The Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Ltd says the country’s digital broadcast subsector has expanded by 35 per cent, rising to 75 per cent utilization within two years — a milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation drive.
The Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at a retreat themed: “Aligning for the Future: Innovation, Collaboration, and Sustainable Growth.”
She said the theme reflects the organizations commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation and positioning itself as a leader in the global satellite industry.
Egerton-Idehen highlighted the Digital Switch Over (DSO) project as one of the organisation’s key achievements, describing it as not just a technical feat but a significant national service.
“This growth is a testament to our improved service delivery and stronger engagement with partners and clients. The DSO project, a collaborative effort with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), is a key milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation,” she said.
According to her, NIGCOMSAT’s contribution to the DSO project has boosted digital broadcasting penetration across the country, further cementing its role at the centre of Nigeria’s digital transition.
Egerton-Idehen said the achievements would drive revenue growth, with targets of N3 billion annually and N8 billion within three years. She added that expanding broadband services and private-sector partnerships would be crucial to meeting these goals.
“We cannot move boldly into the future without addressing the weight of the past. Our debt profile — both financial and operational — is a reality we must confront with strategy, discipline, and creativity. These are our headwinds,” she said.
Despite economic challenges and competition, she said the organisation remained optimistic: “We must out-innovate the market, deepen partnerships, and build a culture of solution-focused, profit-driven, and people-centred excellence.”
She listed key initiatives, including transitioning to software-defined satellites, scaling broadband services, and launching the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator for the Space Ecosystem. Public-private partnerships, branding, communication and staff development are also being prioritized.
“Slowly but steadily, Nigerians are beginning to understand who we are, what we do, and why we matter,” she added.
The Chief Executive Officer of Data Science Nigeria, Mr Olubayo Adekanbi, said satellite-driven economic growth could transform sectors such as agriculture, health, and education, creating new jobs and boosting productivity.
“By providing internet access to remote areas, satellite technology can bridge the digital divide. Satellite internet can reach remote schools, as seen in Brazil where over 90,000 schools are covered,” he said.
The Senior Manager, Broadcasting at NIGCOMSAT, Mr Quadri Yunusa, said the organization had expanded coverage to more than 22 African countries.
He said NIGCOMSAT operates across multiple bands — C-Band, Ku-Band, Ka-Band and L-Band — providing broadband and broadcast services nationwide.
“With over 100 TV channels on our broadcast platform, including NTA and other private channels, we are making significant progress towards digital inclusiveness. The Digital Switch Over currently has over 30 channels running on the satellite, with plans to increase to 90,” he said.
Yunusa added that NIGCOMSAT’s footprint extends beyond Africa, with presence in Europe — around Germany — and parts of Asia, including Pakistan and the China border.
He urged government support to enable rural communities access satellite services, suggesting partnerships with international agencies pursuing sustainable development goals.
