Nigeria’s satellite broadband market could witness a major turnaround if the federal government introduces bold policy reforms and fully supports the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT).
This was the consensus at a satellite industry roundtable in Lagos, where stakeholders and marketers called for urgent steps to reposition the underutilized national operator.
Despite broadband penetration in Nigeria rising from 35% in 2023 to 75% in 2025, NIGCOMSAT operates at just 7% of its capacity, leaving 93% idle. Yet, according to its Managing Director, Jane Egerton-Idehen, the company has the infrastructure and ambition to generate ₦8 billion in revenue within three years.
Call for strategic policy shift
Industry leaders at the meeting argued that one of NIGCOMSAT’s biggest challenges is its perception as a government bureaucracy rather than a commercial technology player. They urged the federal government to mandate all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to source broadband services from NIGCOMSAT.
They said this would not only strengthen the company but also support Nigeria’s local content policy and reduce dependence on foreign providers such as Starlink.
Stakeholders cited Project 774, where NIGCOMSAT delivered broadband to 45 local government secretariats in eight states within two months—a feat fibre providers could not achieve—as proof of its capability.
Building a commercial future
Egerton-Idehen stressed that NIGCOMSAT does not intend to compete with consumer internet providers but rather act as a backbone service provider for partners and resellers nationwide.
She compared the company’s potential to Egypt’s NALSAT, which earns $150 million annually, and Nigeria LNG, noting that NIGCOMSAT’s ₦8 billion revenue target is modest by comparison.
Stakeholders agreed that rebranding the company as a dynamic commercial player, alongside stronger public-private partnerships and clear policy frameworks, is critical for growth.
Rallying call to partners
Egerton-Idehen made an appeal to industry partners, saying:
“This is the next chapter for NIGCOMSAT. We want to build it with you, our partners, because we cannot do it alone.”
If Nigeria acts decisively, experts say, the country could strengthen its digital infrastructure, extend broadband to underserved communities, and position NIGCOMSAT as a regional leader in satellite broadband.
About the author
Shank Comics claims Bovi Basketmouth are richer than Asake Wizkid
Skit maker and streamer Shank Comics says leading Nigerian comedians like Bovi Ugboma and Basketmouth are wealthier than some of the country’s biggest music stars, including Asake and Wizkid . Speaking during a recent livestream, Shank argued that comedy brings in strong long term income and that many comedians quietly build wealth while living modest lifestyles . He claimed that unlike some popular musicians, comedians often avoid extravagant spending on luxury cars and instead focus on safety, stability and long term financial security . Using Bovi as an example, Shank said the comedian is content driving a regular Lexus and has little interest in buying Ferraris, Lamborghinis or other flashy cars that some artistes are known for . He insisted that Bovi and Basketmouth are richer than stars such as Asake and Wizkid, but that their low key approach to […]
Labake Olododo becomes big hit at Nigerian box office
Labake Olododo has become a major success at the Nigerian box office, earning 202 million naira within its first two weeks in cinemas . The film opened with 50.4 million naira in its first three days and went on to top the box office charts for several consecutive weekends, quickly becoming only the second movie to cross the 200 million naira mark last year . Industry observers say the film’s strong performance reflects a wider resurgence of interest in period dramas, as audiences are once again embracing historical stories across books, television and film . On streaming platforms, shows such as Vikings have shown how history themed content can attract large audiences, and this renewed appetite for the past is also visible in other areas of entertainment and culture . Museums have reported about a 10 percent rise in visitors […]
Seun Kuti urges jailing of pastors who stage fake miracles
Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti has called on the federal government to introduce strict laws against pastors who claim to perform fake miracles . In a video shared online, he urged the authorities to regulate miracle claims by requiring that they be verified and confirmed by medical experts . Kuti suggested that institutions such as Lagos University Teaching Hospital should be involved in checking whether any alleged miracles are genuine . He argued that supposed miracles must be repeatable and demonstrable under medical supervision before they can be accepted as real . To illustrate his point, he said a true miracle would include restoring full sight to a person who has no eyeballs at all, not just someone who has been blind for many years . Kuti said anyone who claims to perform miracles should be ready to repeat them for […]
Remi Surutu says Tinubu not to blame for fuel price hikes
Veteran actress Remi Surutu has defended President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the recent surge in fuel prices, saying the hikes are driven by global forces and not by the president or his government . Surutu spoke at the launch of EKO57, a support group created to mobilise backing for Tinubu’s second term bid, where she argued that decisions by world leaders largely determine petrol prices worldwide . She recalled confronting someone who blamed Tinubu for the fuel hike, insisting that the president is not responsible for the rise in petrol costs and that fuel pricing is influenced by international actors and market dynamics . According to her, many Nigerians wrongly assume that Tinubu controls fuel prices, whereas the increases reflect wider global economic and political developments beyond the direct control of the Nigerian government . Surutu reaffirmed her long standing […]
Lagos to host 2026 youth swimming talent trials
Lagos State will host the 2026 Swimming Trials for young athletes on March 22, 2026, at the Rowe Park Sports Complex in Yaba . The event will bring together emerging talents from across the state as the Lagos State Sports Commission works to identify swimmers who can represent Lagos in future national and international competitions . The trials are open to active male and female swimmers aged 16 and under, with entries expected from clubs, schools and training centres across Lagos . According to the Commission, the programme is part of a wider plan to deepen grassroots sports development and strengthen the talent pipeline in aquatic sports . Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, said the trials reflect the state’s commitment to building a strong foundation for sports through structured competitions and systematic athlete identification . […]
Iran in talks with FIFA to move US World Cup games to Mexico
Iran’s football federation says it is in talks with FIFA about moving the national team’s World Cup group matches from the United States to Mexico because of the war in the Middle East and security concerns . Iran are due to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle at this summer’s tournament, which is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico . However, Iran’s embassy in Mexico said on Monday that officials are now “negotiating” with FIFA to have Iran’s matches held in Mexico instead of the United States . Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian football federation, was quoted on the embassy’s X account as saying that when US President Donald Trump has openly said he cannot guarantee the security of the Iranian team, the squad will certainly not travel to America […]
Related
Will more defence funds make Nigeria safer
Nigeria has spent about 32.88 trillion naira on defence in the last 15 years, roughly 12.5 percent of total national budgets of 262.834 trillion naira in that period, yet insecurity remains widespread across the country . Despite these rising allocations, many communities still face insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes and oil related violence, raising doubts about whether more money alone can make Nigerians safer . Security trackers estimate that over 100,000 people have been killed in violent incidents since 2012, with thousands abducted and about 3.726 million citizens displaced and living in roughly 3,900 camps nationwide . The trend has continued into 2026, with at least 1,091 deaths recorded from violent attacks in just the first 41 days of the year, underscoring the scale of Nigeria’s security crisis despite years of increased defence spending . Against this backdrop, the National […]
Witness details Malami wife hotel account transfers
The trial of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, on alleged money laundering charges resumed on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja with fresh testimony on how funds were moved through a hotel account linked to his wife . A prosecution witness, Daniel Simon Kwayil, a bank compliance officer, told the court that large sums were repeatedly transferred from the account of Meethaq Hotels Limited, where Malami’s wife, Asabe Rakiya Bashir, is the sole signatory, to the former minister and his law firm . Kwayil, testifying as the second prosecution witness, identified Malami’s wife in the dock and confirmed that the hotel’s account profile and board resolution listed her as the only signatory, with her identification documents attached to the account opening file . Malami, who served as Justice Minister from November […]
Zulum condemns deadly Maiduguri bomb explosions
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has strongly condemned the multiple bomb explosions that rocked Maiduguri on Monday evening and urged residents to remain calm and vigilant . The explosions occurred almost at the same time at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Monday Market and the Post Office near the State Specialist Hospital shortly after Muslims broke their fast, causing panic across the city . As of the time of reporting, the exact number of casualties was still unknown, but ambulances and emergency workers were seen evacuating the wounded from the different locations . Police spokesperson for Borno State, Deputy Superintendent of Police Nahum Daso Kenneth, said police explosive ordnance disposal teams and other joint security operatives had been deployed to the affected areas to secure the scenes and support rescue efforts . He advised residents to stay away […]
Tinubu and wife begin historic UK state visit
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Tuesday depart Abuja for a historic state visit to the United Kingdom at the invitation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. He will be accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, with the British monarch scheduled to host the Nigerian leader and his wife at Windsor Castle from Wednesday, March 18 to Thursday, March 19, 2026. The visit is the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the United Kingdom in 37 years, the last having been undertaken in May 1989 by then military president General Ibrahim Babangida, who was hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II. Buckingham Palace and the United Kingdom Mission in Nigeria confirmed the visit, noting that President Tinubu and the First Lady have accepted the King’s invitation for the two day engagement at Windsor Castle. Tinubu’s Special […]
Banditry displaces over 500,000 residents in Niger, says Bago
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago says more than 500,000 people have been displaced from Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State due to persistent bandit attacks.He disclosed this during a presidential relief initiative in Borgu, where food items, nutrition packs and essential drugs were distributed to affected residents. According to Bago, the displaced residents are mostly indigenes of Borgu who have fled repeated raids, kidnappings and killings by armed groups.They are now scattered across Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Kaduna, the Federal Capital Territory and even neighbouring Benin Republic. The governor said the Niger State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government and development partners, is fast tracking plans for their safe return and resettlement.He described the current efforts as “frantic”, noting that restoring normal life and livelihoods in Borgu is a top priority. Bago revealed that President Bola Tinubu has directed security […]
Passengers injured as Abuja–Kaduna train derails near Asham
Several passengers have been injured after an Abuja–Kaduna passenger train derailed near Asham Station on the busy corridor.The incident occurred on Monday morning when the train, heading from Kaduna towards Abuja, suffered a collision that caused part of the coaches to leave the tracks. The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, confirmed the derailment in a statement.He said the incident happened around 10:30–11:09 a.m. near Asham, between Kubwa Station and Asham Station on the Abuja–Kaduna rail line. According to preliminary information, the train was involved in a rear impact that affected a locomotive and a passenger coach, leading to a sudden jolt and partial derailment.Opeifa noted that an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause, including possible coupling or technical issues. Eyewitness Sada Malumfashi, a passenger on board, said there was a loud bang before […]