The Federal Government has unveiled a major initiative to bring internet connectivity to 20 million Nigerians by harnessing the capabilities of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat). The plan aims to boost digital inclusion and enable emerging technologies such as telemedicine across underserved regions.
Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, represented by Ajala Olubumi, Director of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), announced the initiative during a stakeholder engagement roundtable hosted by AI-driven telemedicine provider MySmartMedic and monitored by Nairametrics.
This announcement comes shortly after NigComSat revealed its ambition to generate N8 billion in revenue over the next three years through expanded broadband services. Olubumi noted that reliable internet connectivity is fundamental for scaling digital health and other technology-driven services nationwide.
“For meaningful transformation through technology, connectivity is essential. Around 20 million Nigerians still lack internet access. By leveraging NigComSat, we can extend coverage to remote areas, as Nigeria is one of the few West African nations with its own satellite,” he explained.
NDPC Stresses Data Protection in Digital Health Deployment
The CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, represented by Barr. Alexander Onwe, called on telemedicine platforms and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) to integrate data protection principles at the design stage of their systems.
He emphasized that as digital healthcare tools like electronic medical records, remote monitoring, AI-based diagnostics, and mobile health solutions expand, strict adherence to data privacy laws is critical to safeguarding patient information and preventing misuse.
According to Onwe, the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 forms the backbone of a secure digital health ecosystem. He highlighted key requirements for operators, including:
- Obtaining clear and informed consent from users, especially for remote and automated medical services.
- Collecting only the data necessary for service delivery.
- Ensuring data is used solely for its intended purpose.
- Seeking NDPC approval for cross-border data transfers, particularly when using international cloud services or partnering with foreign specialists.
Telemedicine Vital to Closing Nigeria’s Healthcare Gaps
Founder of MySmartMedic, Dr. Chuks Ekweme, explained in a press briefing that the platform aims to improve medical access by allowing doctors to consult patients remotely, expanding reach and convenience.
He pointed out that Nigeria still faces a significant healthcare workforce shortage, with a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:4,000, far below global standards. Telemedicine, he said, is crucial for expanding access, especially in underserved communities.
“Telemedicine is an essential innovation that must be supported, given the severe doctor–patient gap in Nigeria,” he noted.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s push to deploy satellite-powered broadband through NigComSat, combined with growing investments in digital health solutions, positions the nation to significantly improve connectivity and healthcare access. With strong data protection practices in place, the country is laying the foundation for a secure, inclusive, and digitally driven health ecosystem.
