The United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) and the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) have considered partnership in developing a multi-country promotion on sustainable digital inclusion.
Mr Adamu Idirs, Head, Public Affairs Department of NIGCOMSAT made this known on Thursday in a statement in Abuja.
Idris said that a high-powered delegation from the DFID recently met with the management of NIGCOMSAT to discuss the digital inclusion, aimed at adding value to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
He said that during the meeting held at the NIGCOMSAT Ground Control Centre, Abuja, both sides agreed to provide affordable, accessible, safe and secured internet connectivity to the underserved in rural communities.
According to him, Mr. Joe Dawson, Program Director DFID, while engaging the NIGCOMSAT team stated that his team was in NIGCOMSAT to seek consultation on priorities, needs and opportunities for the collaboration.
“`The area of collaboration was technical and it was key at further enhancing strong and beneficial relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom,’’ he said.
Responding on behalf of the Managing Director, NIGCOMSAT Ltd, Mr Samson Osagie, the Executive Director, Marketing and Business Development said that the initiative was a welcome development capable of aiding developing countries.
Osaigie said that “ This gesture of internet connectivity program in Nigeria is a unique opportunity to advance its potentials in the area of broadband services in our attempt to bridge the digital divide.
“The partnership coming up between NIGCOMSAT and DFID will go a long way in expanding NIGCOMSAT services across the nooks and crannies of this country.
“It will also go beyond Nigeria to other West African sub-regions where NigComSat-1R has foot prints.
