Week Recap

Starting off this week's recap with great news! Be the first to learn about it and don't forget to spread the word.

You already know that Nigeria has a satellite in space, which has been operational since December 2011. As it nears the end of its life, we are taking proactive steps to ensure a timely replacement and have officially begun the process of replacing the existing NIGCOMSAT-1R.

Now, we are calling for collaborators and investors to ensure the successful execution of this project. Read more about this announcement here in the Global Satellite Operator's Association newsletter, where we are featured under the "Member in the Spotlight" section.

Following recent engagements, including strategic partnerships and industry forums, it was great visiting TD4PAI IoT Hub , an IoT hub in Kuje, Abuja, where I learned about their innovative projects. They use IoT sensors and analytical dashboards to improve agricultural productivity by monitoring soil conditions in real-time. This technology, like their Unity Board and Udene Board, supports sectors such as agriculture, smart cities, and education. Collaborating with NIGERIAN COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE LIMITED (NIGCOMSAT) , we're exploring how satellite connectivity can extend these solutions nationwide, revolutionizing farming practices and promoting inclusivity through free digital skills training.

Special thanks to Dr Agu Collins Agu and the TD4PAI team for showing their groundbreaking work in IoT solutions. Their commitment to leveraging indigenous technology aligns with NIGCOMSAT's mission to advance Nigeria's economy through innovation. Read more about it here.

Moving ahead, I attended a stakeholders engagement forum for the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill alongside heads of other MDAs and my boss'. This bill aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework for Nigeria's digital economy, covering electronic transactions, digital contracts, and the application of AI and blockchain in public services. Every of the speech given were enlightening and I can already see excellent outcomes of this. Did you know that The ICT sector contributed 17.89% to Nigeria's GDP in Q1 2024, and now it's been predicted that the sector could generate up to $18.3 billion by 2026, reducing oil dependence. That's how fast ICT is evolving.

Speakers at this crucial event were Hon. Minister of the Federal MInistry of Communications and Digital Economy, Nigeria , Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani , Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu , and Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide , they spoke extensively about the bill's potential to boost job creation and economic growth. watch out, the bill will be available for public review starting July 23, 2024, ensuring transparency and informed engagement in shaping Nigeria's digital future.

Additionally, my team and I welcomed eStream Networks , our valued channel partner, to NIGERIAN COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE LIMITED (NIGCOMSAT) . Their visit was focused on enhancing our joint efforts to expand telecommunications capabilities nationwide. Mr. Muyiwa Ogunboye, Managing Director/CEO of eStream Networks, Time well spent listening to Muyiwa share their commitment to improving service delivery and network infrastructure.

Myself alongside the Executive director technical services Abiodun Attah had the pleasure of meeting with the delegation to explore opportunities for leveraging our satellite technology to enhance connectivity across Nigeria. This collaboration spotlights NIGCOMSAT's ongoing commitment to building strong partnerships within the telecommunications sector, supporting our mission to advance Nigeria's digital economy through robust satellite communications solutions.

This week at our ongoing Accelerator program, our team had the privilege of engaging with Mr. Daniel Eze , an expert in IT and telecommunications solutions, during an insightful session on business development. Mr. Daniel, with over a decade of experience, shared critical activities such as market identification, business model selection, and the imperative of documentation for operational clarity and investor confidence.

It was a packed a session, as I learned all that taught during the session like: practical strategies for adapting to market dynamics, iterative product development, and the significance of creating robust go-to-market plans. The participating startups were encouraged to align their business models with current industry trends and to leverage networking opportunities for strategic growth. All thanks to Daniel Eze for facilitating the session. We look forward to more impactful sessions.

Finally, we were excited to welcome the newly employed staff of the Defence Space Administration ! Basically, it was a move necessary in consolidating classroom knowledge with hands-on experience using NIGERIAN COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE LIMITED (NIGCOMSAT) state-of-the-art satellite technology. Our strategic partnership with the Defence Space Administration is focused on strengthening Nigeria's space and defense systems. In collaboration, We work on joint initiatives, training programme, and knowledge exchange to improve satellite communications and other space-based applications essential for national development and security.

Each encounter we've had this week has reaffirmed our commitment to driving innovation and inclusivity across Nigeria. Keep in touch with NIGCOMSAT for the latest updates as we lead the charge towards a digital future. Our commitment to innovation and excellence ensures that together, we are transforming the nation and setting new standards of connectivity and reliability. Come with us through this journey of technological advancement and national development.