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Private sector, Military urged to take advantage of NIGCOMSAT

By BusinessNews Staff on February 13, 2015

Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, former Minister of Science Technology, Prof. Turner Isoun and the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Information Communication and Technology (ICT), Ibrahim Gusau, have called on the organised private sector, the military and the rural dwellers to take advantage of the cheaper Ka-band satellite application being rolled out by the Nigeria Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT).

The Ka-band satellite is being rolled out into rural and remote communities using the Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) facilities.

Speaking at the launch of the (Ka-band 8 transponders) satellite application made possible by NIGCOMSAT in collaboration with the NIPOST in Abuja, on Tuesday, Johnson, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Olatunji Olaopa, said the deployment of the efficient satellite application would no doubt revolutionise financial inclusion of the rural dwellers, while providing cheaper source of accessing the internet for private bodies and public institutions.

She said: “With the launch of NigKaNet, Nigeria has assumed her position as a regional leader in communications technology. As we continually evolve, we shall work assiduously to breast the tape in setting the pace for communications technology solutions globally, bringing on cutting edge future-oriented and market driven products that meet the best standards. The Ministry has reinvigorated all the agencies in the ministry to accelerate efforts at meeting this goal. And NIGCOMSAT has made an indelible mark in this quest.
Fortunately, with this we make that bold foray for all sectors of our national life to embrace communications technology as the springboard of inclusive growth.”

According to her, the Ka-band utilisation is the backbone upon which this financial services inclusion and opportunities scheme are being based, adding that the synergy between NIPOST and NIGCOMSAT will open endless opportunities for the ease of financial transactions and business growth across the country.
To seamlessly deliver the innovative scheme to the public, the minister said government, through its Public-Private Participation (PPP) initiative, had modified the composition of NIPOST with the objective of establishing a network of over 300,000 agents across the country.

“This is borne out of government’s interest to reach the rural dweller with world-class services since the postal outlets have relatively good presence in the 774 Local Government Areas and consequently can contribute substantially to bringing financial services nearer to the rural populace.” Johnson stated.

Communications technology, she noted holds great promises for diversifying the Nigerian economy in the face of dwindling crude oil revenue, adding that it is the key to unlocking the country’s economic potential.

Speaking in the same vein, Isoun said the objectives of NIGCOMSAT 1R which was birthed through the launch of the Ka-band was symbolic for the country the country after 10 years. He said government agencies should link up with the satellite, adding that the Ka-band which was put together by Nigerians would offer them the best performance. He said the technology used by the military defence to monitor phones calls and activities of events in remote areas.

With the successful flag-off, he said: “This is a confirmation that ICT in Nigeria is working. Moreover, it is confirmation that the investment of the government in ICT infrastructure such as communication satellites was not in vain. So for me, this launch illustrates that indeed there are commercial by-products of space technology that can be utilized and enjoyed by the average Nigerian.

“For NIGCOMSAT, it provides irrefutable evidence that Nigerians possess the skills and technical know-how to compete with the best in the world. What you are witnessing today is the result of years of investment in the development of our young Nigerian engineers and other professionals in the niche area of satellite communications.

In his remarks, Gusau, said: “This is a critical time for the military and of course we are aware that there is a partnership for the deployment of satellite communication in their field of operations.”

He called for agencies’ collaboration in the use of NIGCOMSAT facility for their various operations.

“We want to see more robust partnership in this regard by the ministries and agencies. We at the National Assembly and specifically the ICT committee are working hard to see that NIGCOMSAT delivers on its mandate and as a rallying point for the other parastatals in the ministry,” he said.

Managing Director of NIPOST, Alhaji Ibrahim Mori Baba and her NIGCOMSAT counterpart, Ms. Abimbola Alale expressed optimism that the collaboration using the Ka-band infrastructure and NIPOST already established facilities will bring about the much needed financial inclusiveness of the rural dwellers where internet facilities where hitherto not been able to penetrate.

She said: “The reason for the Ka-band application in the rural areas is because of its high efficiency reliability and affordability especially in the rural and remote areas. Nigerians can now explore the satellite for the social economic benefits of the country.”

[ThisDay]

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