The Nigerian Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) has called for the adoption of homegrown satellite solutions to address the pressing challenges of banditry and terrorism in the country.
The agency’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idohen, stated this while addressing reporters in Kaduna.
She said NIGCOMSAT is fully equipped to provide tailored solutions to meet Nigeria’s unique security needs.
The NIGCOMSAT chief executive said it was imperative to utilise domestic satellite capabilities to fortify the country’s security landscape.
Mrs. Egerton-Idohen expressed concern over the prevalent trend of security agencies seeking foreign partners for satellite assistance.
“Why go abroad when we have the expertise and capacity right here at NIGCOMSAT?” she queried.
She said, “NIGCOMSAT aims to position itself as a key player in fortifying national security by leveraging its satellite resources to enhance intelligence gathering, surveillance, and communication for security agencies.
“In the aspect of security, most countries prefer to use their own private satellite to address security concerns. So, one of the things we’ve been doing is to go back to our security agencies and bring them back on the table.
“We don’t see why they have to go to foreign satellite partners to address these concerns when NIGCOMSAT covers every single breadth of Nigeria. We have the available capacity and the expertise to give them the solution they need.
Acknowledging technology as the engine of economic growth, Mrs. Egerton-Idohen highlighted NIGCOMSAT’s dedication to providing the nation with dependable internet services.
She urged the Kaduna State government to collaborate with agency to provide broadband access and other solutions that could enhance various sectors, including small and medium enterprises, education, and healthcare.
The chief executive said as part of initiative to foster innovation in satellite technology, the agency was promoting the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme.