The Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Ltd has said it would complete the connection of all 774 local government areas (LGAs) in the country with internet services by 2026.

Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen, disclosed this on Monday during a one-day media training for ICT correspondents at the agency’s Ground Control Station in Abuja.

Represented by the Executive Director, Technical Services, Engr. Abiodun Attah, she explained that the project, which commenced last year, is being rolled out in phases, with about 200 rural communities already linked to 2G and 3G services within the past nine months.

“Within the last eight or nine months, we have been able to connect about 200 communities on 2G and 3G technologies with some main road MNO operators. Before the end of this year, we are going to take the second phase of the 774 project to about 120 local governments. The target for the end of next year is to have completed the entire 774 project by connecting all the local government areas, which means that all the local government areas should be connected.” she said.

Egerton-Idehen stressed the strategic importance of the initiative, warning that Nigeria must not depend solely on foreign satellite capacity.

“If we do not have that critical national asset and protect it, we will be cut off completely from communication in the event that big Western nations decide to cut off access. The whole fiber, microwave connectivity we are allowed in general today has limitations. If there is fiber cut in the oceans, Nigeria will be in darkness,” she warned.

She cited recent wars as examples of how satellites determine outcomes in modern conflicts:

“Most of those wars were persecuted using satellites. The one in Lebanon was persecuted using satellites. The current Russia-Ukrainian war, for profit, is the satellite war. And we keep acknowledging this so that we know the importance of the satellite,” she explained.

Beyond national security, she emphasized that connectivity supports education, healthcare, commerce and governance, and is essential for bridging Nigeria’s digital divide.

She also urged the media to help Nigerians better understand the role of satellites and ICT in everyday life.

“This session is about equipping you, the storytellers, with the right context, tools to be able to simplify, demystify, humanize the satellite and ICT stories for the Nigerian community. You are not just talking technical jargons. You are shaping how people see opportunities in technology. You are influencing how policymakers respond. You are also inspiring young people to dream and have their own content and space,” she stated.

Egerton-Idehen added that Nigeria is not just a consumer but a contributor to global technology, with its ICT sector among the fastest growing in Africa. She called on young Nigerians to embrace satellite technology and innovation.

“We want to be able to empower the youth. We want to be able to empower the new generation, to help us build this idea in the youth who will love the satellite technology. And they can then understand the importance of satellite technology in their daily lives,” she said.

She assured that despite funding and equipment constraints, NIGCOMSAT is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian, including those in ultra-rural areas, will have access to connectivity.

The Project 774 LG Connectivity, being executed by NIGCOMSAT, aims to link all 774 local government secretariats to high-speed internet using its NIGCOMSAT-1R satellite and Galaxy Backbone’s terrestrial network. The initiative, launched by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, seeks to drive digital inclusion, improve e-governance, expand access to education and healthcare, and boost economic opportunities in underserved communities. (The Sun)