG to replace aging satellite before 2026 – NIGCOMSAT

    FG to replace aging satellite before 2026 – NIGCOMSAT

    Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, the Managing Director, Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Ltd., has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to replacing the NIGCOMSAT-1R satellite before its lifespan ends in 2026.

    Egerton-Idehen disclosed this at a news conference to mark the begining of  Nigerian Satellite Week in Abuja on Wednesday. She emphasised the importance of satellite technology in advancing Nigeria’s digital future.

    NIGCOMSAT-1R, which was launched in 2011, had delivered substantial services to Nigeria’s telecom and broadcast sectors, saving billions in foreign exchange.

    Egerton-Idehen said the week, which has ‘Empowering Nigeria’s Digital Future: Innovations in Satellite Technology and Entrepreneurship’ as its theme, would demonstrate the transformative potential of satellite technology across the sectors of the nation’s economy.

    According to her, the week-long event aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders, from industry experts to policymakers, with the goal of making satellite technology a cornerstone of Nigeria’s sustainable development.

    “Key features of the event include the Stakeholders’ Forum for in-depth collaboration and the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Demo Day, where startups will showcase their innovative solutions.

    “This is the day we will see entrepreneurship and innovation in action, with pitches from startups ready to transform the industry.

    “We’ll also have fireside chats and panels discussing the role of public-private partnerships and entrepreneurship in driving space sector growth.

    “This event is not just about conversations in the rooms; it’s about inspiring action long after the week ends. It’s about taking the next step—moving from dialogue to action.”

    NIGCOMSAT boss urged all the participants, stakeholders, and partners to fully engage during and after the event.

    “We need every sector of society to understand and support the satellite industry if we are to truly unlock its potential for national development,” she said.

    “This initiative highlights the importance of public-private partnerships and entrepreneurship in growing Nigeria’s space sector.”

    According to her, the week-long event is not merely a platform for discussion but a launchpad for action.

    She encouraged all participants to engage actively and continue fostering innovation in the satellite industry to grow Nigeria’s economy.

  • JUST IN: Tinubu makes three fresh appointments (See List)

    JUST IN: Tinubu makes three fresh appointments (See List)

    President Bola Tinubu on Monday approved the appointment of Daser David as the new President/Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI).

    The Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale confirmed the appointment in a statement where he noted that David is an academic and industry expert with a deep understanding of digital technologies and educational leadership.

    The President also approved the appointment of Reuben Oshomah as the Executive Director, Marketing, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), and Adama Kure, Executive Director, Finance and Administration, (NIGCOMSAT).

    Oshomah is said to have an extensive experience in communications satellite marketing and strategic business development, while  Kure is a seasoned finance professional with a strong record in financial management and corporate governance.

    According to Ngelale, 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.

  • NIGCOMSAT to launch satellite dedicated to army operations – DG

    NIGCOMSAT to launch satellite dedicated to army operations – DG

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), Mrs Jane Egerton, says the organisation intends to launch a satellite dedicated to the Nigerian Army to enhance its capabilities.

    Egarton said this when she paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt -Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Thursday in Abuja.

    She said the satellite would also bolster military operations, taking into consideration the severity of the service the Nigerian Army had continued to render to the nation.

    The NIGCOM boss acknowledged the long standing relationship of the organisation with the army and the zeal of the army in tackling security challenges in the country.

    She said the partnership was expected to have far-reaching implications for the country’s military operations and national security and leverage satellite technology to drive economic growth and development.

    She appreciated the army for its service to the nation and pledged to continue to support the service with technology in tackling the nation’s security challenges.

    In his response, the COAS, Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja, said the Nigerian Army was willing to partner with NIGCOMSAT to enhance its communication capabilities and improve operations.

    Lagbaja said the partnership with NIGCOMSAT was crucial to providing reliable and secure communication services and would enable the Nigerian Army access a wide range of satellite-based services.

    These services, according to him, include telecommunications, navigation, and surveillance, which will significantly improve the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the army.

    The COAS appreciates the vital role of NIGCOMSAT as a formidable foundation for army operations, especially in the North East and North West regions.

    According to him, the Nigerian army is committed to Executive Order 5 of President Bola Tinubu compelling departments and agencies to patronise made-in-Nigeria goods.

    He said the products offered by NIGCOMSAT were top-notch and reiterated his desire to expand the frontier of cooperation and partnership that had existed between NIGCOMSAT and the army.

    Lagbaja also pledged to support the Communication Company in the launch of its new satellite into space to improve military operations.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu makes fresh appointments in NCC, others

    BREAKING: Tinubu makes fresh appointments in NCC, others

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the managements of three agencies under the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

    In a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Thursday in Abuja, the President approved the appointment of qualified Nigerians to serve in the three agencies.

    The management of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has Abraham Oshadami as Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Rimini Makama as Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management and Opeyemi Dele-Ajayi as President/CEO, Digital Bridge Institute.

    He said that the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) management has Abiodun Attah as Executive Director, Technical Services, Aisha Abdullahi as Executive Director, Finance & Administration and Jaiyeola Awokoya as Executive Director, Marketing & Business Development.

    Ngelale added that new management team for Galaxy Backbone Ltd.  are Ibrahim Adepoju Adeyanju as Managing Director/CEO and Mohammed Sani Ibrahim as Executive Director, Finance & Corporate Services.

    Others are Olusegun Olulade as Executive Director, Customer Centricity & Marketing and Olumbe Akinkugbe as Executive Director, Digital Exploration & Technical Services.

    ”With the reconstitution of the management teams in these agencies, President Tinubu anticipates that these seasoned professionals will deliver excellent service to elevate the impact of the digital economy sector on the socio-economic development of the nation.” he said.

  • NIGCOMSAT launches EdTech Solutions for learning

    NIGCOMSAT launches EdTech Solutions for learning

    The Managing Director, Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited, Mrs Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, has unveiled cutting edge Educational Technology (EdTech) solutions equipped with broadband connectivity towards transforming education in Nigeria.

    The announcement came during a pivotal stakeholders meeting in Abuja, where Egerton-Idehen addressed the pressing need for accessible internet connectivity hindering the effective integration of technology in education.

    Highlighting the challenges faced by schools and the government in advancing technology in education, Egerton-Idehen emphasised the limitations posed by insufficient internet connectivity.

    According to her, many ICT laboratories, despite being equipped with computers, remain underutilised due to the lack of affordable internet access.

    She said for the past few years there had been an increase in the number of EdTech startups building technology-backed learning solutions in Nigeria, as with the rest of the world.

    “While schools and governments are making efforts to advance the integration of technology into education by furnishing some ICT laboratories with computers, a second class problem prevents the use of most of these devices in schools.

    “Among other challenges, the lack of access to affordable internet connectivity has proven to be a major hindrance to the effective use of technology for teaching and learning.

    “Many laboratories are under lock and key and some others used for basic computer literacy rather than exploring other learning opportunities,”
    Egerton-Idehen said.

    She said the resources can benefit schools by increasing engagement and motivation in the classroom and promoting critical thinking and problem-solving.

    The directo-general also said it could also be in measuring students performance and learning outcomes as well as facilitate the administration, documentation and delivery of educational content.

    She said the product had three main areas of focus were numeracy and Literacy for Primary Schools and digital libraries for Secondary Schools and content Creation for Teachers and Learning Management System.

    The director-general also unveiled ‘customer experience and support solution for their clients and potential clients, adding that it consist of an Al-powered chatbot and a call centre solution.

    “In an era where customer service is paramount, our call centre solution is set to transform the way we connect and support our customers.

    “We aim to enhance customer interactions, streamline support services, and ultimately elevate the customer experience,” she said.

    The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani, who was represented by Communications and Media adviser, Mr Osibo Imohoitsike, said NIGCOMSAT was open for businesses and partnership.

    He said the stakeholders meeting was the core part of what the world needs with the focus on knowledge, policies, infrastructure, innovation, entrepreneurship and training.

    The Executive Director, Marketing and Business Development of NIGCOMSAT, Mr Najeem Salaam, said NIGCOMSAT had a new drive with its upgraded broadband and broadcasting capacity platform for Nigerians to utilise.

    “NIGCOMSAT is therefore open for even greater business opportunity for all of you to own.

    “The Nigeria of our dream is achievable and we have started doing the work already. NIGGOMSAT is ours together as Nigerians and we must grow our own and make the best out of it,” he said.

    On his part, a former Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, called for another satellite to address some security challenges in the country.

  • NIGCOMSAT critical to Nigeria’s digitalisation – MD

    NIGCOMSAT critical to Nigeria’s digitalisation – MD

    The Managing Director of the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen has said that the agency played a pivotal role in the digitalisation and improving Nigeria’s revenue profile.

    Everton-Idehen stated this on Tuesday during a facility tour of the NIGCOMSAT Regional Office, Gombe.

    She said the visit was part of efforts to create awareness on its activities, adding that satellite operators attract foreign direct investments in the country.

    According to her, the communication sector contributes about 19 per cent of the country’s revenue.

    The managing director said that NIGCOMSAT aimed at promoting growth of the broadcasting industry to generate maximum revenue and provide Nigerians access to digital communications inline with its mandate.

    “Technology is the engine of every economy, and NIGCOMSAT is now well equipped to provide the nation with quality internet services that will encourage innovation and other advancements in the technology industry.

    “We are counting on the media, industry players and schools to explore partnership opportunities with NIGCOMSAT as it is crucial for facilitating technological access and fostering sustainable economic growth at all levels in the country,” she said.

  • Reps summon NIGCOMSAT, NUPRE, others over N20.853bn audit query

    Reps summon NIGCOMSAT, NUPRE, others over N20.853bn audit query

    The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has summoned the leadership of the Nigeria Communications Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT) and Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRE).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the House summoned NIGCOMSAT and NUPRE along with other government agencies to address a significant N20.853 billion audit query.

    Other agencies included in this action are the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and three other entities.

    The committee, led by Rep. Bamidele Salam, has issued a 72-hour ultimatum for these agencies to appear before it.

    The audit queries, totaling N20.853 billion, were raised against these agencies by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.

    Notable among the summoned agencies are the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and the Federal University of Petroleum Studies in Effurum, Delta State.

    Salam emphasised that this decision followed the agencies’ absence during a committee sitting aimed at addressing the audit queries against them.

    He also issued a stern warning, stating that this invitation represents the final notice before a warrant of arrest could be issued against the heads of these agencies.

    Out of the six invited entities, only the Rural Electrification Agency sent letters to the committee requesting that the Chief Executive Officer be excused from attending the hearing.

    Furthermore, the investigation encompassed the scrutiny of cash advances and the proper allocation of funds budgeted by the House for some of these agencies.

    Salam declared, “We are going to use our constitutional power to ensure that every kobo spent by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) is prudently utilized.”

    The committee members previously expressed their dissatisfaction with the attitude of heads of some government agencies towards parliamentary invitations and called for appropriate sanctions.

  • BREAKING: Buhari appoints new Managing Director for NIGCOMSAT

    BREAKING: Buhari appoints new Managing Director for NIGCOMSAT

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Engineer Tukur Mohammed Lawal Funtua as the new Managing Director of Nigeria Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the appointment of Engineer Funtua as the new MD of NIGCOMSAT follows the retirement of the erstwhile Managing Director, Dr Abimbola Alale.

    Born on 24th November 1966, Funtua is an indigene of Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State, Northwest Nigeria.

    He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering, PGDM, MBA, a Professional Diploma in Education and a PhD in Environmental and Sustainable Development Management in view, at the University of Port Harcourt.

    Before this appointment, he was Director, health community affairs, safety and environment with BUA Cement Plc, and has served in various capacities including Health and Safety Manager, Country HSE Manager and Regional Manager for Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development at Lafarge Africa Plc.

    He was also Group Head, Environment and Community Affairs at Dangote Cement Plc among others.

    According to a statement released by Uwa Suleiman (Mrs), Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Pantami, Funtua has thirty years of professional experience.

    According to the statement, his expertise is in manufacturing, process engineering, health, production, safety and environmental management, communications and various other fields, and he is also a Chartered Environmentalist at the Society for Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Mitigation, a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers, and the Professional Leadership Practitioners Institute.

    Funtua is a Registered Engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), a member of numerous professional bodies and institutes. Engineer Tukur is an author and is married with children.

    TNG reports NIGCOMSAT falls under the purview of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.

  • Nigeria reverts to use new satellite for deployment of 5G

    Nigeria reverts to use new satellite for deployment of 5G

    The Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd. (NIGCOMSAT) has said it plans to deploy 5G in the country using a new satellite, the NIGCOMSAT 2.

    This is coming after the federal government had earlier approved the migration of C-Band services on NigComSat-1R Satellite with a seven-and-a-half (7.5) years life span to accelerate the deployment of 5G systems in the country.

    ALSO READ || Nigeria races to deploy 5G services using expiring satellite

    It also said that the NIGCOMSAT 2  would be launched into orbit by the first quarter of 2023 to enhance coverage.

    Dr Abimbola Alale, Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, made these known during a stakeholders engagement forum, organised by the agency in Lagos on Thursday.

    The theme of the event is “NIGCOMSAT: The Roadmap for Enhanced Service Delivery”.

    She said that the satellite would backhaul the services of 5G once telecom operators deploy the fifth generation network services.

    Alale said that backhauling meant getting data to a point which could be distributed via the optic fibre or network.

    She said: “Operators would use the satellite to provide coverage to areas the 5G cannot reach.

    Alale said that the government planned to provide 70 per cent broadband by 2025 and NIGCOMSAT would keep working with other technology providers to be able to deliver broadband services to all Nigerians.

    Mr Anthony Orjinta, Deputy General Manager, Satellite Control and Operations, NIGCOMSAT, during a panel discussion,  said satellite had always been supporting all GSM operators.

    “Satelite has always been serving areas that are underserved, because we all know that the cost of deploying terrestrial sites is quite expensive but fibre deployment is even more costly due to our environment.

    “As the 2G, 3G, 4G technologies are evolving, so also are the technologies in the satellite industry.

    “The enhanced capacities that are available in other technologies are also coming along in the satellite space, “Orjinta said.

    He said that the technologies we were looking at now, were pushing towards convergence which meant that 4G and 5G could give video,voice and data

    Orjinta said that originally when the telecom industry started, Nigeria only had voice calls but with evolution things changed.

    He said: “5G is bringing faster connectivity, but is coming with a shorter transmission distance.

    Orjinta said that NIGCOMSAT was in the process of launching a new satelite which would be one of the first in Africa and a deal breaker.

    He also said that the satellite would provide back haul services for all 5G operations, while simultaneously delivering services of the same comparative capacity to underserved areas and dark spots that were not economically viable for terrestrial operators.

    Orjinta noted that terrestrial operators would not want to deploy 5G in areas that were not profitable.

    “We have had situations where companies put in terrestrial traffic data locations and actually took them off because they were not making enough money, “he said.