Insecurity: Enhanced satellite infrastructure as panacea

As Nigeria grapples with escalating security challenges, the necessity for a robust, domestically produced satellite infrastructure has become increasingly critical.

Last week’s forum convened by the Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) in Abuja emphasised this urgency. It brought together key stakeholders from the Ministry of Communications, the Ministry of Defence, and the private sector, all of whom echoed a singular message: Nigeria must fortify its satellite capabilities.

The discussions centred on the theme “Harnessing Communication Satellites for Sustainable Development,” highlighting the pivotal role that space technology can play in enhancing national resilience.  This initiative is not merely about military enhancement; it is about asserting Nigeria’s technological independence and fostering a comprehensive framework for sustainable development.

These technologies can provide real-time intelligence, improve communication networks, and facilitate effective response mechanisms in times of crisis. In a world where information is power, Nigeria must leverage its own resources to ensure that it is not reliant on foreign technologies that may compromise national security.

Moreover, strengthening our satellite infrastructure will have far-reaching implications beyond defence. It can enhance sectors such as agriculture, health, and education by improving data access and communication capabilities. This investment is not just a military necessity; it is a cornerstone for national development.

Satellites are an important component of national security worldwide, playing vital roles in gathering real-time intelligence and supporting surveillance operations. Nations rely on satellite technology to safeguard their citizens and effectively respond to evolving threats. In Nigeria, where security challenges are both complex and persistent, the need to enhance satellite capabilities is urgent. A lack of robust satellite infrastructure puts security forces at a disadvantage, hindering their ability to combat insurgency, terrorism, and organised crime—issues that have destabilised regions and left citizens vulnerable.

The Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, has been a strong advocate for developing indigenous satellite capabilities that are locally owned, operated, and secured. This approach is essential for reinforcing Nigeria’s sovereignty, especially in a context where dependence on foreign technology poses significant risks. Since launching its first satellite, NigeriaSat-1, in 2003, Nigeria has shown the potential of satellite technology.

This was followed by a series of communication and imaging satellites, but the journey towards a comprehensive satellite infrastructure must continue to strengthen the nation’s security and autonomy. The existing satellite network has indeed facilitated advancements in various areas — providing internet connectivity, enabling distance learning, supporting GPS, and facilitating broadcasting. However, it falls short of meeting the security demands of a nation as complex as Nigeria.

At present, Nigeria’s military relies on limited geospatial imagery, which constrains its capacity to respond to security threats promptly. In an era where military strategy increasingly hinges on data-driven intelligence and sophisticated surveillance, Nigeria’s satellite infrastructure must evolve to support agile and effective defence operations. The call for domestically produced satellites transcends mere technological enhancement; it addresses a critical vulnerability.

In a landscape fraught with escalating digital threats, relying on foreign-built or managed satellites could expose Nigeria to significant risks, particularly given the internal and external security pressures it faces. By developing satellites designed, built, and launched within Nigeria, the government would secure greater control over sensitive data, eliminating the dangers associated with outsourcing vital infrastructure to foreign contractors or entities.

Indigenous satellites could significantly enhance Nigeria’s security, autonomy, and adaptability, making it a more resilient player in a region where instability can easily spread. However, expanding Nigeria’s satellite infrastructure demands a substantial financial investment. The country has long faced funding challenges that often prioritise immediate domestic needs over technological advancements.

The launch of NigComSat-1, which cost N32 billion, illustrates both the high stakes and potential returns of such investments. Although NigComSat-1 experienced early failure, it set the stage for NigComSat-1R, a replacement satellite launched in collaboration with China at no extra cost to Nigeria. As Nigeria considers the next phase of its satellite programme, a broader vision must come into focus -one that sees investment in satellite technology not merely as an expenditure but as a strategic necessity.

Nigeria’s ability to launch and manage its own satellites would not only serve domestic interests but also establish the country as a leader in space technology across West Africa. An indigenous satellite programme would offer Nigeria leverage in a region that increasingly recognises the critical role of technology in maintaining peace and stability.

As NIGCOMSAT and the Ministry of Defence work to chart a course for more satellites, they must contend with an economy stretched thin by inflation, declining oil revenues, and widespread poverty. Funding for large-scale space projects is difficult to justify when basic infrastructure, healthcare, and education remain under-resourced. However, in today’s world, where technology and security are inextricably linked, an investment in satellite infrastructure is an investment in the country’s future stability.

National security is not a line item; it is a foundation for sustainable development. The stakes are too high for Nigeria to leave this potential unfulfilled. It is from this perspective that we insist Nigeria’s troops cannot afford to be limited by the absence of such technology – satellites are no longer a luxury but an operational necessity.