The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) has empowered 120 young people in Enugu state with technical skills in Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) installation, configuration, and maintenance, as part of its nationwide effort to deepen last-mile connectivity and accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation.

The five-day capacity-building programme, themed “Strengthening Last-Mile Connectivity: VSAT Capacity Building for Enugu State Communities,” was held in Enugu in partnership with the Enugu SME Centre and the Office of Digital Economy & MSMEs.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Managing Director/CEO of NIGCOMSAT Ltd, Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, was represented by the Head of Sales, Engr. Ibiye Ukoko said the training aligns with NIGCOMSAT’s mandate to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide by extending secure, reliable, and affordable satellite-based connectivity to underserved communities.

She noted that NIGCOMSAT, managers of Nigeria’s communications satellite NigComSat-1R, remains the backbone of national digital infrastructure and a key enabler of the country’s Digital Economy Policy, National Broadband Plan, and ICT Infrastructure Development Roadmap.

“This programme is a core part of our mission to build a digitally empowered, future-ready Enugu State.

“By equipping these youths with VSAT skills, we are strengthening the State’s capacity to deploy satellite connectivity across communities where terrestrial infrastructure is weak or non-existent,” Egerton-Idehen said.

She explained that NIGCOMSAT supports broadband expansion by delivering high-availability internet to remote areas, providing backhaul services for telecom operators, and powering critical sectors including banking, healthcare, education, security, and government institutions.

Egerton-Idehen also highlighted the wider socioeconomic benefits of satellite communication for Enugu State, noting that VSAT-based connectivity would improve e-governance, bolster e-learning and telemedicine, support SMEs and digital businesses, and provide resilient communication infrastructure, especially during disruptions such as fibre cuts.

According to her, the capacity-building initiative will help prepare a new cadre of skilled technicians who can contribute to the State’s digital economy and support ongoing satellite deployment across its communities.

“At the end of this exercise, we would have built capacity that ensures these youths can take part in delivering satellite connectivity across Enugu State and beyond,” he said.

Representing the Enugu State government, Mr Salem Emmanuel, Senior Programmes Manager at the Enugu SME Centre, who spoke on behalf of the Special Adviser to the Governor on MSMEs and Digital Economy, Hon. Arinze Chilo-Offiah, applauded NIGCOMSAT for investing in Enugu’s human capital.

He described the initiative as a strategic step in empowering the State’s youth with globally competitive digital skills.

“This programme is more than training; it is a gateway to future opportunities.

“Under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah, Enugu remains committed to bridging the digital divide and building a workforce ready for tomorrow’s digital economy,” Emmanuel said.

He urged participants to take full advantage of the programme, noting that the knowledge gained would provide leverage in the fast-expanding connectivity and ICT services sector.