The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), Mrs. Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idohen, has advocated for the adoption of indigenous satellite solutions to tackle the pressing challenges of banditry and terrorism in Nigeria.
Speaking to reporters in Kaduna yesterday, Mrs. Egerton-Idohen emphasized that NIGCOMSAT is fully equipped to provide tailored solutions to meet Nigeria’s unique security needs. She underscored the importance of utilizing domestic satellite capabilities to bolster the country’s security landscape, expressing concern over security agencies seeking foreign partners for satellite assistance.
"Why go abroad when we have the expertise and capacity right here at NIGCOMSAT?" she questioned, urging a shift towards leveraging local satellite resources for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and communication for security agencies.
Her call comes amidst rising incidents of banditry and terrorism across the country, with NIGCOMSAT aiming to position itself as a key player in enhancing national security through satellite technology.
Mrs. Egerton-Idohen emphasized the agency's readiness to collaborate with security agencies, highlighting NIGCOMSAT's comprehensive coverage of Nigeria and its available capacity and expertise to provide solutions tailored to security needs.
She stressed the importance of prioritizing the utilization of indigenous satellite capabilities, citing the preference of most countries to use their private satellites for security purposes.
Acknowledging technology as a catalyst for economic growth, Mrs. Egerton-Idohen reiterated NIGCOMSAT's commitment to delivering reliable internet services to the nation. She called on the Kaduna State government to partner with the agency to provide broadband access and other solutions to enhance various sectors, including small and medium enterprises, education, and healthcare.
As part of efforts to foster innovation in satellite technology, the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme was highlighted. Designed for early-stage companies with space-tech solutions, the programme aims to propel startups into the global space-tech arena through mentorship, networking, and exposure.
