The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT)’s ability to deliver on its mandate of expanding broadband access across the country is under threat, following a decade-long recruitment freeze and dwindling technical manpower, the agency’s leadership has revealed.
This concern came to light during a courtesy visit by the permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, to the agency’s ground control station along Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Way, Abuja.
In a statement released by the head of the corporate affairs department at NIGCOMSAT, Aisha Bantam, the Ministry identified critical internal constraints affecting the agency, including a 10-year recruitment freeze, lack of skilled technical personnel, and poor remuneration.
Adeladan acknowledged that these challenges are key issues impacting NIGCOMSAT’s operations, stating that the Ministry is prepared to work with the agency in addressing them.
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“We will explore practical, actionable solutions, even if some of the issues require policy reform and cross-agency coordination,” he said.
Describing NIGCOMSAT as a strategic partner in delivering Nigeria’s digital aspirations, Adeladan noted the agency’s vital role in space technology development, national connectivity, and digital sovereignty.
“The Ministry regards NIGCOMSAT not merely as an implementing agency, but as a vital institution in realising Nigeria’s ambitions within a knowledge-driven global economy,” he added.
In her remarks, the managing director and chief executive officer of NIGCOMSAT Limited, Ms. Jane Egerton-Idehen, used the opportunity to call for urgent government intervention to reposition the agency for national impact.
“NIGCOMSAT is well positioned to lead Nigeria’s charge into the space economy. If other nations can reach space, there is no reason Nigeria cannot,” she said.
Egerton-Idehen urged the Ministry to prioritise the rollout of Project 774, a strategic initiative aimed at expanding broadband coverage to underserved communities across all 774 local government areas in the country.
