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What the Security Needs to Fight Terrorism

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By Andrew Aroh

During this time of increased use of commercial satellite equipment and services, internal and market changes are surfacing.

Gone are the days of mere satellite capacity for non-secure communications.

Now, companies looking to do business with the security are being called upon to set up baseline standards that work towards solving security requirements and expand services into new areas like terrorism.

A blue print is required:

We need to establish a baseline understanding that we are going to have assured access to commercial satellite communications.

One problem with commercial satellite operators is this unwieldy gaggle of entities that we have to deal with at the various satellite companies.

The emphasis is on streamlining procedures to act as a catalyst to the security to increase its use of commercial SATCOMS end-user terminals and transponder time.

In addition to better procurement procedures, there has been a growing emphasis on reliability of product-basically if it is found to be unreliable, is not worth procuring, since lives can literally be at stake.

Given the current war climate, more efficiency within the procurement cycle among the satellite equipment and services providers will be paramount. SATCOM professionals are by this means urging those government officials in charge of procurement to tighten the noose on current leniency measures offered to the contractors. We are promoting an acquisition policy environment that fosters efficiency, flexibility, creativity and innovation when approaching the bidding, contracting and use of commercial satellite services.

The question is what is the number of security requirements that the commercial SATCOM sector can meet in order to make the security/commercial purchasing process easier some of these include:

  • Setting up single capacity arrangements whereby the security is enabled to lease spares and excess capacity quickly and hardware that is easy to use
  • More reliability and maintainability of end-user equipment
  • Commercial spectrum support on issues nationally and internationally
  • Transition to new technologies as new innovations and efficiencies are offered by the commercial sector
  • Both the security establishment as well as commercial satellite communication operators can benefit from a firmer partnership in the future as it relates to infrastructure changes and service upgrades. One such upgrade/change can now be seen within the arena of fighting terrorism.
  • Who is going to pay for better security:

When it comes to the war on terror one thing is for certain: satellite must be reliable and robust enough to protect vested interests. Satellite can provide reliable telecom channels and distribute time-critical data fast.

But even though the government recognizes the integral role satellites play in fighting the war on terror, some on the commercial side say more is needed from the military side. On a broader scale, any safeguards installed to enhance national security will end up improving all aspects of life.

The caveat, however, is that the space & satellite industry cannot pay for all of this itself. Now, while there is a push from the commercial sector for the military to become a more lucrative customer, counting on the government to be a business saving cash cow is not a smart strategy. So what should space & satellite companies do?

One option is to convince state and local governments to band together into buying consortium, so they are big enough to purchase satellite services.

Another option is to convince these same levels of government to start using mobile satellite system services [MSS], so they can integrate them into their day-to-day lives. This is the most powerful option as it charts the way for the future all over the world. SSPI Nigeria is standing by to lend a hand in this respect.

  • Further educating the security sector:

The commercial satellite industry is, however, steading gaining ground in terms of increasing the awareness of key decision makers both in the federal government and in the local government sector of the significant role that satellites can play in combating terror still, much needs to be done in getting the message out and understood by those who make the procurement decisions.

SSPI NIGERIA will be doing a lot more in terms of outreach and education this year. It is important that this knowledge about satellite technology be widely understood by personnel at local and regional government levels. We see local officials nationwide as shackled by a lack of SATCOM expertise and overwhelmed by all the unsolicited proposals they have piled on their desk.

The problem is a relatively uneducated community in need of a course in satellite 101 which covers hubs, remote and space segment mapped to a terrestrial infrastructure with mobile outreach capabilities.

What is going to work here? The public safety community is swamped by the range of capabilities and thus is finding it hard if not impossible to answer this question.

Because of the importance of the space & satellite industry to our nation, we recommend that steps be taken to promote appropriate revisions to existing policy and the development of new policy regarding security offered by satellite systems, to ensure that federal agencies appropriately address the use of commercial satellites, including the sensitivity of information, security techniques and enforcement mechanisms.

In addition, we are recommending that commercial satellites be identified as critical infrastructure sector [or as part of an already identified critical infrastructure sector]in the national critical infrastructure strategy, to help ensure these assets are protected from unauthorized access and disruption.

We assert that satellite specific language is inserted into the ongoing legislation revisions on the current policy regarding security offered by satellite.

In fact, language scripted within new guidelines need to put more emphasis on describing the user needs in terms of capabilities rather than technical or engineering parameters and providing an opportunity for mid-phase assessment of design maturity by adding a review segment to the project process.

Whatever the future brings, one thing will remain certain: commercial satellite technology and service will continue to play an integral part in government operations. Making the process more streamslined and efficient from bidding to actual service, however, is where near-term emphasis will remain.

In addition to establishing a working business baseline of procedures, there are some specific needs that must be fulfilled.

Given the current global war/polices climate, the security need to increase its space segments procurements.

We really need to know where we are going when it comes to communication oversight and any coordination of space & satellite communications. This remain to be seen. We want language that signals the government wants agencies like NEMA to quickly stream line and simplify any and all resource acquisition procedures for the states. Making interoperable communications gear available-including satellite gear need to be a high priority.

Limited state budgets in many instances simply do not allow for any widespread implementation of satellite technology. Will the threat of bioterrorism and nuclear devices alter this situation? Will an office of emergency satellite communications be created? Or will the existing set of plans overseen as part of the national communications system suffice?

Avoiding any unnecessary and burdensome expansion of infrastructure is priority as well. The real objective is meeting the critical communications needs of the end-users, whether we are talking about first responders, emergency management coordinators or the general public.

Note that emergency SATCOM is not an exotic solution. It should be available for instantaneous use in every state and its local governments.

Remember that we are into a new era of quick response modes, often greatly enhanced by commercial communications satellite technology.

There are three areas where commercial SATCOM technology can significantly play a role: communications, remote sensing and data information services such as weather.

Ubiquitous satellite communications and unlimited bandwidth seemed the destiny of the world.

In addition to widening the bandwidth for security customers, informational satellite image produced by the commercial imaging companies is yet another venue where stronger security/commercial synergies can prove profitable.

The security sector in terms of geospatial and imagery information products and services is growing. The key driver in the budget growth right now is the commercial remote sensing industry coming online.

The Future:

The appropriate role of the government in facilitating commercial space businesses naturally is an ongoing debate. Whether the debate more closely focuses on enhanced communications secure-specific satellite programs or intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) information products remains to be seen.

Therefore,

I believe that the security and the commercial satellite communications arena are linked together at the hip during our lifetimes

However, commercial satellite will always have that reach-back capability that is vital for successful communications.

It is a good thing that the federal government recently launched military coordination center at Abuja. The ICT in place is satellite-based.

But we have always focused attention at the federal level.

WHAT ABOUT THE STATES AND THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEVELS?

A lot still remains to be done at these levels. This is the time to act to create that required national awareness at the grassroot level. 

IF THE PRESIDENT’S NATIONAL SECURITY TELECOMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS FORMULATING ANYTHING RESEMBLING A SATELLITE SPECIFIC AGENDA (NOT JUST BY ESTABLISHING A CO-ORDINATION CENTER) WE HAVE YET TO DETECT IT. A LOT OF ARROWS ARE POINTING IN THE DIRECTION OF A MORE INTEGRATED APPROACH TO EMERGENCY SATCOM.


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General News

NASRDA, Galaxy Space Firm Sign MoU on Satellite Connectivity

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National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)  with Galaxy Space, Chinese LEO satellite player,  to deploy direct‑to‑device (D2D) satellite services nationwide by the end of this year.

NASRDA, Galaxy Space Firm Sign MoU on Satellite Connectivity

According to media reports, Galaxy Space will integrate its LEO satellite constellation into Nigeria’s telecom grid, which will allow existing smartphones and laptops to link directly to the satellites.

The MoU also covers technology‑transfer programmes, joint R&D labs and the co‑production of a CubeSat by Nigerian engineers.

Apart from the benefit of enabling mobile coverage outside of terrestrial network range,  Dr Matthew Adepoju, director- general, NASRDA, said the deal with GalaxySpace would enable Nigeria to build up its domestic space technology sector.

“It is no longer acceptable that we must import every single device we need,” he told the News Agency of Nigera. “The time has come for us to produce our own technologies here at home.”

GalaxySpace, which designs and manufactures its own LEO satellites, currently has a test constellation of seven LEO satellites in orbit, and has said its “Mini-Spider” constellation will eventually comprise up to 1,000 satellites.

GalaxySpace said  it has also signed multi-tier partnerships in Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Last year, it also signed a deal with Hong Kong carrier PCCW Global to integrate its LEOsat connectivity with PCCW’s worldwide network, giving it access to over 3,000 cities across the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.


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IHS Nigeria, United Nations Global Compact Host High-Level Dialogue on Sustainability and Greener Business Practices in Nigeria

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L-r: Group Head, Climate and Finance Sustainability, Bank of Industry, Lanre Babalola, General Manager, Regulatory Affairs, MTN Group, Oyeronke Oyetunde, Head of programmmes, UN Global Compact Network Nigeria, Gloria Okorie (Moderator), Director, Sustainability, IHS Nigeria, Titilope Oguntuga, Head, Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility Wema Bank, Abimbola Agbejule after their panel session on Collaborative Strategies for Greener Business Practices, Innovation and Sustainable Development at a private sector dialogue on Environmental Stewardship organised by the United Nation Global Compact Network Nigeria in Partnership with IHS Nigeria, in commemoration of 2025 World Environment Day.
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IHS Nigeria, in collaboration with the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, hosted a high-level private sector dialogue themed “Collaborative Strategies for Greener Business Practices, Innovation and Sustainable Development”.

The event, held in Lagos, brought together key players from different sectors including finance, law, telecommunications, biodiversity, and corporate sustainability to explore actionable pathways to achieve meaningful environmental stewardship in Nigeria.

The panel session offered bold perspectives on integrating sustainability into business frameworks across different sectors, whilst dispelling myths, and highlighting opportunities for organizations, and calling for collective action from all players within the business value chain.

Delivering a keynote address, Titilope Oguntuga, Director, Sustainability at IHS Nigeria, emphasized the urgency of environmental consciousness: “Sustainability is not a destination — it’s a collective journey.

“It requires courage to transform, vision to lead, and collaboration to scale. Nigeria stands at a crossroads. We can either be overwhelmed by the risks or rise to become a beacon of green innovation and inclusive growth in Africa. The choice is ours — and the time is now.”

Sylvie Josel, Lead, Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions at the United Nations Global Compact, joined virtually from New York and spotlighted nature as a strategic asset:

“Nature must no longer be treated as an afterthought. It underpins everything, from human rights to supply chains. Embedding biodiversity into a company’s core strategy isn’t just a risk mitigation measure; it’s a smart, future-forward business imperative”.

Lanre Babalola, Group Head, Climate Finance and Sustainability at the Bank of Industry (BOI), provided insights into how BOI is funding sustainable ventures and driving innovation: “We look beyond profitability; we look at environmental and social impact. Whether it’s plastic roads, biogas, or solar transitions, we support businesses that are not only bankable but capable of reshaping the future.”

From the legal perspective, Oyeronke Oyetunde, General Manager, Regulatory Affairs, MTN Group, drew attention to the regulatory challenges hindering sustainability adoption: “Our legal frameworks are trailing behind today’s sustainability realities. We need forward-thinking laws, reduced regulatory silos, and incentives that reward the right behavior. Sustainability can’t thrive where enforcement is weak, and taxation is excessive.”

Abimbola Agbejule, Head, Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility at Wema bank, spoke passionately about inclusiveness in sustainable development: “You don’t need to start big to make impact. MSMEs make up a huge part of our economy. Sustainability should be embedded in their day-to-day activities, and we must democratize access to knowledge, tools, and partnerships.”

The session was moderated by Gloria Okorie, Head of Programs at the United Nations Global Impact Center.

The event closed with a resounding call to action for stronger legal frameworks, deeper collaborations, and inclusive capacity building across sectors. The event further reinforces IHS Nigeria’s position as a leader in corporate sustainability and innovation in Nigeria.

“At IHS Nigeria, we recognize that true progress happens when sustainability is not an obligation, but a culture, lived every day, across every unit,” Titilope Oguntuga added.

Through initiatives like this dialogue, IHS Nigeria and its partners continue to champion solutions that protect the planet, empower people, and ensure long-term business viability.


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Bridging the Digital Divide: Over 700 Young Africans Empowered by Paradigm Initiative

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Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a leading digital rights and inclusion nonprofit, has revealed in its 2024 Annual Impact Report that over 707 young individuals across 11 African countries have been empowered through its flagship LIFE Legacy Programme.

The initiative delivers training in life skills, ICT, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship—transforming underserved communities across the continent.

In 2024, the LIFE Legacy Programme ran 25 training cohorts across Cameroon, DRC, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, South Sudan, Liberia, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. In Senegal, 60 laptops were distributed to local partners, while digital literacy programmes were launched in schools in Cameroon and Tanzania through the LIFE@School initiative.

PIN advanced its advocacy by supporting 29 legal cases in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria. A notable success was the landmark judgment in Molehin v. UBA, where the bank was found guilty of violating data privacy laws.

PIN’s research and media efforts made powerful waves. The Londa digital rights report, covering 26 countries, was downloaded 8,457 times. Its fourth short film, Undersight, recorded nearly one million views on YouTube. PIN also developed an AI strategy report with TrustLaw and collaborated with the Centre for Democratic Technology to assess content moderation policies for Kiswahili across Kenya and Tanzania. A separate report highlighted the troubling deployment of surveillance technologies across Africa, which was referenced in direct advocacy engagements with a telecom operator.

The organisation’s advocacy also contributed to the adoption of the African Commission’s Resolution 580, which urges governments to avoid Internet shutdowns during elections—strengthening digital freedom across the continent.

Meanwhile, the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF) convened in Accra attracted 1,004 delegates from 61 countries, strengthening regional collaboration and amplifying the voice of civil society. PIN’s strategic communications pushed its media reach to 1.43 billion and social media engagement to 8.8 million.

Alongside training and policy efforts, the organisation inspired young changemakers through youth-focused campaigns and hosted seven fellows under the Digital Rights and Inclusion Learning Lab (DRILL) fellowship.

Crowning a year of impact, PIN earned the maiden PrivCon Privacy Award in Nigeria and was recognised in the Social Innovation Category at the Nigeria Innovation Awards for its work connecting African youth to digital opportunity.


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