Nigeria Signs Satellite Communication Deal with Chinese Company

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) with Galaxy Space, a Chinese satellite company, to implement Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite communication access throughout Nigeria.

One of the top and leading Chinese companies, Galaxy Space, is well-known for creating and manufacturing affordable Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites for commercial broadband internet.

It is expected that the collaboration will greatly increase connectivity in Nigeria, especially in underserved and rural areas.

And in advancing communications in space, NASRDA Director-General Dr. Matthew Adepoju spoke at the signing ceremony on Wednesday in Abuja, calling the agreement a significant step forward for Nigeria’s space and communications capabilities.

Through this partnership, Nigeria will embrace direct satellite connectivity as a means of communication in the future, independent of conventional terrestrial infrastructure such as cell towers, Adepoju stated.

“This means that even in places without network coverage, your electronic devices such as phone, laptop, or workstation can connect directly to satellites, enabling seamless communication,” he continued.

According to Adepoju, the D2D satellite technology should be fully deployed by the end of 2025.

He underlined that millions of Nigerians will have better access to digital services, greater digital inclusion, and the elimination of network blind spots thanks to the technology.

Additionally, he urged public and commercial sector stakeholders—particularly those in banks, ministries, and government agencies—to assist Nigeria in embracing and implementing space-based technology.

In addition to better connection and technology transfer, the alliance would provide Nigerian engineers with chances for knowledge transfer and capacity-building, facilitating the local development and possible domestication of satellite communication technologies.

“Nigeria needs to stop relying solely on imported technology. Some of these technologies need to be developed and produced locally, Adepoju continued.

Mr. Sam Xiao, a representative for Galaxy Space, praised NASRDA’s leadership and pointed out that Nigeria might act as a springboard for the spread of D2D technology throughout Africa. In addition, he suggested a joint project initiative to develop a CubeSat, a little satellite, for which Nigerian engineers would receive training, participate in the design and production phases, and manage operations.

Through the things we should be aware, simply is by avoiding the need for terrestrial base stations or towers, D2D technology enables common smartphones and other digital devices to interact directly with satellites, providing a game-changing alternative for nations with limited infrastructure.

If the deal with Galaxy Space goes through, Nigerians may be able to have direct-to-mobile access much before Elon Musk’s Starlink is expected to launch.

Musk referenced Starlink’s intentions to introduce direct-to-cell connectivity in Nigeria and other nations where it conducts business. However, as the service is now only accessible in six countries—the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Australia, and Switzerland—there is no timeline for this. 

Musk stated that in order to provide the service, the company would collaborate by working with network carriers in every country  in which it conducts business.