Nigerian Satellite Week: Stakeholders’ Forum - Harnessing Communication Satellites for Sustainable Development

Yesterday was Day 2 of the Nigerian Satellite Week, and what a remarkable day it was! The Stakeholders' Forum brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and industry players from across Nigeria's satellite ecosystem for an in-depth dialogue on the role of satellites in our nation’s growth.

In my welcome address, I highlighted two critical points: first, the challenges we faced earlier this year when undersea fibre cables were cut, nearly crippling business operations across West Africa. Second, the persistent issue of last-mile connectivity in Nigeria. Both cases show why satellites are crucial—not only for national sovereignty and defence but for overall economic and technological development.

The Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, represented by the Director of ICT, emphasized the need for partnerships, commending NIGCOMSAT for its efforts, including the training of over 2,000 Nigerian youths in VSAT and TVRO technologies. The minister encouraged all participants to use the forum to celebrate NIGCOMSAT’s achievements and forge new partnerships to drive satellite opportunities forward.

Yesterday’s discussions underscored how communication satellites can address critical issues like digital inclusion, defence, governance, healthcare, and education. The first panel, Satellite as a Bridge to Digital Economy, explored the immense impact satellites can have on driving connectivity, boosting information access, and enabling economic growth. One key takeaway: satellite technology is a force multiplier for national development, with the potential to empower Nigeria’s digital transformation across industries.

The second session, Harnessing Communications Satellite for Sustainable Development, shed light on the pivotal role satellites play in reaching underserved communities, enabling secure military operations, and fostering socio-economic progress. From LEO satellites offering faster speeds to the integration of satellite tech in areas like precision agriculture, telemedicine, and smart cities, today’s discussions were a testament to the transformative potential of satellites in shaping Nigeria’s future.

Today, we turn our attention to the Accelerator Demo Day—an exciting showcase of Nigeria’s space future through the lens of entrepreneurship. Startups from our 9-month accelerator program will present their cutting-edge solutions, and we’ll engage in discussions on how public-private partnerships can propel the space industry forward.

I encourage all participants to continue building on these discussions. This week is not just about knowledge sharing; it's about collaboration and action. Let’s seize the opportunities we’ve identified today and work together to make satellite technology a cornerstone of Nigeria's sustainable development.

We are creating something powerful—a more connected, resilient, and technologically advanced Nigeria. Thank you to all the speakers, panellists, and partners for your invaluable contributions. Let’s continue to push boundaries and unlock the full potential of satellite technology for our nation.