NIGCOMSAT ready to launch Nigeria into space, says MD

From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT Ltd), Mrs. Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, has declared the agency’s readiness to lead Nigeria’s space technology drive, urging the federal government to prioritise key interventions to strengthen the agency’s capacity.

According to a recent statement issued by NIGCOMSAT Spokesperson, Aisha Bantamon, the MD spoke during a courtesy visit by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, to the organisation’s Ground Control Station in Abuja.

Egerton-Idehen said: “If other nations can reach space, there is no reason Nigeria cannot. NIGCOMSAT stands ready to lead that charge.”

She appealed to the Ministry to prioritise Project 774 and address persistent structural challenges limiting the agency’s performance, including a prolonged recruitment freeze, lack of critical technical personnel, and inadequate remuneration, all of which have impacted innovation and efficiency.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary commended NIGCOMSAT’s contribution to national digital development and described the agency as a vital institution in achieving Nigeria’s aspirations in space technology, broadband access, and digital sovereignty.

According to him, “The Ministry regards NIGCOMSAT not merely as an implementing agency, but as a strategic partner in realizing Nigeria’s aspirations in space technology, broadband access, and digital sovereignty.”

He acknowledged the issues raised by the Managing Director and assured that while some of them may require policy reforms and inter-agency coordination, the Ministry remains committed to exploring practical and actionable solutions within the nation’s fiscal and regulatory frameworks.