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.
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