…Kicks off next accelerator phase
From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited, Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen, has called for Nigeria to move from being a consumer to a value creator in the $1 trillion global space economy.
This comes as the agency launched the second phase of its accelerator programme to empower indigenous space-tech startups.
Speaking at the official launch of the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme 2.0 held Wednesday in Abuja, Egerton-Idehen, described the initiative as a milestone in the country’s journey to unlocking its space-tech potential.
She said: “As the world races toward a $1 trillion global space economy, Africa must take its place, not just as a consumer, but as a creator of space-based solutions. Nigeria, with its large youth population, robust tech talent, and expanding digital infrastructure, is uniquely positioned to lead this charge.”
Egerton-Idehen said the programme, themed “Innovation in Orbit: Empowering the Next Generation of Space-Tech Entrepreneurs”, aims to support early-stage space-tech startups, build partnerships between startups, universities and industries, and promote solutions that tackle key national issues like broadband access, environmental monitoring, and smart farming.
She noted that the second phase of the accelerator would scale impact by equipping startups and innovators with tools, mentorship, access to funding, and global exposure to turn ideas into viable ventures.
“The theme for today is not just aspirational, it is a call to action. It signals a shift from dependency to creativity, from passive consumption to active production, and from waiting for the future to inventing it ourselves,” she added.
Egerton-Idehen urged the newly selected entrepreneurs to embrace the opportunity, saying: “You are not just joining an accelerator; you are joining a movement. A movement to reimagine what is possible with satellites, data, software, and daring Nigerian minds.”
Also speaking at the event, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said Nigeria must treat innovation in space technology not only as an economic opportunity but as key to national securit.
Represented by Chief of Defence Transformation and Innovation, Air Vice Marshal Nkem Aguiyi, he described the initiative as a bold step that strengthens the link between technology and security.
“From satellite-enabled surveillance and secure military communications to AI-driven threat analysis and remote reconnaissance, our operations increasingly rely on innovations driven by Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, he said.
Aguiyi said the launch of the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme 2025 marks another milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to become a hub for innovation, economic diversification, and digital resilience.
He urged stakeholders to support the programme beyond the launch: “Let us create platforms for training, provide access to funding, and build the infrastructure that will allow their ideas to flourish. We can unlock the full potential of our nation’s brightest minds through sustained partnerships.”
Okln his part, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said the Nigeria Police Force views satellite communication as critical to operational success.
“The launch we celebrate today is not merely a technological feat; it is a statement of Nigeria’s readiness to harness indigenous innovation for strategic growth, security, and development,” Egbetokun said.
Egbetokun, who was represented by Commissioner of Police, Hammed Sule, noted that satellite communication strengthens the Force’s capacity for surveillance, real-time communication, emergency coordination, and intelligence-driven policing, especially in areas where terrestrial networks are poor.
“With enhanced connectivity, the Force can deepen its use of technology to safeguard lives and properties, protect infrastructure, and respond swiftly to emergencies across the country,” he added.
Egbetokun praised NIGCOMSAT’s forward-looking achievement and assured of the police force’s support.
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