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The Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NigComSat) and the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID) are planning to launch an internet connectivity programme in the country. According to a statement by NigComSat released on Thursday, the programme will provide internet services in rural communities to bridge the rural-urban digital divide in Nigeria.

The NigComSat is an agency under the Federal Ministry of Communications Technology and charged with the management and operation of Nigerian communications satellite.

“A delegation from the Government of the United Kingdom, through its agency, has met with top management of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited to initiate the process of developing multi-country promotion of sustainable digital inclusion, which is to add value to Nigeria’s socio-economic development,” said Adamu Idris, NigComSat’s Spokesman and Head of Public Affairs Department.

He added that the initiative would provide affordable, accessible, safe and secure internet connectivity to the unserved and underserved communities in Nigeria.

Joe Dawson, Programme Director – Emerging Policy and Innovation, led the DFID team, while the Director of Marketing and Business Development, Samson Osagie, led the NigComSat team.

“The collaboration between the two organisations will further enhance strong and beneficial relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom,” said Dawson.

Osagie affirmed that collaborating with the DFID will help to expand the services of the agency across the country and beyond.

In May 2007, NigComSat launched its first geostationary satellite, called NigComSat-1, into orbit. During its service life, the satellite served customers from the broadcasting industry, internet service providers, and telecommunication operators. In 2011, the NigComSat-1R replaced the NigComSat-1, which was deorbited in 2008. NigComSat-1R is built with radiation-hardened technology and has on-board software re-programmable ability.