General News
Satellite Technology is Ready When Needed for Border, Port & Maritime Security
By Andrew Aroh
We are still trying to figure out a lot of things in terms of threats, vulnerabilities and the integration of resources. We need to ensure that the satellite realm is recognized as critical infrastructure.
Satellite is a technology, which plays a critical role already, but most often omitted from formal discussions, and this is a huge problem.
Satellite communications is rarely mentioned as a specific solution or recommendation that spells out the need for improved communications and interoperability. There are instances, however, where attention is focused on a possible satellite solution such as border, port and maritime security. Recall the long-range vessel tracking system. In this case, we develop and implement a long-range automatic vessel tracking system for all vessels in Nigeria waters that are equipped with the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System or equivalent satellite technology. The system shall be designed to provide the safety agencies or the authority the capability of receiving information on vessel positions at interval positions appropriate to deter transportation security incidents.
The above underscores the pivotal role of satellite technology at sea, and offers a possible way to solve the vessel tracking puzzle, which is an important dimension of port and maritime security under a much broader concept known as maritime Domain Awareness [MDA] as well as the system known as the Universal Shipborne Automated Identification System [AIS].
SECURING CARGO AND PORTS:
- The goal here is to increase security throughout the entire international logistics chain by implementing security verification techniques. Building security into the global supply chain is a huge challenge.
- By expanding the role of satellite based systems such as GPS, AIS and the vessel Monitoring system, we can reinforce and extend our existing security verification techniques. Satellite technology is essential to making key elements of overall MDA system work.
- AIS a top priority which has been kicked into high gear by MDA. As a GPS-based system, AIS does include a possible long range interface with a satellite feed, for example.
The International Maritime Organization [IMO] is speeding up required carriage of AIS as well.
We have to have sufficient transparency and be able to verify low risk cargo as we go about building more confidence into our maritime and port security apparatus in general.
The process of tracking cargo as it moves along throughout complex intermodal transportation system mandates that we move our borders out, and provide security that moves with the box or container in question.
- Although satellite enjoys general recognition in terms of the key role it can play here, satellite is not going to happen without real advocacy. A good paper trial has to be wrapped around a regulatory model to drive more innovations in the maritime domain. This will enable the exploration of new technology such as electronic seals, vessel tracking and electronic notification of vessel arrivals.
- There is a growing interest in the use of satellites and GPS and global location systems to track the movement of cargo in real time. We are aware several companies have piloted advanced devices such as transponders and electronic seals, which when used with satellite technology, can pinpoint the location of a truck chassis, container, truck, ship or railcar in real time.
While the results of these demonstrations have been promising, we have also seen that this technology is feasible in a complex, commercial supply chain, on a practical as well as on an economic level.
Testing of satellite technology also upholds the devices for their ability to withstand the rigors of the commercial sea container/port environment, the effectiveness of the communication infrastructure, and their scalability, with the goal of developing requirements and protocols that can be commercialized within a competitive marketplace.
- While satellite technology is able to assist maritime security, primarily in terms of tracking ships or cargo consignments, resources could be a problem.
Again, it would be inordinately expensive to track everything, and would create a blockage nightmare as well.
However, if some sort of compromise over the level of blockage can be achieved, there is much promise in satellite technology.
- Remember, success will be very much reduced if some sort of tracking is not introduced for at least suspect vessels. So satellites would help very much, but again, depending upon the resources available. The Coast Guard [as the only resource] will certainly be stretched to do this vessel tracking job in a thorough manner.
BORDER PATROL LINKED VIA SATELLITE:
As for the nation’s borders, and the role of satellite technology in such programs as Smart Border Initiative, the National Transportation Security Plan and the National Land Border Security Plan, the door remains wide open. This is because for the large states, Cellular Digital Packet Data [CDPD] or Radio Frequency [RF] is not viable options.
- Therefore, we need the applications of satellite for data transfer. We can implement a limited number of satellite voice units to supplement regular radios in fringe coverage areas.
Absolutely, the recommendation is that the federal Government should spend more money to equip state law enforcement agencies in rural Border States with more satellite equipment [linked to NigComSat-1R] both for routine use as well as for enhanced border security purposes. Note that the border is one of the areas where we have the weakest coverage utilizing our existing radio technology. Hence any activity we participate with in those areas should see the benefit of satellite technology regardless of whether it is border security, search & Rescue or our other law enforcement missions.
- In every state, we can start with two vans assigned to perform commercial vehicle enforcement tasks equipped with two-way satellite terminals that can be used for dispatch as well as to instantaneously access driver and vehicle data anywhere in the state, including its remote border region. With the satellite technology, one can quickly check all the paperwork, validate the driver and verify that any Department of Transportation permits are valid, if required. One goal here is to simply increase monitoring presence in this remote and scarcely populated region both for safety and security purposes. The cost and ease of use of satellite gear are important considerations as well. There is no question that commercial vehicle enforcement activities represent a critical part of the overall plan to enhance border protection.
SATELLITE IMAGERY CONTROL:
- Besides making sure that satellite technology is used in the most effective way to protect borders, coasts, and port, government and military officials must also ensure that any group seeking to do harm does not gain access to high-resolution satellite imagery.
- We need policies for prohibiting the release of imagery beyond a certain resolution such as the guidelines provided by the appropriate security department, notification when an image crosses an international boundary, or when such a request is made by a person or group.
There is thus, a great need for effective and efficient schemes for facilitating such controlled dissemination of satellite imagery and the information products generated from it.
- Experts in the area of information systems security have access control model for high-resolution satellite image databases.
Commercial Satellite Organizations should proactively address sensitive satellite-related issues such as the fact that image collection or distribution must be constrained where there is an immediate and substantial threat to national security or foreign policy commitment.
FUTURE SOLUTIONS VIA SATELLITE:
Reliable and affordable satellite solutions are reliable and most can be quickly obtained as off the shell, commercial satellite products.
Enhancing border, port and maritime security may require the creation of novel hybrid solutions which can be useful to multiple agencies. Using the broad footprint of satellites, along with the proven reliability of satellite-based solutions can be brought to bear quickly on a variety of security-related objectives.
Andrew Aroh is President SSPI Nigeria
General News
Moniepoint Commences DreamDevs Bootcamp to Transform 20 Top Engineering Talents into Industry-Ready Professionals
Following a call for applications in January 2026 and a rigorous selection process that drew over 9,000 applications from across the country, Moniepoint Inc., Africa’s leading digital financial services provider, has officially commenced the bootcamp for the second cohort of its flagship DreamDevs initiative aimed at bridging the tech talent gap in Africa by equipping recent graduates with industry-ready skills and real-world experience.
The initiative brings together 20 high-potential engineering graduates for an intensive nine-week programme designed to accelerate their development into industry-ready engineers. It will be recalled that candidates, who are recent university graduates from technology, computer science, and engineering fields were invited to showcase their foundational knowledge in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
The journey to the final 20 was marked by a multi-stage screening process designed to identify technical aptitude and learning potential. After the initial application review, candidates underwent an online HackerRank technical assessment. From this pool, 50 shortlisted applicants were invited to a physical code challenge, which determined the final participants selected to join the bootcamp.
“At Moniepoint, we believe that Africa’s tech talent can compete on any global stage if given the right environment. DreamDevs is our way of providing that bridge. We’ve seen the success of our first cohort, and this year we’re doubling down to not just to train, but to create a definitive pathway into full-time roles for those ready to engineer financial happiness across the continent.
DreamDevs is about building engineers who can think, solve problems, and contribute meaningfully to systems at scale. This bootcamp is where that journey begins,” said Felix Ike, Co-founder and CTO of Moniepoint Inc.
Delivered in partnership with Semicolon Africa, the bootcamp focuses on strengthening core engineering competencies through structured learning and real-world problem-solving. The curriculum is designed to move participants from foundational principles to production-grade software development, covering Java OOP foundations, data structures and algorithms, Spring Boot API development, and cloud infrastructure.
Participants will gain direct exposure to Moniepoint’s engineering environment, engaging with internal teams to understand how large-scale financial systems are built and maintained. Standout performers at the end of the nine weeks will secure six-month internship placements, with the strongest candidates eligible for full-time employment.
Wisdom Iyamu, one of the selected participants for the DreamDevs bootcamp expressed shock and appreciation.
“I was honestly shocked when I received the acceptance for the first stage. I have many friends who are equally talented and didn’t make it in, so I feel incredibly grateful and excited to be here. I actually applied because a close friend of mine, who is a huge fan of Moniepoint, convinced me to go for it. My expectation for this bootcamp is to learn exactly how to build products that scale. Whether it’s working at Moniepoint or being part of a team building the next billion-dollar idea, I want to be where high-impact engineering happens”, Iyamu noted.
DreamDevs aligns with Moniepoint’s broader vision of using technology to power the dreams of millions and engineer financial happiness across Africa. It complements the company’s existing talent development programs, including HatchDev – a collaboration with NITHub Unilag and the popular Moniepoint Women-in-Tech initiative, now in its sixth year.
The programme also sits in tandem with the federal government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, for which Moniepoint serves as a key sponsor. By providing a specialised pathway from foundational training to employment, Moniepoint continues to invest in the people who will drive Africa’s digital economy forward while serving as the backbone of Nigeria’s small businesses and enterprises to catalyze economic prosperity.
Federal government has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to suspend the introduction and rollout of new policies, regulations, or major regulatory changes until full compliance with the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) Framework is achieved.
The directive, issued by Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, director general of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), is part of efforts to strengthen regulatory quality, ensure policy coherence, and improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria
According to the statement, the RIA Framework, which was formally implemented in January 2025, requires that all new policies or amendments introduced after the date must undergo review and approval in line with its provisions.
She noted the framework has already been circulated to MDAs by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and is also accessible on the PEBEC website.
MDAs are therefore expected to familiarise themselves with the framework and align their policy development processes accordingly.
Audu emphasised that while the government remains committed to working collaboratively with regulatory institutions, no new reform or policy would be allowed to proceed without being backed by clear and verifiable evidence.
She explained the directive aims to prevent policy shocks that could negatively affect businesses, investors and citizens, eliminate inconsistencies and frequent policy reversals, and institutionalise evidence-based policymaking across government.
The directive also seeks to enhance transparency, improve predictability, and boost stakeholder confidence in public policies, while ensuring adequate engagement to minimise resistance prior to implementation.
Consequently, all MDAs have been instructed to suspend any planned policy rollouts that have not yet been implemented, ensure that new policy proposals are supported by comprehensive RIA and necessary approvals, and integrate the RIA process into their internal policy formulation procedures.
They are also required to undertake structured and inclusive stakeholder engagement as part of policy development to improve acceptance and implementation outcomes.
The PEBEC boss added that MDAs can access the RIA Framework through its website or seek technical support from the council’s secretariat.
She, however, noted that exceptions would only be granted in cases of urgent national interest, subject to appropriate approval.
Audu stressed that cooperation from all MDAs is crucial to building a stable, consistent and business-friendly regulatory environment capable of driving sustainable economic growth and boosting investor confidence.
The Federal Government has unveiled a new digital platform, NITOUREY, aimed at showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and tourism destinations to global audiences.
The initiative, introduced at a press conference organised by the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, was described as a public-private partnership designed to project Nigeria’s diverse cultural assets.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, said the platform marked another step in repositioning Nigeria as a leading global destination for tourism, culture and creative excellence.
She explained that the digital project would harness the power of the creative economy and technology to amplify Nigeria’s cultural narratives while creating opportunities for young Nigerians, filmmakers, content creators and tourism operators.
Musawa said, “Today marks yet another significant step in our collective journey to reposition Nigeria as a leading global destination for tourism, culture and creative excellence.
“The initiative aligned with the administration’s economic diversification drive, noting that tourism had the potential to contribute significantly to national growth.
“President Bola Tinubu has a vision to use tourism as part of economic diversification and expansion, and NTDA can play a vital role in achieving that goal”.
She emphasised that NITOUREY would not only showcase destinations across the country but also create economic opportunities within the creative industry.
“Through this initiative, we are not only showcasing destinations across Nigeria but also creating opportunities for the creative industries, including filmmakers, content creators, tourism operators and young Nigerians within the creative economy,” she added.
The minister also stressed the importance of collaboration between government agencies, state governments and the private sector, noting that the platform was a PPP initiative designed to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s tourism and creative sectors.
“This is a commendable PPP initiative that demonstrates the collaboration required to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s tourism and creative industry,” she said.
She further assured stakeholders that the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy would continue to support initiatives that enhance Nigeria’s visibility, attract investment and create jobs.
In his remarks, the Director General of NTDA, Ola Awakan, described NITOUREY as a transformative platform that will redefine how Nigeria is presented to the world.
He emphasised that tourism thrives on perception, visibility, and storytelling, noting that the platform will collaborate with key institutions, including the Nigerian Film Corporation, National Film and Video Censors Board, and the National Information Technology Development Agency, to deliver high-quality content.
Awakan added that the initiative is powered by a strong public-private partnership involving TOURCLIQ Creatives Limited and JM MiSA International Limited, underscoring the importance of collaboration in unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s tourism and creative industries.
He further revealed that NITOUREY will spotlight iconic destinations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, including Zuma Rock, Yankari Resort and Safari, the Argungu Fishing Festival, Ngwo Pine Forest and Cave, Obudu Mountain Resort, and Olumo Rock, projecting them to a global audience.
The platform is expected to serve as Nigeria’s premier tourism streaming platform, projecting the country’s culture, creativity and destinations to both domestic and international audiences.
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