General News
What the Security Needs to Fight Terrorism
By Andrew Aroh
During this time of increased use of commercial satellite equipment and services, internal and market changes are surfacing.
Gone are the days of mere satellite capacity for non-secure communications.
Now, companies looking to do business with the security are being called upon to set up baseline standards that work towards solving security requirements and expand services into new areas like terrorism.
A blue print is required:
We need to establish a baseline understanding that we are going to have assured access to commercial satellite communications.
One problem with commercial satellite operators is this unwieldy gaggle of entities that we have to deal with at the various satellite companies.
The emphasis is on streamlining procedures to act as a catalyst to the security to increase its use of commercial SATCOMS end-user terminals and transponder time.
In addition to better procurement procedures, there has been a growing emphasis on reliability of product-basically if it is found to be unreliable, is not worth procuring, since lives can literally be at stake.
Given the current war climate, more efficiency within the procurement cycle among the satellite equipment and services providers will be paramount. SATCOM professionals are by this means urging those government officials in charge of procurement to tighten the noose on current leniency measures offered to the contractors. We are promoting an acquisition policy environment that fosters efficiency, flexibility, creativity and innovation when approaching the bidding, contracting and use of commercial satellite services.
The question is what is the number of security requirements that the commercial SATCOM sector can meet in order to make the security/commercial purchasing process easier some of these include:
- Setting up single capacity arrangements whereby the security is enabled to lease spares and excess capacity quickly and hardware that is easy to use
- More reliability and maintainability of end-user equipment
- Commercial spectrum support on issues nationally and internationally
- Transition to new technologies as new innovations and efficiencies are offered by the commercial sector
- Both the security establishment as well as commercial satellite communication operators can benefit from a firmer partnership in the future as it relates to infrastructure changes and service upgrades. One such upgrade/change can now be seen within the arena of fighting terrorism.
- Who is going to pay for better security:
When it comes to the war on terror one thing is for certain: satellite must be reliable and robust enough to protect vested interests. Satellite can provide reliable telecom channels and distribute time-critical data fast.
But even though the government recognizes the integral role satellites play in fighting the war on terror, some on the commercial side say more is needed from the military side. On a broader scale, any safeguards installed to enhance national security will end up improving all aspects of life.
The caveat, however, is that the space & satellite industry cannot pay for all of this itself. Now, while there is a push from the commercial sector for the military to become a more lucrative customer, counting on the government to be a business saving cash cow is not a smart strategy. So what should space & satellite companies do?
One option is to convince state and local governments to band together into buying consortium, so they are big enough to purchase satellite services.
Another option is to convince these same levels of government to start using mobile satellite system services [MSS], so they can integrate them into their day-to-day lives. This is the most powerful option as it charts the way for the future all over the world. SSPI Nigeria is standing by to lend a hand in this respect.
- Further educating the security sector:
The commercial satellite industry is, however, steading gaining ground in terms of increasing the awareness of key decision makers both in the federal government and in the local government sector of the significant role that satellites can play in combating terror still, much needs to be done in getting the message out and understood by those who make the procurement decisions.
SSPI NIGERIA will be doing a lot more in terms of outreach and education this year. It is important that this knowledge about satellite technology be widely understood by personnel at local and regional government levels. We see local officials nationwide as shackled by a lack of SATCOM expertise and overwhelmed by all the unsolicited proposals they have piled on their desk.
The problem is a relatively uneducated community in need of a course in satellite 101 which covers hubs, remote and space segment mapped to a terrestrial infrastructure with mobile outreach capabilities.
What is going to work here? The public safety community is swamped by the range of capabilities and thus is finding it hard if not impossible to answer this question.
Because of the importance of the space & satellite industry to our nation, we recommend that steps be taken to promote appropriate revisions to existing policy and the development of new policy regarding security offered by satellite systems, to ensure that federal agencies appropriately address the use of commercial satellites, including the sensitivity of information, security techniques and enforcement mechanisms.
In addition, we are recommending that commercial satellites be identified as critical infrastructure sector [or as part of an already identified critical infrastructure sector]in the national critical infrastructure strategy, to help ensure these assets are protected from unauthorized access and disruption.
We assert that satellite specific language is inserted into the ongoing legislation revisions on the current policy regarding security offered by satellite.
In fact, language scripted within new guidelines need to put more emphasis on describing the user needs in terms of capabilities rather than technical or engineering parameters and providing an opportunity for mid-phase assessment of design maturity by adding a review segment to the project process.
Whatever the future brings, one thing will remain certain: commercial satellite technology and service will continue to play an integral part in government operations. Making the process more streamslined and efficient from bidding to actual service, however, is where near-term emphasis will remain.
In addition to establishing a working business baseline of procedures, there are some specific needs that must be fulfilled.
Given the current global war/polices climate, the security need to increase its space segments procurements.
We really need to know where we are going when it comes to communication oversight and any coordination of space & satellite communications. This remain to be seen. We want language that signals the government wants agencies like NEMA to quickly stream line and simplify any and all resource acquisition procedures for the states. Making interoperable communications gear available-including satellite gear need to be a high priority.
Limited state budgets in many instances simply do not allow for any widespread implementation of satellite technology. Will the threat of bioterrorism and nuclear devices alter this situation? Will an office of emergency satellite communications be created? Or will the existing set of plans overseen as part of the national communications system suffice?
Avoiding any unnecessary and burdensome expansion of infrastructure is priority as well. The real objective is meeting the critical communications needs of the end-users, whether we are talking about first responders, emergency management coordinators or the general public.
Note that emergency SATCOM is not an exotic solution. It should be available for instantaneous use in every state and its local governments.
Remember that we are into a new era of quick response modes, often greatly enhanced by commercial communications satellite technology.
There are three areas where commercial SATCOM technology can significantly play a role: communications, remote sensing and data information services such as weather.
Ubiquitous satellite communications and unlimited bandwidth seemed the destiny of the world.
In addition to widening the bandwidth for security customers, informational satellite image produced by the commercial imaging companies is yet another venue where stronger security/commercial synergies can prove profitable.
The security sector in terms of geospatial and imagery information products and services is growing. The key driver in the budget growth right now is the commercial remote sensing industry coming online.
The Future:
The appropriate role of the government in facilitating commercial space businesses naturally is an ongoing debate. Whether the debate more closely focuses on enhanced communications secure-specific satellite programs or intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) information products remains to be seen.
Therefore,
I believe that the security and the commercial satellite communications arena are linked together at the hip during our lifetimes
However, commercial satellite will always have that reach-back capability that is vital for successful communications.
It is a good thing that the federal government recently launched military coordination center at Abuja. The ICT in place is satellite-based.
But we have always focused attention at the federal level.
WHAT ABOUT THE STATES AND THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEVELS?
A lot still remains to be done at these levels. This is the time to act to create that required national awareness at the grassroot level.
IF THE PRESIDENT’S NATIONAL SECURITY TELECOMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS FORMULATING ANYTHING RESEMBLING A SATELLITE SPECIFIC AGENDA (NOT JUST BY ESTABLISHING A CO-ORDINATION CENTER) WE HAVE YET TO DETECT IT. A LOT OF ARROWS ARE POINTING IN THE DIRECTION OF A MORE INTEGRATED APPROACH TO EMERGENCY SATCOM.
Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has called for a fundamental shift in Kano State’s economic strategy, urging stakeholders to embrace innovation, technology and collaboration as the drivers of growth in the 21st century.
Speaking at the Kano Startup Weekend, Inuwa acknowledge Kano’s long-standing reputation as the commercial nerve centre of Northern Nigeria and the wider Sahelian region, noting that its history of trade, enterprise and human capital provides a solid foundation for future growth.
He emphasised that while these strengths powered Kano’s success for centuries, the modern economy now offers even greater opportunities through innovation and technology.
He described innovation as the process of transforming ideas into impactful solutions through commercialization, stressing that when ideas are effectively deployed, they create value, solve societal challenges and generate sustainable economic growth. He noted that Kano’s large market, strategic location and vibrant entrepreneurial culture place it in a strong position to take advantage of innovation-driven opportunities.
According to him, “Innovation is the process of taking an idea from inception to impact. Invention on its own is a cost centre, but when you commercialise an idea, when you turn it into a product or service that solves a real problem and creates value, that is when you begin to drive economic growth and inclusion.”
He noted that the state hosts numerous degree-awarding institutions across federal, state and private ownership, providing a strong base for human capital development. However, he expressed concern that these institutions often operate in isolation from industry, with research outputs rarely translating into commercial or industrial applications.
He explained that innovation does not happen in silos and stressed the need for a strong, interconnected ecosystem that brings together academia, industry, startups, entrepreneurs and government.
According to him, universities should conduct research informed by industry needs, industries should leverage research to improve productivity and competitiveness, and startups should serve as the bridge that converts ideas into market-ready solutions.
He further encouraged entrepreneurs to leverage technology to build businesses that can grow beyond local markets, explaining that innovation-driven enterprises have the power to scale rapidly, create jobs and position Kano competitively at both national and global levels. According to him, digital platforms and emerging technologies now make it easier for startups to reach wider markets and develop solutions that were previously unimaginable.
“You can start your business here in Kano, but your thinking must be global from day one. Technology has removed barriers. With the right skills and platforms, a startup in Kano can build solutions that serve not just Nigeria, but the world,” he noted.
Highlighting NITDA’s ongoing interventions, the Director General outlined the Agency’s commitment to building national innovation capacity through targeted human capital development programmes. He cited the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, which aims to equip Nigerians across all segments of society with essential digital skills, and the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme, designed to produce a pipeline of globally competitive technical professionals in areas such as software development, data analysis and emerging technologies.
He said, “Through DL4ALL, we are ensuring that Nigerians at all levels have the basic digital skills needed to participate in the digital economy, while 3MTT is deliberately building a pipeline of globally competitive technical talents who can drive innovation, create jobs and attract investment.”
He explained that these programmes are key pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises skills development, innovation, job creation and inclusive economic growth as pathways to national prosperity. According to him, empowering Nigerians with digital and technical skills is essential for building a resilient economy capable of competing in the global digital landscape.
“President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is about investing in people, empowering them with relevant skills and creating opportunities for inclusive growth. At NITDA, we are using digital skills and innovation as tools to translate that vision into real economic impact for Nigerians,” he said.
Inuwa urged all stakeholders in Kano to work together to build a functional innovation ecosystem that can unlock the state’s vast potential. He expressed confidence that with the right mindset, strong collaboration and sustained investment in digital skills and innovation, Kano can reclaim its historic leadership role and emerge as a major innovation and entrepreneurship hub in Nigeria and beyond.
General News
Sterling Bank Renewable Energy Colloquium Urges Stakeholders to Unlock Nigeria’s Clean Energy Potential
Sterling Bank Limited on Monday convened stakeholders in the renewable energy industry to explore strategies for accelerating Nigeria’s transition to clean energy and boosting economic growth.
L-R: Mr. Ayo Ademilua, President, Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria; Dr. Jekwu Ozoemene, Group Executive, The Alternative Bank; Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, The Honourable Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources; Mr. Dele Faseemo, Group Executive, Coprporate and Investment Banking, Sterling Bank; Engr. Bem Samuel Anyangeuor, Representative, Honorable Minister of Power and Mr. Oluwaseyi Okunnuga, Group Head, Renewable Energy & Sustainability Finance, Sterling Bank at the just concluded Renewable Energy Colloquium held in Lagos recently.
The colloquium, themed “Beyond the Grid: Unlocking New Frontiers in Renewable Energy”, was held in Lagos and brought together policymakers, financiers, and industry leaders to deliberate on priority areas for action.
In his opening address, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, represented by Mr. Dele Faseemo, Group Executive, Corporate and Investment Banking, said the bank would focus on regulation and financing to expand access to energy.
He noted that energy access remained critical to supporting economic growth and achieving Nigeria’s ambition of building a one trillion-dollar economy.
Delivering a keynote address titled “Scaling Electrification in Nigeria: The REA Impact”, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr. Abba Aliyu, represented by Mr. Abba Hayatudden, said Nigeria required about 26 billion dollars to bridge its energy deficit.
Aliyu explained that the energy transition strategy integrates grid, mini-grid and off-grid technologies to achieve universal, reliable and sustainable energy access while aligning with national development and climate goals.
Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, represented by Engineer Samuel Ayangeaor, commended Sterling Bank for convening the dialogue.
He said renewable energy and rural electrification were central to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The Ministry of Power has continued to expand electricity access to underserved communities to drive economic growth, foster industrial activity and create jobs across the nation,” Adelabu said.
Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, highlighted the state’s efforts in renewable energy, including the ongoing two-gigawatt grid-scale solar project.
He described it as the most ambitious energy transformation ever undertaken by the state.
Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, urged participants to move beyond communiqués and act with intention to deliver meaningful impact.
The colloquium featured panel sessions on financing and scaling green energy solutions in Africa, among other discussions.
Cellulant, a leading Pan-African payments company enabling seamless digital transactions across Africa, has appointed Mr. Freddie Oduro as its new Country Manager for Ghana.
Mr. Freddie Oduro, New Country Manager for Ghana.
Freddie’s appointment is a key step in Cellulant’s broader strategy to deepen its presence in priority markets by accelerating the acquisition of in-country enterprise businesses and strengthening its position as the payments partner of choice in Africa.
Freddie brings over a decade of commercial and strategic leadership experience in the telecommunications and financial services sectors, with expertise in sales, business operations, and market expansion.
In his new role, he will drive merchant acquisition, strengthening partnerships, oversee collections and payout operations, while ensuring strong internal controls and regulatory compliance.
He joins Cellulant from Payaza and previously served as Sales Director at Cellulant, where he helped significantly expand the company’s footprint in Ghana.
Cellulant has been powering payments in Ghana for leading brands in sectors like e-commerce, utilities, oil and gas and retail, helping them offer their customers a wide range of secure digital payment options.
“We are happy to welcome Freddie back to the Cellulant family,” says Richard Gesimba, Chief Revenue Officer at Cellulant. “Ghana remains a critical market for us, with immense potential driven by rising digital payments adoption.
“As we sharpen our focus on in-country enterprise customers, Freddie’s leadership and industry insight make him the ideal person to steer our Ghana operations.”
The appointment comes at a transformative time for the company. Following a strategic shift between late 2023 and early 2024, focused on streamlining operations, doubling down on enterprise payments, and strengthening customer intimacy, Cellulant achieved profitability in 2024 and continues to build on this momentum.
The company now processes close to 4.5 million transactions daily for businesses across Africa, reinforcing its position as a fintech leader.
“I am honoured to return to Cellulant and lead the Ghana team at such a defining moment,” says Freddie, Country Manager for Cellulant Ghana. “Ghana presents a tremendous opportunity.
“We will ramp up our efforts to sign on more local merchants, strengthen our compliance and control frameworks, and introduce innovative solutions like Tingg Edupay, our automated school fee management solution that eliminates reconciliation delays by validating payments in real time and instantly updating student accounts.
“We will build on Cellulant’s strong foundation to deliver real value, reliability, and economic impact.”
Ghana’s digital payments sector continues to grow steadily, supported by increased mobile money usage and a progressive regulatory environment. Between January and October 2025, the value of mobile money transactions hit about GH¢ 3.6 trillion, up sharply from GH¢ 2.37 trillion in the same period of 2024.
Registered mobile money accounts now exceed 79 million, demonstrating strong consumer and business confidence in digital financial services and in turn creating many opportunities for payment innovation.
This leadership appointment underscores Cellulant’s commitment to building a resilient, high-performance organisation geared towards playing a pivotal role in the next era of Africa’s digital economy.
Looking ahead to 2026, Cellulant plans to further enhance the user experience on its payment platform, Tingg, and expand its footprint across Ghana.
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