Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chinese satellite technology company Galaxy Space to deploy Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite communication services across the country.
Galaxy Space, known for producing low-cost Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites for commercial broadband, is expected to help expand high-speed internet access in Nigeria, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
A New Era in Connectivity
Speaking at the signing ceremony on Wednesday in Abuja, NASRDA Director-General Dr. Matthew Adepoju described the agreement as a transformative milestone in Nigeria’s space and communications agenda.
“This partnership marks a turning point in Nigeria’s journey toward seamless satellite-based communication. With D2D technology, everyday devices like smartphones and laptops will connect directly to satellites, eliminating the need for traditional infrastructure like telecom towers,” Adepoju said.
He added that the full rollout of the D2D technology is anticipated before the end of 2025 and will help eliminate network blind spots, boost digital inclusion, and broaden access to digital services for millions of Nigerians.
Adepoju urged key sectors—including banking, government agencies, and ministries—to actively support the adoption of space-based solutions to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Capacity Building and Technology Transfer
The partnership also promises to deepen Nigeria’s technical expertise through technology transfer and training programs. Nigerian engineers will gain hands-on experience in satellite development, including the proposed construction of a CubeSat—a small, functional satellite designed for space research and education.
“We cannot continue to rely solely on imported technology. This partnership offers Nigeria a chance to build local capacity and eventually produce satellite communication devices domestically,” Adepoju said.
Galaxy Space representative Mr. Sam Xiao praised Nigeria’s leadership in the space sector and proposed that the country serve as a launchpad for rolling out D2D satellite services across Africa. He reiterated the company’s commitment to jointly develop the CubeSat project and train Nigerian personnel in its design, manufacturing, and operations.
What is D2D Technology?
Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite technology allows standard mobile phones and digital devices to connect directly to satellites in orbit, bypassing the need for ground-based infrastructure. This innovation is especially valuable for countries with limited or unreliable telecom infrastructure.
If implemented successfully, the Nigeria-Galaxy Space agreement could position the country ahead of major global competitors. Elon Musk’s Starlink has announced plans to introduce similar D2D connectivity in countries where it currently operates, including Nigeria, but has yet to announce a rollout timeline. Presently, Starlink’s direct-to-cell services are only active in six countries: the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Australia, and Switzerland.
Looking Ahead
The NASRDA-Galaxy Space collaboration marks a bold step forward in bridging Nigeria’s digital divide and enhancing resilience in its communication infrastructure. If successful, it could redefine access to internet services across the country and pave the way for Nigeria to become a leader in satellite communications on the continent.
