Lagos, Nigeria – The state-owned satellite company, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, now carries over 50 percent of the country’s broadcast traffic, marking a notable turnaround from its position two years ago, according to its Chief Executive Officer.
Okay News reports that Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idehen stated at a press briefing in Lagos that key institutions such as the National Broadcasting Commission, Galaxy Backbone, and the National Identity Management Commission are now back on the company’s network. Some of these customers, including Galaxy Backbone, had been clients over a decade ago but had to be actively won back as part of a renewed market strategy.
The recovery effort has involved rebuilding trust, improving service delivery, and re-engaging institutions that had migrated to alternative providers. The company’s first satellite failure, which occurred during an early deployment, led to a four-year gap in service availability and the exit of several long-standing clients due to lingering concerns over reliability.
Egerton-Idehen advocated for a policy that prioritises government-owned service providers in public sector procurement, arguing that government agencies should grant NigComSat the first opportunity to provide satellite-based solutions before seeking alternatives elsewhere. She noted that government-backed platforms in other countries benefit from mandatory patronage across critical sectors.
Last month, NigComSat announced it generated N2 billion (approximately $1.28 million) in revenue in 2025, up from N650 million recorded in the previous year. Plans are underway for the launch of two new satellites scheduled for 2028 and 2029, which are expected to support security agencies with real-time data collection and intelligence. This satellite communications recovery highlights the company’s renewed market position and growth trajectory.
