Special Report: Digital Divide and NigComSat’s commitment to Project 774 LG Connectivity

*Jane Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, has assured the company is ‘fully committed’ to implementation of the Project 774 LG Connectivity initiative, designed to empower all the LGAs with digital tools and resources to deliver efficient public services, promote transparency, and stimulate economic growth at the grassroots level

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Jane Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat) has said the company is “fully committed to working alongside” the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to ensure the successful implementation of the Project 774 LG Connectivity in the ecosystem.

ConsumerConnect reports Egerton-Idehen stated this during the visit of Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, to NigComSat office, in Abuja, FCT.

Commenting on the Minister’s working visit to her office, the NigComSat Managing Director/CEO stated in a blogpost: “We are honoured beyond words to have the Honourable Minister, Dr. ’Bosun Tijani, visit us at the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat).

“His visit comes at a pivotal moment as we set out on the 774 LG project. “This project is an initiative directed at bridging the digital divide in Nigeria.”

NigComSat critical to national development: Minister

Earlier, Dr. Tijani Monday, February 19, 2024, had announced that the combined existing digital infrastructure of the NigComSat and Galaxy Backbone would be utilised to provide connectivity to all 774 Local Government Secretariats across Nigeria.

According to the company, the Minister later made his maiden visited to the NigComSat ‘Ground Station’ in Abuja.

NigComSat disclosed that Tijani undertook a detailed tour of facilities at the Ground Station, including the Broadband Unit, Satellite Control Centre, Network Operations Centre and the Direct-to-Home Platform.

Tijani, at a meeting with the Management and Staff of the organisation,  commended them for effectively managing the Nigeria’s communications satellite, among other services.

Organisations like NigComSat are very critical to the development of Nigeria, and should be encouraged to strive, said the Minister.

He further stressed that with a clearly defined mandate, the Ministry is confident in the capabilities of NigComSat to deliver the Project 774 LGA Connectivity to consumers at the grassroots in the digital ecosystem.

Why Project 774 LG Connectivity, by NigComSat CEO

Egerton-Idehen also affirmed that the Minister, earlier had announced the Project 774 LG Connectivity.

She said: “Now, I believe you already know that this project is aimed at connecting all 774 local government areas in Nigeria to the Internet.

“This aligns perfectly with NigComSat’s core mission of bridging the digital divide and fostering national development.”

On the specific area of intervention of the company in the nationwide digital project, the NigComSat Chief enthusiastically stated: “Yes, we are incredibly proud to be co-anchoring this project alongside our sister agency Galaxy Backbone.

“It’s certain that our combined expertise and infrastructure will be instrumental in achieving this transformative goal.”

According to her, the objectives of the project transcend simply providing Internet access to consumers in the respective local council areas in Nigeria.

She asserted: “Its end goal is to empower local governments with the digital tools and resources necessary to deliver efficient public services, promote transparency and accountability, and stimulate economic growth at the grassroots level.”

Egerton-Idehen restated: “NigComSat is fully committed to working alongside the Ministry to ensure the successful implementation of this groundbreaking initiative.”