NIGCOMSAT Reaffirms Commitment to Project 774

The Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Ltd. has reaffirmed its commitment to bridging the digital divide through its participation in Project 774, an initiative aimed at providing broadband and digital services nationwide.

Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT, made this known during the launch of the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

Egerton-Idehen highlighted that Project 774, introduced by the Federal Ministry of Communication and Innovation in 2023, is designed to deliver affordable and reliable digital connectivity across all 774 local government areas (LGAs) in Nigeria. The project, she said, has already reached 51 LGAs across nine states.

She specified that these states included Kogi, Cross River, Kwara, Imo, Ogun, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Borno.

According to her, Project 774 is a multi-agency collaboration, involving key stakeholders such as NIGCOMSAT, the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), and Galaxy Backbone Ltd., working together to improve broadband penetration and digital inclusion across Nigeria.

“We are committed to making this project a success, and we are putting our resources where our mouth is,” she said.

Egerton-Idehen emphasised that NIGCOMSAT’s participation in Project 774 aligns with its mission to advance an inclusive digital economy, ensuring that people in remote and underserved communities have access to digital services.

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She explained that the project is being implemented in phases over three years, with the first phase already showing significant progress.

“We have already seen significant progress in the first phase, and we are committed to sustaining this momentum,” she said.

Egerton-Idehen also stressed the importance of collaboration and stakeholder engagement in achieving Project 774’s objectives.

“We cannot do this alone, and we are calling on all stakeholders to join us in this effort to bridge the digital divide in Nigeria,” she said.

She further pointed out that Nigeria’s increasing electronic transactions are a key indicator of the country’s transition towards a fully digital economy.

According to her, the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) has recorded transactions exceeding one quadrillion naira since 2024, marking an 80 per cent increase compared to 2023.

Egerton-Idehen revealed that the highest volume of transactions was recorded in December, demonstrating the growing adoption of digital financial services.

“This is a clear indication that the country is moving towards a cashless economy,” she said.

She attributed the rise in digital transactions to their convenience, enabling people to make payments and conduct financial activities remotely.

Additionally, she noted that the Nigerian diaspora community has significantly contributed to the growth of digital payments, as they can now pay for services electronically with ease.

“What we want is an inclusive digital economy, where digital services are accessible to all, regardless of location,” she said.