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By Chinenye Anuforo
The Federal Government is accelerating its drive to connect all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to the internet, with a strong focus on utilizing the robust infrastructure of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT). This strategic move aimed at bridging the digital divide, ensuring equitable access to information and communication technology across the nation has already seen 40 LGAs connected.
The Project 774 LGA Connectivity, a novel initiative is targeted at connecting all of Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Secretariats with internet connectivity, thereby, creating jobs. This project aligns with the Strategic Blueprint of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and, it is a significant step in achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to deliver efficient public service to Nigerians at the local government level.
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To achieve the target, the managing director/chief executive officer, NIGCOMSAT Limited, Mrs Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, told select journalists that NIGCOMSAT has commenced training of accredited installers in the 36 states of Nigeria.
Starting with the South-western zone, Egerton-Idehen averred that the training is crucial as it marks an important milestone in the Agency’s journey towards enhancing satellite communication services across Nigeria, adding that, NIGCOMSAT, being a co-anchor of the 774 connectivity project, is leveraging on the Ku-Band network asset of the NigComSat-1R satellite to connect 579 LGAs. “We have already completed the first phase of the project which covers about 40 LGAs in eight states including Cross River, Imo, Kogi, Kwara, Ogun, Sokoto and Zamfara States,” she added.
Egerton-Idehen, who was represented by the head, marketing and stakeholders’ engagement, Olufunke Fagbeja, at the KA-band VSAT Installation training, on Wednesday, in Lagos, said NIGCOMSAT’s mission has always been to bridge the digital divide and ensure that every corner of Nigeria has access to reliable and efficient communication services.
“A key part of this mission is our commitment to Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). By collaborating with our resellers and channel partners, we are able to leverage the strengths of both the public and private sectors to achieve our goals. Our resellers and channel partners are not just collaborators; they are strategic partners in our quest to fulfill our mandate. Your role is crucial in ensuring that the technology we deploy meets the highest standards of performance and reliability. This VSAT installation training is part of our drive in ensuring we build a network of accredited installers across Nigeria. It is designed to equip our accredited installers, with the knowledge and skills necessary to install and maintain VSAT systems efficiently and effectively,” she added.
Speaking on the importance of the training, the CEO averred that the training will expose installers to the latest advancements in VSAT technology, best practices for installation and maintenance, and hands-on experience that will enhance their technical proficiency. “Our expert trainers are here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that you leave this programme well-prepared to tackle any challenges you may encounter in the field. As NIGCOMSAT’s accredited installer, you get the opportunity to be our Channel Partner in the delivery of our services to last-mile customers,” she added.
