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NIGCOMSAT to Host Nigerian Satellite Week 2026 as Nigeria Marks 20 Years in Space Economy
NIGCOMSAT to Host Nigerian Satellite Week 2026 as Nigeria Marks 20 Years in Space Economy
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria’s national satellite operator, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, will host the second edition of Nigerian Satellite Week (NSATWK 2026) in Abuja on March 30 and 31, bringing together top policymakers, defence leaders, investors, and technology entrepreneurs to discuss the future of the country’s space and satellite industry.
The event, organised by Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, will also coincide with the organisation’s 20th anniversary, highlighting two decades of Nigeria’s entry into the global space economy and the growing role of satellite infrastructure in national development.
According to the organisers, NSATWK 2026 is expected to attract one of the largest gatherings of stakeholders in Nigeria’s satellite and digital infrastructure ecosystem, including cabinet ministers, development finance institutions, satellite operators, and African deep-technology startups.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Jane Egerton-Idehen, said the gathering represents a defining moment for Nigeria’s space sector.
“Twenty years ago, Nigeria made a sovereign decision to own its place in space. What we are marking this week is not simply longevity; it is the compounding return on that decision. This is where we bring that work into full view and define what the next twenty years will demand of us,” she said.
She noted that the global satellite industry is entering what many analysts describe as its most consequential decade, stressing that countries seeking economic competitiveness must increasingly rely on sovereign space capabilities.
Over the past two years, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited has expanded its footprint from operating a single satellite platform to becoming a multi-service provider delivering connectivity, broadcasting and broadband services across Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
The company’s recent milestones include a major Low Earth Orbit connectivity partnership with Eutelsat, strategic cooperation with the Kenya Space Agency, and the appointment of Egerton-Idehen as Vice Chair of the Global Satellite Operators Association, a position that places Nigeria among key players shaping global satellite policy and spectrum governance.
The two-day event will feature several key components designed to strengthen Nigeria’s satellite ecosystem. A Startup Demo Day will showcase African deep-technology ventures working on satellite applications across sectors such as agriculture, logistics, healthcare and connectivity, while a Stakeholders Forum will bring together government officials and industry leaders to discuss regulatory reforms, infrastructure development and investment opportunities.
The event will also feature the launch of Accelerator Cohort 3.0, a programme aimed at nurturing early-stage companies developing satellite-based solutions. Through the initiative, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited hopes to strengthen Nigeria’s space-technology innovation pipeline and position the country competitively within the evolving global space economy.
Organisers said the programme will conclude with a gala night to recognise institutions, policymakers and individuals who have contributed to Nigeria’s journey in the satellite and space sector over the past two decades.
High-level Technology’s expected at the event include Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, and the Managing Director of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria.
Incorporated in 2006 and wholly owned by the Federal Government, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited provides satellite-based telecommunications, broadcasting, broadband and navigational services to government institutions, enterprises and telecom operators across Nigeria, Africa and other regions.
NSATWK 2026, organisers say, will highlight how Nigeria’s space economy has evolved from a strategic aspiration into an active driver of digital connectivity, innovation and economic transformation.
NIGCOMSAT to Host Nigerian Satellite Week 2026 as Nigeria Marks 20 Years in Space Economy
Troops arrest suspected ammunition racketeer in Cross River
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 245 Battalion have arrested a suspected ammunition racketeer in Cross River State in an ongoing effort to curb illegal arms circulation.
A military source said the suspect was apprehended at about 11:35 p.m. on April 14 in Abong-Ebam Community, Boki Local Government Area, while riding on a motorcycle.
According to the source, troops intercepted the suspect during a routine operation and discovered 25 cartridges in his possession.
The suspect was immediately taken into custody for further investigation to determine the source and intended destination of the ammunition.
The military said preliminary interrogation is ongoing as part of efforts to dismantle arms trafficking networks operating within the area.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to sustained patrols and intelligence-driven operations aimed at preventing the proliferation of illegal weapons and enhancing security in Cross River and adjoining states.
Troops arrest suspected ammunition racketeer in Cross River
Troops, NDLEA arrest 8 suspects, recover illicit drugs in Bayelsa raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Headquarters 16 Brigade, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have arrested eight suspects and recovered quantities of illicit drugs during coordinated raids in Bayelsa State.
A military source said the operation was conducted at about 10:30 a.m. on April 14 across Obunagha, Azikoro and Swali communities in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Amassoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, and Imiringi in Ogbia Local Government Area.
According to the source, the joint operation led to the arrest of eight suspects and the recovery of about 850 grammes of cannabis sativa and 11 grammes of methamphetamine.
The suspects and recovered substances have since been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security authorities said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking and related criminal activities in the Niger Delta region.
Troops, NDLEA arrest 8 suspects, recover illicit drugs in Bayelsa raid
Troops foil bandit attack, rescue 10 victims in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Joint Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA in Katsina State have foiled a bandit attack and rescued 10 kidnapped persons in Faskari Local Government Area of the state.
Sources said the incident occurred in the early hours of April 12 at Sabon Garin Yankara village following a distress call received at about 3:30 a.m.
According to the sources, a large number of armed bandits invaded the community, prompting the joint troops to be deployed in the area.
They added that the joint team tactically blocked the escape routes of the attackers and engaged them in a fierce gun duel.
“The bandits were forced to abandon the kidnapped victims and fled with gunshot injuries, leading to the rescue of all 10 victims unharmed,” the sources said.
The sources, however, disclosed that a vigilante member, identified as Sanusi Naatta, 45, sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and was later confirmed dead at a hospital.
They noted that security operatives have since blocked all exit routes, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Troops foil bandit attack, rescue 10 victims in Katsina
Troops arrest suspected cattle rustler in Benue
Troops arrest suspected terrorist, recover motorcycle in Benue
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