How Satellites Can Propel Nigeria’s Development: Insights From Thailand And China

Work trips are rarely described as tasty, but my visits to Bangkok and Beijing were just that—a whirlwind of flavours, culture, and insights into the transformative power of communication satellites.

Let me start with the food (because how could I not?). Bangkok? Oh, the shrimp! I could write poetry about their fried rice, bursting with flavours I never knew I needed. And then Beijing, in the chill of winter, introduced me to dumplings so comforting, they felt like a warm hug after a long day. I came back with more than just a full belly—I came back inspired, with a renewed sense of what satellite technology can do for sustainable development in Nigeria and across Africa.

Work Meets Wonder

Amid the food and exploration, my visits to Thaicom in Thailand, China Association for Science and Technology Company (CAST) and China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) in China were eye-opening. These organizations aren’t just operating or launching satellites into orbit—they’re redefining what’s possible.

At Thaicom, I saw how a former state-owned company blossomed into a publicly traded leader in communication satellite services. Their success formula: a perfect balance of innovation, customer focus, and strong government partnerships that ensure growth while keeping national interests at heart. Its success lies in blending transparency in governmental oversight, governmental support with strategic revenue streams like broadband services and broadcasting aimed at driving economic growth.

In China, the setup was different but equally fascinating, as they ran a tightly coordinated ecosystem of state-driven research, commercialization, and innovation. CAST is like a hive of innovation, while CGWIC acts as the global arm, bringing China’s satellite expertise to the world. It’s all tied together under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), which runs as a strategically aligned, well-oiled machine. Their efficiency proves that synergy and well-defined roles can propel profitability.

What About Nigeria?

Reminiscing on the journey so far, my mind naturally turns to Nigeria and our journey with NigComSat-1R – a remarkable milestone in our history that holds the promise of becoming a lasting legacy if fully supported and harnessed.

Imagine this:

Broadband for All: Affordable, high-speed internet reaching even the most remote villages with translators on how to utilize it.
Job Creation: Skilled engineers, researchers, and entrepreneurs building a thriving space industry.
Solutions for Today’s Problems: Satellites helping with insecurity, tele-medicine, navigation, agriculture, education, disaster management—you name it.

This isn’t just about technology. It’s about empowerment, transformation, shaping a future where Nigeria leads. As we say in local parlance: “Naija no dey carry last”

Pathway Forward

Investing in communication satellites is no small feat—it requires substantial investment, but the potential for profitability is immense. Just look at Thaicom (Thailand), Bangabandhu-1 (Bangladesh), and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) (India), and many others. To truly transform our satellite industry into an engine for sustainable development, we must:
Think big. Think beyond oil. Think future. Think investment.

At NIGCOMSAT, we are committed to this vision. Guided by integrity, transparency, creative innovation, and global competitiveness, we have revitalized our infrastructure and prioritized both external and internal stakeholder needs.

Here are some ways Nigeria can lead in space technology:

Policy Support: Strong policies that protect local operators, encourage innovation, and build a sustainable ecosystem.
Smart Financing: Public-private partnerships, sovereign bonds, IPOs, and regional collaborations to fund satellite projects.
Revenue Innovation: Exploring R&D to unlock new income streams in broadband, broadcasting, data services, and transformative sectors like agriculture and education.
Capacity Building: Training world-class engineers, technicians, sales, and finance administrators to reduce reliance on foreign expertise.
Business-Friendly Ecosystem: Creating an environment that attracts global investors.

Strategic Partnerships: Leveraging global expertise through partnerships, much like NLNG in oil and gas.

The blueprint is simple: investment in people, strong policies, global collaboration, and a collaborative ecosystem. With the right approach, Nigeria has the potential to become a leading force in the satellite industry.

The Big Picture

In the end, my time in Bangkok and Beijing wasn’t just about shrimp fried rice or dumplings (although they were unforgettable!). It was about seeing firsthand how nations have used communication satellites to propel themselves forward—and how Nigeria can do the same.

The future of satellite technology isn’t just about orbiting hardware; it’s about using that technology to make a real-world impact on Earth—creating value, solving problems, and empowering people. And Nigeria? We have the talent, the ambition, and the drive. Now, we need commitment and the boldness to make it happen.

So, here’s a question for you: If satellites could solve one problem in your community, what would it be?

— Tamunopriye Tonye is a senior manager at the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT)

How Satellites Can Propel Nigeria’s Development: Insights From Thailand And China is first published on The Whistler Newspaper