[01] Samuel O. Chukwu-Okoronkwo, Department of Mass Communication, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria.

Breakthroughs in science and technology have no doubt brought about tremendous enhancement of effective communication process; validating science and technology’s invaluable role in human communication activities. This positive trend which has brought about the development of satellite as a Space Technology has proved greatly instrumental in laying the foundation for effective communication structure by guaranteeing the availability of speedy access to real-time data and geospatial information which have similarly proved impactful on virtually all human development effort. The Federal Government of Nigeria, fully aware of the implication of the above in its aspiration towards the attainment of rapid and sustainable socio-economic development, took conscious steps to facilitate the launch of NIGCOMSAT-1, to key into this auspicious communication technological trend. Hence, the role of NIGCOMSAT: the first communications satellite for Nigeria, which was successfully launched into the orbit in 2007, and the first of its kind in Africa, in catalyzing sustainable national development in the country cannot be overemphasized. This paper examines the abundant potentials of Nigerian Communication Satellite in our noble quest for sustainable national development.

ICT, NIGCOMSAT, Sustainable National Development

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