By Daniel Tyokua
The Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited has taken steps to improve internet access in all the 774 Local Government Areas across the country by 2026.
This follows a training organised for Information and Communication Technology editors and reporters with the theme: “Equiping the media, reporting it right,” in Abuja, recently.
Speaking at the training, the Managing Director / Chief Executive officer, Jane Egerton-Idehen, said working with the media will help in reaching people with the rightful information especially the efforts being made by the organisation to upgrade internet access in all rural areas.
Egerton-Idehen represented by her Technical Adviser, Tope Yusuf, said NigComSat team of engineers have been working tirelessly to ensure that communities have access to internet to meet up with the evolving technology.
She said Nigeria is not just a consumer of technology; but creator and contributor of satellites, saying the ICT sector is one of the fastest growing in Africa, and with it comes huge potential, but it can only be achieved through informed voices.
According to her, Nigeria’s communication satellite, NIGCOMSAT-1R, had been a vital tool in the country’s development, providing various services such as broadcast, broadband, navigation, and more.
“With 28 transponders, the satellite was launched on Dec. 19, 2011, and has a lifespan of 15 years.
“The satellite’s applications are diverse, ranging from education to healthcare and economic growth.
“For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, NIGCOMSAT-1R enabled online learning, allowing students to access educational services remotely.
“In the healthcare sector, the satellite facilitates telemedicine, enabling doctors to provide medical services to patients in remote areas.
“We live in a digital age where satellites and ICT are no longer abstract or futuristic, they are part of our daily life. Satellites power internet in rural villages, help us predict the weather, support disaster response, and even strengthen national security. ICT, on the other hand, is the nervous system of our society, it drives communication, education, healthcare, commerce and governance.
“But here is the challenge: as critical as these technologies are, they are often underreported or misunderstood. Not because the media does not care, but because access to clear, foundational knowledge has not always been there. And that is why today matters. This session is about equipping you, the storytellers, with the right context and tools to simplify, demystify and humanise satellite and ICT stories for the Nigerian public.
“Think about it: when you write about spectrum allocation or broadband penetration, you’re not just covering technical jargon. You are shaping how people see opportunities in technology. You are influencing how policymakers respond. You are even inspiring young Nigerians to dream of careers in tech and space” Egerton-Idehen said.
She said NIGCOMSAT-1R had enabled financial services, such as point of sale transactions, to be provided in rural areas, promoting economic viability and job creation.
The MD also said the satellite had also facilitated the provision of government services, such as NIN registration and passport application, in rural communities.
Facilitators at the training anchored their presentations on sensitive areas in the ICT sector, which journalists must not forget
while reporting issues.
