Nigerian Communications Satellite has announced that it will be utilizing NigComSAT-1R to provide more solutions to achieve a more striking digital economy.
This was revealed by Dr. Abimbola Alale, it’s Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officer at the 2021 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum series on Internet Governance for Development (NDSF) held in Lagos.
The theme of the event was “The Role of NigComSAT on Digital Cooperation for Enhanced Digital Economy”. According to Alale, stakeholders especially in the frontiers are already getting linked through the NigComSAT-1R. He assured that utilization of satellites for this will ensure quick and fast deployment, cheaper infrastructure in less commercially viable areas as well as broadcast services.
She made mention that during a crisis, NigComSAT is usually on their toes to provide backup services and ensure durable connectivity. But with the use of satellites, there will be access to both basic and complex telecom services that will help better other sectors including commerce, health, and education to name a few.
“The Internet has affected every aspect of our lives and this space is heavily dominated by the private sector, this is why the private sector needs to be heavily engaged as a stakeholder,” she said.
According to Alale, promoting a digital economy will create benefits and efficiencies as digital technologies drive innovation, job opportunities and economic growth. “The Nigerian digital economy affects all aspects of society, influencing the way people interact and bring about broad changes,” she said.
Alale further cited that the digitalisation of the economy already has an impact on the economy judging by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate when compared to other sectors.
“The ICT sector contributed 14.07 per cent to the total real GDP in Q1 2020 higher than its contribution in 2019 at 13.32 per cent. In Q2 2020, the sector contributed 17.83 per cent, increasing the amount contributed to about N1.78 trillion and N1.28 trillion in Q1 while the oil sector contributed 8.93 per cent in the same quarter,” she said.
The NigCom boss however concluded by saying that to achieve the digitalisation of the economy effectively, the organisation will be collaborating with the private sector, civil society and government.