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The Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen, has disclosed that the agency has supported over 5,000 startups as part of its efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s technology and innovation ecosystem.
She made this known during her keynote address at the SOYUZNIK Alumni National Congress held in Abuja, where she spoke on the theme “Engineering Nigeria’s Future: From Education to Industrial Power.” The event brought together alumni of Russian and former Soviet Union universities to explore pathways for national development through technology and innovation.
Driving Innovation Through Satellite Technology
Represented by Engr. Ikechukwu Amalu, Acting Director of Technical Services, Egerton-Idehen highlighted NIGCOMSAT’s Space Accelerator Programme—currently in its third cohort—as a key initiative supporting emerging startups within Nigeria’s growing digital economy. The programme plays a vital role in advancing RegTech innovations, digital entrepreneurship, and technology-driven solutions across sectors.
She also noted that the agency’s Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) training programmes, implemented in states including Adamawa, Jigawa, Cross River, and Enugu, have equipped young Nigerians with critical digital skills. These efforts contribute to building capacity in areas such as compliance technology, data systems, and digital infrastructure management.
Expanding Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity
NIGCOMSAT continues to provide satellite-enabled connectivity across urban, semi-urban, and underserved communities, supporting sectors such as governance, healthcare, education, agriculture, and enterprise operations. These initiatives are critical to strengthening regulatory frameworks and enabling more efficient regulatory monitoringthrough digital platforms.
Through projects like the 774 Connectivity Initiative, the agency has extended connectivity to 45 local government secretariats, enhancing service delivery and governance at the grassroots level. It has also deployed broadband infrastructure to several state ICT centres, supporting digital transformation and capacity building.
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Industry
Egerton-Idehen emphasised the urgent need to align education with industry demands, noting that modern education must go beyond theory to foster practical skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship. She highlighted the importance of integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, satellite communications, and data science into learning systems.
According to her, building a strong educational foundation is essential to driving sustainable development and ensuring Nigeria remains competitive in the global digital economy. This approach also supports the development of compliance management systems and enhances the capacity for regulatory intelligence in technology-driven sectors.
Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Growth
She further stressed that robust digital infrastructure is central to achieving industrial growth. In today’s interconnected environment, infrastructure extends beyond physical assets to include connectivity, cloud platforms, data systems, and satellite networks.
“Connectivity is the backbone of economic growth,” she noted, adding that reliable infrastructure is essential for enabling innovation, improving service delivery, and supporting financial compliance and digital governance systems.
Building a Collaborative Innovation Ecosystem
Egerton-Idehen underscored that innovation thrives within a collaborative ecosystem that brings together academia, industry, and policymakers. She called for increased investment in research and development, stronger support for startups and technology hubs, and the establishment of enabling regulatory policies that protect intellectual property and encourage creativity.
These elements are critical to advancing Nigeria’s RegTech industry, improving compliance workflows, and fostering sustainable economic development.
Call for Technology Transfer and Localisation
She also challenged members of the SOYUZNIK Alumni community to leverage their global exposure and technical expertise to drive technology transfer and localisation, contributing to Nigeria’s industrial and digital transformation.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Abuja branch of the association, Dr. Agu Collins Agu, described the congress as more than a gathering, noting that it represents a platform for strengthening collaboration, shared learning, and community development.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria accelerates its digital transformation agenda, initiatives like those led by NIGCOMSAT highlight the critical role of infrastructure, skills development, and innovation in building a resilient economy. By supporting startups and expanding connectivity, the agency is contributing to a future driven by technology, inclusion, and sustainable growth—key pillars for advancing regulatory compliance and digital governance across sectors.
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