In a bid to boost job creation in Nigeria, the Federal Government has announced plans to collaborate with Elon Musk’s Starlink, a satellite internet company. The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, revealed that discussions have been ongoing with Starlink to explore various initiatives that can generate employment opportunities in the country.
Dr. Tijani emphasized the potential for job creation through initiatives such as a certified installer/maintenance program for Starlink and partnering with hardware startups to produce repeater boxes locally. These initiatives aim to encourage tech companies to invest in Nigeria and deepen the country’s tech ecosystem. By certifying local installers and maintenance personnel, thousands of new jobs can be created, providing employment opportunities for Nigerians.
Starlink, which officially entered the Nigerian market earlier this year, has quickly gained popularity among Nigerians seeking reliable internet connectivity. Despite its relatively higher costs compared to local Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Starlink has garnered significant interest, particularly in areas with inadequate internet connectivity. The company’s satellite service has proven to be a viable solution for individuals in underserved and unserved areas, prompting them to switch to Starlink.
During discussions with Ryan Goodnight, Senior Director of Global Licensing and Activation at SpaceX, Dr. Tijani learned that Nigeria is Starlink’s biggest market in Africa. This revelation highlights the high demand for Starlink’s services in the country. As the demand continues to grow, the government aims to address the issue of connecting unserved and underserved Nigerians, ensuring that reliable internet access is available to all.
To further expand its customer base in Nigeria, Starlink recently reduced the cost of its hardware by 21%. This price adjustment aims to make the service more accessible to Nigerians and capture a larger share of the ISP market. Despite the reduction in hardware costs, the monthly subscription fee remains unchanged at N38,000 per month. This move is expected to bridge the connectivity gap and provide internet access to rural and underserved areas.
The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) is also actively engaging with Starlink to reduce service costs in the country. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, highlighted the importance of affordable internet connections in closing the connectivity gap. Starlink’s speed and service operations make it a standout option among internet satellite providers in Nigeria.