BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has called for deeper collaboration, deliberate innovation, and productive interaction with the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) as well as key players across the wider industry to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Addressing participants at the 2026 NIGCOMSAT Satellite Week held in Abuja over the weekend, under the theme “Harnessing Space for an Extraordinary Nigeria,” the EVC, who was represented by Ms. Tokundo Oyeleye, noted that gatherings of this kind demonstrate the importance of joint efforts in driving national development.
He stated that the event serves as a meeting point for people and organisations whose dedication to creating a brighter future continues to shape the resilience and growth of Nigeria’s space and satellite sector. He further emphasized that satellite technology has become a vital pillar in the growth of the country’s digital infrastructure.
Maida said: “Its influence can be clearly seen in communications, national security, education, emergency response services, and overall technological advancement.
At the Nigerian Communications Commission, our core objective remains to ensure that these developments translate into real benefits by expanding access, improving service delivery, and opening up meaningful opportunities for Nigerians.
This commitment continues to shape our regulatory direction and guide our programmes. NigComSat’s role in organising this event demonstrates a common determination to position Nigeria more effectively within the global space industry.”
According to the EVC, the theme, “Harnessing Space Technology for an Extraordinary Nigeria,” captures a shared vision rooted in expertise, partnership, and continuous innovation.
“To the researchers, innovators, policymakers, engineers, and young talents in attendance, your efforts continue to influence the future of this sector.
Your commitment, knowledge, and visionary mindset remain essential to the advancement we desire. I am optimistic that the conversations and alliances built throughout this week will result in practical solutions that reinforce both our digital and space sectors.
On behalf of the Nigerian Communications Commission, I applaud NigComSat for providing a platform that promotes meaningful dialogue and solution-oriented collaboration.
We remain dedicated to supporting such initiatives with focus, determination, and unwavering confidence in Nigeria’s potential for development.
I wish everyone a successful and impactful Nigerian Satellite Week 2026. May the relationships formed here contribute to enduring progress for our nation.”
The Federal Government has continued the nationwide rollout of the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) with the deployment of new ambulances to selected health facilities in Bauchi State, alongside the unveiling of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) facility at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH).
The interventions, unveiled by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, are part of the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), particularly Pillar 4, which focuses on improving the health security of the nation.
The NEMSAS ambulances will strengthen emergency referrals across selected facilities, including Toro General Hospital, Gamawa Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Misau, ATBUTH and the Fistula Centre in Ningi. The Bauchi deployment builds on the Federal Government’s continuing rollout of NEMSAS across the country, following recent deployments in Plateau and Ogun States.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Pate said timely access to emergency care is essential to saving lives, particularly in communities where distance and inadequate referral capacity can delay life-saving care. He urged beneficiary institutions to ensure the ambulances are properly utilised, maintained and integrated into referral pathways.
The Minister also highlighted the Federal Government’s broader investments in Bauchi’s health system, including the ongoing expansion of ATBUTH, the Federal Medical Centre in Misau, the North-East Vesicovaginal Fistula Centre in Ningi and the revitalisation of more than 100 primary healthcare centres through federal-state collaboration. Earlier in 2026, the Federal Government deployed approximately ₦10 billion worth of medical equipment, medicines, ambulances and maternity kits to health facilities across the state.
At ATBUTH, the newly unveiled CNG facility, aimed at improving the efficiency and sustainability of energy use within the hospital, forms part of efforts to strengthen the infrastructure that supports hospital operations. The ongoing expansion of the teaching hospital is expected to increase capacity for tertiary and specialised services. The Federal Government is also investing in advanced diagnostics and cancer care to bring specialised services closer to citizens and reduce the need for patients to travel outside the state for essential care.
Prof. Pate said the investments demonstrate the administration’s focus on translating policy commitments into practical improvements in the health system. He added that the Federal Government would continue to work with the Bauchi State Government, health institutions and other stakeholders to ensure that investments in emergency care, infrastructure and specialised services translate into improved access and better health outcomes for the people of Bauchi State.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare remains committed to its mandate to save lives, reduce both physical and financial pain, and produce health for all Nigerians.
Nigerian stocks advanced by 2.9 per cent last week, lifted by bank and oil & gas equities. All the sector indexes appreciated during the week.
The main equity index has yielded 60.5 per cent so far this year.
“Recent broad-based declines have, however, brought several frontline and mid-cap stocks to more attractive entry levels. This could encourage some bargain-hunting during the week,” analysts at Meristem Securities said in a note ahead of the week.
PREMIUM TIMES has assembled some stocks with sound fundamentals, adopting rigorous approaches to save you the risk of picking equities at random for investment.
The pick, a product of an analytical market watch, offers a guide to entering the market and taking strategic positions, with the expectation that selected stocks will record reasonable price appreciation with the passage of time.
This is not a buy, sell or hold recommendation but a stock investment guide. You may need to involve your financial advisor before taking investment decisions.
Nascon
Nascon tops this week’s list for its strong fundamentals. The net profit ratio (NPR) of the salt maker is 9.3, while the price-to-earnings (PE) ratio is 11.5x. Its 14-day relative strength index (RSI) is 6.9.
Coronation Insurance
Coronation appears on the pick on the basis of its attractive fundamentals. The NPR of the insurer is 22.7, while the PE ratio is 5.2x. The 14-day RSI is 55.4.
Jaiz Bank
Jaiz makes the selection for its strong fundamentals. The bank’s NPR is 28.5, while the PE ratio is 1.5x. Its 14-day RSI is 43.9.
Fidson
Fidson makes the cut for its sound fundamentals. The NPR of the drug manufacturer is 7.8, while the PE ratio is 17.7x. The 14-day RSI is 43.
CAP
CAP makes the cut for its sound fundamentals. The NPR of the chemical manufacturer is 14.1, while the PE ratio is 13.5x. The 14-day RSI is 3.6.
Discover more from Premium Times Nigeria
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.