The Federal Government plans to expand Nigeria’s mobile and digital network beyond its borders, linking the country with neighbouring states to reduce connectivity costs and strengthen national security. 
 
The announcement was made yesterday at the second Nigerian Satellite Week (NSATWK 2026) in Abuja, organised by Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT).
 
Speaking at the event, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, explained that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernise the country’s digital infrastructure, while addressing security challenges.
 
“Our President is investing in 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic network, and this network will extend into neighbouring countries like Cameroon, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad,” he said.
 
The minister noted that the expansion would also help reduce the cost of Internet capacity, which in some neighbouring countries is ten times higher than in Lagos.

Tijani emphasised that beyond cost savings, the infrastructure would enhance national security, enabling surveillance and intelligence gathering along Nigeria’s borders.
 
He also highlighted the country’s strategic position as the only West African nation with its own satellite, saying NigComSat provides coverage to remote and underserved areas, and supports critical sectors such as agriculture, education, business, and security. 
 
The minister lauded President Bola Tinubu for approving the acquisition of additional satellites, describing it as a clear commitment to building the future and not standing still.
 
He further observed that investments in infrastructure must be matched by applications that generate real impact. 
 
In her welcome address, Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, said the week-long event proves Nigeria’s determination to harness space technology for national development. 
 
She outlined initiatives such as Project 774, which aims to deliver satellite-enabled connectivity to all local government areas, ensuring that rural and underserved communities benefit from digital services.
 
Egerton-Idehen also highlighted the agency’s growing global presence, including partnerships with Eutelsat and the Kenya Space Agency, and Nigeria’s vice chairmanship of the Global Satellite Operators Association, which allows the country to participate in international satellite policy and spectrum management.
 
In a goodwill message, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, stressed the role of satellite technology in enhancing communication, emergency response, education, and security.
 
NSATWK 2026 brings together policymakers, industry players, researchers, and innovators, showcasing Nigeria’s growing capacity in the space and digital infrastructure sectors. 
 
The event provides a platform for collaboration and dialogue, aiming to position the country as a leading player in Africa’s digital and satellite economy.

SIMILARLY, the newly posted Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Michael Falade, yesterday, pledged to strengthen border security and intensify intelligence-driven policing to curb the influx of criminals from Kwara, Kogi and Ondo states.
 
Recall that Kwara and Ondo are experiencing a surge in criminal activities, particularly kidnappings.

In Kwara State, over 300 people were killed and several kidnapped in 2025 and 2026.
 
Addressing journalists shortly after assuming office, Falade assured residents that his administration would be anchored on professionalism, fairness, integrity and respect for human rights, stressing that the protection of life and property would remain his top priority.
 
He disclosed plans to deploy intelligence-led policing strategies, proactive operations and other crime prevention measures to tackle insecurity across the state.
 
The CP, however, expressed concern over security challenges in neighbouring Kwara, Kogi and Ondo, reiterating that his command would fortify Ekiti’s borders against infiltration by criminal elements.