NIGCOMSAT's Role in Election Technology
Jane Egerton-Idehen, the Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), has emphasized the agency's potential to contribute to the country's election technology.
In a recent interview on Channels Television's The Morning Brief, Egerton-Idehen argued that NIGCOMSAT should be an integral part of the solution for electronic transmission of election results.
Tapping into Investments
The NIGCOMSAT MD highlighted the nation's substantial investment in satellite technology, a rarity in West Africa, and urged its utilization in election processes.
She stated, "We should tap into this opportunity...we should use our asset and maximize its potential."
Technical Capacity for Real-Time Transmission
Egerton-Idehen addressed the technical capacity debate, asserting that Nigeria is well-equipped for real-time election result transmission. She explained that the combination of the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) reach and mobile operators' networks, supplemented by satellite technology, ensures comprehensive coverage.
The recent passage of the Electoral Act (2026) has brought attention to the role of technology in elections, with electronic transmission being a key focus.
While the Act provides for manual backups in case of technical issues, NIGCOMSAT's expertise could play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless election processes.