By Chidiebere Ugwu
The Nigerian Army has expressed its willingness to partner with the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) to enhance its communication capabilities and improve its military operations. The Chief of Army Staff, (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja gave the assurance today, Thursday 16 May 2024, when he received in audience the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Mrs Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idereyen and her delegation at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Major General, Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations, in a statement, noted that the Army Chief declared the partnership with NIGCOMSAT is crucial to provide reliable and secure communication services and enable the Nigerian Army (NA) to access a wide range of satellite-based services, including telecommunication, navigation, and surveillance, which will significantly improve its operational efficiency and effectiveness.
The COAS appreciated the vital role of NIGCOMSAT, which he observed, serves as a formidable foundation for NA operations, especially in the North East and North West regions. Gen Lagbaja averred that NA is committed to the Executive Order 5 of President, Commander-in-Chief Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, compelling departments and agencies to patronize made-in-Nigeria goods.
He described NIGCOMSAT products as top-notch and affirmed his desire to expand the frontier of cooperation and partnership that exists between NIGCOMSAT and the NA. The COAS also pledged to partner the Communication Company in the launching of its new satellite into space to improve NA operations.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Mrs Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idereyen in her remarks lauded the NA for its service to the nation and pledged to continue to support the NA with requisite technology to tackle security challenges.
She disclosed that NIGCOMSAT intends to launch a satellite into orbit, co-designed and dedicated to the Armed Forces to enhance the military’s capabilities and contribute to bolstering military operations, taking into consideration the importance of the services the NA is rendering to the nation.
The NIGCOM boss acknowledged the long standing relations with the NA and the zeal of the NA in tackling security challenges in the country. She noted that the partnership between the duo is expected to have far-reaching implications for the country’s military operations and national security as well as leverage satellite technology to drive economic growth and development.
