NigComSat-1R, a Nigerian geostationary communications satellite will outlive its usefulness this year, meaning that the satellite will expire anytime now.

NigComSat-1R was launched by China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) for Nigeria on December 19, 2011, as a replacement for the failed NigComSat-1.

NigComSat-1 which was put in the orbit in May 2007, was de-orbited in November 2008 following the development of power fault.

It was replaced with NigComSat-1R by the same company and has a lifespan of 15 years.

Positioned at 42.5°E, it provides C, Ku, Ka, and L-band services across Africa, Europe, and parts of Asia for broadcasting and internet.

Should the satellite fail, support for television broadcasting, internet connectivity, and secure communications for government and private sectors, may be affected.

The satellite is currently been controlled from China since 2019 following technical issues with the Abuja control station.

NigComSat-1R is currently the only active communications satellite managed by NIGCOMSAT Limited, though it operates alongside other Nigerian observation satellites.

Federal government has declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr celebration.

Consequently, banks, schools and offices nationwide will be shut for the two days.

The declaration was made by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of Interior, on behalf of the government, according to a statement issued on Tuesday, by Magdalene Ajani, permanent secretary of the ministry.

Eid-el-Fitr, meaning ‘festival of breaking the fast,’ is one of the most important feasts in Islam.

The festival marks the end of Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection observed by Muslims worldwide.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs as an act of devotion to Allah.

Eid-el-Fitr is a time of joy and gratitude, beginning with a special congregational prayer at mosques and open prayer grounds.

It is also marked by feasting, gift-giving, and charitable acts, particularly the giving of Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory charity given to the less privileged before the Eid prayer.

Congratulating Muslim faithful on the successful completion of Ramadan, Tunji-Ojo urged them to sustain the virtues of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice imbibed during the period.

He also called on Nigerians to use the festive season to pray for the peace, unity, and continued development of the country.

The minister further encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to the less privileged, in line with the spirit of the season.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting national unity and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians.

National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has launched a specialised training programme aimed at empowering Nigerian women with cybersecurity skills and increasing their participation in the country’s growing digital security workforce.

NITDA

The training, tagged “Cyber for Women”, was organised by NITDA in collaboration with Women in Cybersecurity and held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, NITDA’s Director of Cybersecurity, Mohammed Lawan Ahmed, represented by Ayodele Bakare, described the programme as a deliberate effort to position Nigerian women at the forefront of the country’s digital security ecosystem.

Ahmed said the initiative was designed not merely as a training session but as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s digital future and global cybersecurity resilience.

“Today’s programme is not just another training but a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria’s digital security landscape and the world at large, and this time women are intentionally positioned at the centre of the approach,” he said.

According to him, the programme underscores the growing role of women in the global digital revolution and highlights the need to equip them with the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to cybersecurity.

“Today is a declaration that the women of Nigeria are not bystanders in the digital revolution; they are its architects,” he added.

Ahmed noted that cybersecurity has become a critical pillar for digital transformation in an increasingly technology-driven world.

He pointed out that while global demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to rise, women remain significantly underrepresented in the field.

To address this gap, he said the training aims to provide participants with knowledge, practical tools and collaboration opportunities necessary to thrive in the cybersecurity space.

“Our objective is clear: to empower Nigerian women in cybersecurity with knowledge, tools and collaboration opportunities,” he said.

He added that the participation of women in the training reflects their readiness to tackle emerging cyber threats and contribute to safeguarding Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

“Your presence here today signifies commitment and readiness for the ever-evolving digital age and its evolving cybersecurity risks,” he said.

The Cyber for Women training forms part of NITDA’s broader efforts to build local capacity, promote digital inclusion and strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity workforce.