The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has officially entered into a strategic partnership with Chinese satellite technology firm Galaxy Space to roll out Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite communication services across Nigeria. This move positions Nigeria at the forefront of next-generation communications in Africa, promising seamless satellite connectivity without relying on traditional ground infrastructure like cellular towers.

The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during a ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, is expected to transform Nigeria’s digital landscape, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Embracing the Future of Communication

Speaking at the event, NASRDA Director-General Dr. Matthew Adepoju hailed the partnership as a historic milestone in Nigeria’s mission to modernize its space and communication infrastructure.

“With this collaboration, Nigeria is embracing the future of communication—direct satellite connectivity without dependence on cell towers,” said Adepoju. “This means your phone, laptop, or workstation can connect directly to satellites, enabling seamless communication even in areas without network coverage.”

He revealed that the full deployment of the D2D satellite technology is slated for completion before the end of 2025, paving the way for nationwide satellite-powered mobile and broadband access.

Addressing Connectivity Gaps

Nigeria’s rural regions have long suffered from inconsistent or non-existent mobile network coverage due to infrastructure limitations and high deployment costs. With D2D satellite connectivity, these challenges could soon become a thing of the past.

By eliminating reliance on terrestrial infrastructure, this technology has the potential to:

• Close network coverage gaps in remote areas

• Boost digital inclusion for millions of Nigerians

• Enhance access to online education, e-health, banking, and e-government services

• Support disaster response and remote work in hard-to-reach areas

Dr. Adepoju called on public and private stakeholders—especially ministries, banks, and tech regulators—to support adoption and deployment of the technology across Nigeria.

Capacity Building and Technology Transfer

One of the most promising aspects of the NASRDA-Galaxy Space partnership is its emphasis on capacity-building and technology transfer to Nigerian engineers. Rather than merely importing hardware, the collaboration will focus on building local expertise in satellite design, manufacturing, and operations.

“It is time Nigeria stopped depending entirely on imported tech devices. We must begin to develop and produce some of these technologies locally,” Adepoju emphasized.

As part of the deal, Galaxy Space plans to collaborate with NASRDA to build a CubeSat—a miniaturized satellite—with Nigerian engineers actively involved in the design, training, and launch process.

Galaxy Space’s Vision for Africa

Representing Galaxy Space at the signing, Mr. Sam Xiao praised NASRDA’s forward-thinking leadership and described Nigeria as an ideal gateway for deploying D2D technologies across the African continent.

“With its population size, technological ambition, and growing digital economy, Nigeria is uniquely positioned to lead the continent in the adoption of next-generation satellite communication,” Xiao noted.

He further proposed exploring joint ventures in educational outreach, satellite R&D, and cross-border collaborations to deepen Africa-China cooperation in space technology.

What is D2D Satellite Technology?

Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite communication technology enables standard smartphones and laptops to connect directly to satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). This breakthrough bypasses the need for:

• Mobile base stations

• Fiber optic cables

• Signal towers or masts

The result is instant connectivity in areas where traditional infrastructure is either too costly or logistically unfeasible.

This is especially vital for developing countries where rugged terrain, high urban-rural disparities, and limited public investment have left millions offline.

A Competitive Edge Over Starlink?

This initiative places Nigeria ahead of global competitors, including Elon Musk’s Starlink, which also plans to offer direct-to-cell satellite services but has yet to announce a specific launch timeline for Nigeria.

While Starlink’s D2D services are only available in six countries (the U.S., Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and Switzerland), Galaxy Space’s entry into Nigeria could give it a first-mover advantage in Africa’s largest digital market.

Musk had previously announced that Starlink would collaborate with local carriers before activating the service in other nations. But NASRDA’s proactive approach—through government partnerships, tech transfer, and indigenous engineering—could allow Nigeria to leapfrog into the next era of communications ahead of schedule.

Implications for Nigeria’s Digital Future

If fully implemented, the D2D satellite project promises to:

• Advance national security and emergency response through uninterrupted communications

• Support educational access in rural schools

• Accelerate fintech and e-commerce expansion

• Provide telecom carriers with backup options during natural disasters or cyberattacks

• Boost employment in the tech and aerospace sectors through engineering and manufacturing roles

By championing this frontier technology, Nigeria is asserting its regional leadership in satellite innovation while simultaneously building homegrown capabilities for the future.

Conclusion

The MoU between NASRDA and Galaxy Space represents more than just a technical collaboration—it is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s digital sovereignty and space ambition. With the right execution and stakeholder support, this initiative could redefine how millions of Nigerians connect to the world, eliminate digital exclusion, and position the country as Africa’s hub for next-gen satellite communication.

As the world moves toward ubiquitous connectivity, Nigeria is not just watching from the sidelines—it is launching itself to the forefront.