RASCOM Director General commends Nigeria’s Leadership in Satellite Communication

The Director General of the Regional African Satellite Communication Organization (RASCOM), Mr. Adi Timothy Ashong, has commended Nigeria’s pioneering leadership in satellite communication, describing the country as a “leading example for Africa, especially in the West African region.”

Speaking to Voice of Nigeria during a press briefing marking the inaugural Nigerian Satellite Week, organized by NigComSat in Abuja, Ashong noted that Nigeria is currently the only West African country with a communications satellite. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about Nigeria’s satellite capabilities and the opportunities they present.

“Nigeria is doing a great job for West Africa, and we must recognise this achievement,” Ashong said.

“The Nigerian Satellite Week is a timely initiative to create awareness about Nigeria’s satellite services and encourage citizens to patronize them,” he added.

Ashong also reaffirmed RASCOM’s dedication to empowering African satellite operators, including Nigeria’s NigComSat, to secure their place in the satellite communication market. He noted that RASCOM has established strategies to help African countries promote their own satellite technology.

“As the new Director General of RASCOM, my mandate is to ensure Africans use satellite services provided by African member states,” Ashong stated.

“We must live the Pan-African dream by supporting and utilizing services from our own countries.” he added.

Highlighting the benefits of regional cooperation, Ashong pointed out that Nigeria’s communication satellite offers a valuable opportunity to provide services to other African countries.

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“For example, Ghana does not have a communication satellite. To help my Pan-African brother, I would recommend using a satellite that covers Ghana, and the next country I would look to is Nigeria. Who has it? So yes, it is,” he explained.

“I will encourage Ghana to use Nigeria’s satellite services, promoting regional collaboration and solidarity,” Ashong added.

He further urged African countries to promote the Pan-African dream of the continent’s founding fathers by patronizing NigComSat rather than relying on vendors outside Africa.

“As I indicated, we must live the Pan-African dream that our forefathers envisioned. It’s not just about talking; we have to use the services provided by our African countries,” Ashong said.

He also noted, “We know that foreign satellites currently dominate the market. Events like this are essential because they raise awareness about the existence of Nigerian satellites and the services they offer, encouraging citizens to patronize them. It’s a pathway to ensuring African satellite communication operators secure their market share in Africa.”

RASCOM, which aims to promote African satellite communication services and empower member states to enhance their telecommunications infrastructure, currently includes 45 member states who have signed the RASCOM Convention. This organization seeks to bridge the digital divide, stimulate economic growth, empower innovations, and improve connectivity across Africa.

Rural Connectivity

RASCOM also emphasised the importance of rural connectivity, noting that this effort will help create a more inclusive and equitable society. By extending connectivity to rural areas, individuals can participate in the global economy and benefit from the digital world.