Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chinese satellite technology firm, Galaxy Space. The agreement is to deploy Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite communication technology across Nigeria.
Galaxy Space is a Chinese leader in the development and mass production of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, designed to provide low-cost commercial broadband internet. The partnership is expected to provide high-speed connectivity directly to smartphones, laptops, and other digital devices, even in Nigeria’s most remote and underserved areas.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, NASRDA Director-General Dr. Matthew Adepoju described the agreement as a milestone in Nigeria’s ambition to advance its space and telecommunications capabilities.
“This collaboration means that your device will connect directly to satellites without the need for traditional infrastructure like cell towers,” Adepoju said. “It is a game-changer, especially for rural and hard-to-reach communities where connectivity has always been a challenge.”
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Dr. Adepoju added that the full deployment of the D2D technology is expected by the end of 2025. He called on stakeholders in the public and private sectors to support the integration and utilization of this space-based technology.
In addition to enhancing nationwide digital inclusion, the partnership will also facilitate capacity building for local engineers.
NASRDA and Galaxy Space plan to collaborate on knowledge transfer programs, including a joint project to develop a CubeSat which is an advanced, miniaturized satellite. Nigerian engineers will be trained to participate in its design, construction, and operation.
Galaxy Space representative Mr. Sam Xiao praised Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s space sector. “By partnering with Nigeria, we aim not only to deploy technology but to co-develop it with local talent, creating a sustainable ecosystem for satellite communications in Africa,” Xiao said.
The D2D satellite connectivity could place Nigeria ahead of other African countries. It positions the country to potentially outpace global players like Elon Musk’s Starlink, which has announced similar ambitions but has yet to roll out the service fully in Nigeria.
