Insecurity: Permanent Secretary highlights the role of satellite technology

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, has emphasised the crucial role of satellite technology in combating insecurity, calling for additional satellites to enhance Nigeria’s security capabilities.

This move, he said, was expected to improve the country’s ability to respond to security threats and ensure the safety of its citizens, and can only be achieved through partnership and increased funding.

Kana disclosed this at the stakeholders’ forum during the ‘Nigerian Satellite Week’ organised by Nigeria Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited in Abuja, Nigeria. The theme of the week was ‘Harnessing Communication Satellites for Sustainable Development.’

He underscored the crucial role satellites play in addressing some of the challenges in military operations, adding that satellites help facilitate easy communication and monitoring of operational movements in various areas.

“With the launching of more satellites, we’re going to be having real-time information, real-time imagery. And we can monitor even our enemies and the bandits everywhere, wherever that location might be.

“With the partnership with NIGCOMSAT and with more satellites in space, we are going to be monitoring everything. I can guarantee you that we won’t miss anybody coming our way,” Kana said.

He stated that the Defence Space Administration had the capability of taking pictures of satellite imagery on all the routes that troops were available, saying it enhances operations and reduces casualties among troops.

Kana said that one of the key aspects of the military was communication and intelligence gathering, adding that without satellites, their job would be restricted.

“We have moved from normal military operations to advanced military operations. We now use drones. Without satellites, we cannot operate our drones.

“Drone surveillance is optimal for overseeing significant events, allowing rapid deployment and comprehensive monitoring to prevent illicit activities and safeguard event attendees,” he said.

He used the opportunity to applaud the army for their relentless efforts in curbing insurgency in the country, saying “Nigeria is winning the war and we must commend our army for this.”

Kana said NIGCOMSAT was in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and key agencies in providing digital services to the country.

Also Read: NIGCOMSAT Reaffirms Commitment to Satellite Technology for Nigeria’s Sustainable Future

The Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, said their main target in terms of penetration levels was to work with relevant agencies, adding that through that collaboration, it is hoped that the nation’s broadband penetration will increase from about 45% to 75%.

“We want to dominate this market. We see a future where 70% of our revenue will come from the Nigerian market.

“Because right now, there are so many private sector operators here. But the truth is, a lot of the people they serve are actually government agencies, so for us, the potential is there.

“We have started the work and done our internal preparations, and now we are coming out to talk about it so that the patronage can improve,” she said.

According to Egerton-Idehen, the agency is working towards increasing its customer base to dominate the Nigerian market for robust revenue generation.

“We want to increase our customer base and dominate the Nigerian market. We have started the work, and now we are coming out to talk about it, just like you said. So, the patronage can improve.

“So, we can tell people, this is what we’re doing, this is what we’ve done, so people can see the reason to actually do business with my company.

“We see a future where 70% of our revenue will come from the Nigerian market. We see a future where we can lead in the satellite sector. Because right now, there are so many private-sector operators here. But the truth is, a lot of the people they serve are government agencies.”

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Tetconsult, Mr. Scholars Taylor, said more satellites were needed to carry traffic in the country, adding that close to 10 satellites would be needed for various purposes.

“What you want to do is to have the right number of satellites to be able to carry the traffic that you need. That’s a continuous exercise. Traffic will continue to grow, and we will continue to do more and more based on the growing traffic.

“You can’t say this is the number, but I can tell you today there must be close to 10 satellites that Nigeria is using for various reasons, including NIGCOMSAT, NASA, and other foreign satellites.”