The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Jane Egerton-Idehen, tells FAITH AJAYI about her career and other issues
Looking back to when you started your career as an Earth Station Engineer with Spar Aerospace Limited, did you ever imagine your journey would span this far across the global tech landscape?
I prayed for it, and I certainly wanted it. Like any goal, you give it your all, even though there’s never a guarantee of the outcome. I just knew I had to try. In my book, I talked about how, as a young girl, I used to imagine myself standing in front of a skyscraper, dressed in a white suit, holding a briefcase, and feeling very official. That was my dream.
Did I know for sure I would get here? Probably not. But, I was determined to give it everything I had. Even though the exact path wasn’t clear to me, my ambition and drive never wavered.
What can you tell us about your upbringing and what influenced your decision to pursue engineering?
I studied engineering, as many know, and I documented that journey in my book. I was always ambitious and curious, but I grew up in an environment that didn’t exactly nurture such aspirations. Engineering wasn’t an obvious path for me at first; it was something I discovered along the way.
I lived in an underprivileged neighborhood where most people worked menial jobs. There were no clear role models or paths to success. But one day, I overheard my mother’s friend discussing how difficult engineering was. That piqued my interest. It sounded like a challenge, and I’ve always been drawn to challenges.
Initially, I was excited about studying engineering. But closer to making that decision, I started to doubt myself. People kept saying it was too hard, too male-dominated, and took too long. Just two weeks before submitting my application, I changed my course to Industrial Chemistry.
Later, when I checked the admission list at (University of Nigeria) Nsukka, I saw my name under Industrial Chemistry. Out of curiosity, I checked the engineering list as well, and based on my scores, I would have been among the top 10. That moment changed everything. I realised my dreams were valid, even if no one else believed in them. That was the beginning of me choosing my own path.
You’ve held leadership roles in some top tech companies. What guiding principles have shaped your professional journey?
Curiosity has been a central force in my career. Many of my decisions were driven not by status or money, but by the desire to learn and grow. I have always been attracted to roles that challenge me.
Another key principle is maintaining a solution-oriented mindset. John Maxwell calls it “failing forward”; the idea that challenges are not setbacks, but opportunities for growth. I have always believed in a growth mindset: seeing barriers, but focusing on how to overcome them. That approach has helped me collaborate with the right people and find innovative ways forward.
What was the biggest turning point in your career, and how did it shape the leader you are today?
One of the biggest leaps of faith I took was transitioning from the private sector to public service after nearly 25 years in corporate leadership. I never saw myself in the public sector. In fact, during my university years, I interned at NEPA (Nigeria’s power holding company before it was privatised) and swore I’d never go back.
But over the years working in multinationals, I became deeply passionate about Africa’s development and the role of technology in driving it. I remember a high-level meeting at Meta where senior leaders were considering exiting Nigeria. I pushed back hard, because I believed in Africa’s future.
So, when the opportunity for a public sector role came, I knew I had to step up. I had spent years discussing Africa’s problems, and it was time to help solve them. That decision marked a significant shift for me and strengthened my commitment to building from within.
You were born and raised in Ajegunle, Lagos. How did that background influence your ambition, especially in tech?
I actually didn’t see engineering as male-dominated until I got deep into my career. I went to an all-girls secondary school, so gender was never a factor. Even in university, where only 10 out of 100 students in my class were women, I focused on performance. I was one of the top students, often leading lectures, and my abilities were respected.
Growing up in Ajegunle taught me resilience. We faced a lot of financial hardships. I couldn’t even pay my fees at times and had to borrow from friends. But that environment gave me grit. I learnt to show up, stay determined, and find a way forward, no matter what.
That work ethic has stayed with me. Challenges—whether financial or societal—are inevitable, but consistency and a solution-driven mindset attract opportunities.
What role did your family play in encouraging you to pursue STEM?
My family, especially my father, played a huge role in building my confidence. He believed in me deeply. When I was studying for the UME late at night, he would stay up reading newspapers, just to quietly encourage me.
Even though he didn’t attend university, he was a voracious reader. His love for knowledge taught me that intelligence isn’t about degrees; it’s about mindset. That belief was a lifeline, especially when others doubted me.
There was a time in my fourth year (in the university) when I hit rock bottom. I was overwhelmed, broke, and ready to quit. I wrote a letter to my sister, telling her I was leaving school. But she travelled from her university to see me that weekend. I had forgotten about the letter, but she hadn’t. Her visit lifted me. That weekend, I also attended a fellowship where my peers prayed and supported me. It reminded me how vital a support system is.
As the CEO of NIGCOMSAT, what’s your core vision for Nigeria’s satellite communications sector?
My vision is to make NIGCOMSAT the preferred satellite operator, not just in Nigeria, but across Africa. By “preferred”, I mean chosen for our excellence, not just because we’re local.
Few people know that NIGCOMSAT was among Africa’s first satellite communication projects, long before countries like Egypt and South Africa joined in. Today, Nigeria is the only West African country with a national communications satellite, and that’s a big deal.
Our operations are powered by over 200 Nigerian engineers, not foreign experts. That’s something to be proud of. My goal is to position us as leaders in shaping Africa’s space strategy for the next 20 years.
What are your top three strategic priorities since assuming office in 2023?
We’ve focused on three key pillars, including service excellence, which entails providing top-tier satellite communications that clients choose because we deliver value.
The second is reliable infrastructure, by ensuring that our systems are stable, scalable, and globally competitive.
Third, continuous innovation; staying ahead of global tech trends and integrating cutting-edge solutions.
We are also building strong public-private partnerships and rebranding to ensure NIGCOMSAT is seen as a top-tier global satellite provider.
What excites you the most about the future of space technology in Africa?
That would be the power of space tech to drive digital inclusion. Nigeria’s digital economy has grown from six per cent to over 17 per cent of GDP; and satellite tech can take that even further.
Imagine broadband reaching every rural area. Remote communities could access healthcare, education, and financial services, bridging the digital divide. With a population of over 250 million, Nigeria has massive potential for tech adoption. That’s what excites me the most.
How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it evolved?
My leadership is visionary and inclusive. I believe in rallying people around a shared goal. When people believe in the mission, they go the extra mile.
I am also a strong advocate for diversity; not just gender, but experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. Complex problems require varied insights.
Above all, leadership is about listening. When people feel heard, they contribute meaningfully. That’s the environment I strive to create.
How do you balance innovation and stability in a public enterprise like NIGCOMSAT?
It’s a balance, but one we’ve intentionally cultivated. We drive innovation through collaborations with research institutions and startups. Our in-house innovation team anticipates future trends and aligns them with our tech roadmap.
Innovation isn’t only about solving today’s issues; it’s also about preparing for tomorrow. And at NIGCOMSAT, we’re committed to leading that charge in Nigeria’s space and communications future.
Your platform— Women and Career— has inspired many. What stories or breakthroughs from that initiative have stayed with you most?
It began informally, born out of my passion for inclusive leadership and knowledge sharing. Early in my career, I noticed something troubling. As women progressed professionally, many were dropping out of the workforce. The higher I climbed, the fewer women I saw beside me.
It started with internal mentorship and coaching sessions where women in my organisation shared their experiences and strategies for growth. But, it quickly grew beyond that. Before long, we were hosting global sessions, with over 300 participants from around the world.
After I left my previous corporate role, the initiative evolved into a standalone nonprofit focused on career development, STEM mentorship, and entrepreneurship support. We recently launched an EdTech fellowship, which is proof of how far it has come.
What stays with me the most is seeing women thrive, breaking barriers, advancing in their careers, and changing industries. That’s the most rewarding part of it all.
In your book, ‘Be Fearless’, you encourage women to give themselves permission to thrive. What inspired you to share your story, and how has the book impacted others?
When I launched the book in 2020, the world was in lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I remember being discouraged because Kindle (a handheld electronic device for reading books) wasn’t available in Nigeria, and with the pandemic limiting print distribution, I wasn’t sure anyone would read it.
But, a few months later, I checked the sales reports and was stunned; people from all over the world had bought the book. I started receiving invitations to speak at webinars in countries like Australia and India. It was surreal. The book resonated with people globally, and was shared in circles I never imagined, including among staff teams, women’s groups, and even family members.
That experience reminded me that women everywhere face similar struggles, regardless of location. And interestingly, many of the book’s buyers were men. One told me he bought it for his niece. Another bought it for his daughter.
Writing about personal experiences, especially vulnerable moments, isn’t easy. But doing so helps others see that they are not alone. The book reminds women that it’s okay to pursue a big career and want a family. It’s okay to dream big in male-dominated fields. We all face doubts, guilt, and tough decisions; but we can still choose to thrive.
What are some of the toughest challenges you’ve faced, and what did they teach you about resilience?
Challenges have been a constant, and each one has shaped who I am. Some forced me to examine my values. Others pushed me into unfamiliar spaces.
One pivotal moment was moving from a technical role into sales. I resisted at first, because I identified as a tech person and didn’t think sales suited me. I also had a few misconceptions about what sales involved. But, mentors encouraged me to think long-term: “Where do you want your career to go, and what skills will help you get there?”
Eventually, I made the leap. And I’m glad I did. Sales stretched me in ways I never anticipated. I learnt about business metrics—net sales, revenue, TOC—and had to build a whole new skillset. It was overwhelming at first, but I studied, asked questions, and leaned into the discomfort.
That experience taught me that growth lives outside our comfort zones. The more we embrace challenges, the more resilient and well-rounded we become.
What unique advantage does Africa bring to global tech innovation, especially with its growing population of digital natives?
Africa’s biggest advantage is its youth. In under two decades, we are set to become the most populous continent, with over 40 per cent of the population under 25. That’s a powerful force in the digital economy.
Young Africans are fearless with technology. They adopt trends quickly, experiment with emerging platforms, and embrace decentralisation. That’s why global tech firms see Africa as a launchpad for innovation. They recognise the willingness to engage, even with untested technologies.
Some say Africa is behind. I disagree. With the right policies, digital skills training, and investment in innovation, we are positioned to leapfrog many traditional models. Our greatest asset is not just our natural resources; it’s our people.
How do you balance a demanding professional life with personal time, especially as a mother and wife?
Balance, for me, is about priorities; not perfection. I constantly assess what’s most important in each season of life. If one area, whether marriage, family, or career, starts slipping, I pause and realign.
It’s also about trade-offs. I make conscious decisions about where to invest my time. I delegate, create boundaries, and stay intentional about nurturing the relationships that matter most.
How do you recharge?
It depends on the season, but I always carve out time to do what energises me. I love dancing—especially ballroom—going to the gym, or spending quality time with close friends and family.
Sometimes, I keep it simple with a movie weekend or a quiet night with my kids. I used to golf, though my current schedule has made that harder. Still, whether it’s swimming, tennis, dancing, or just laughing with loved ones, I focus on activities that help me recharge.
Who or what makes up your core support system that keeps you grounded?
My family is my anchor. My children remind me who I really am. No matter how many rooms I walk into as a professional, I’m still “mum” at home. That perspective keeps me grounded.
My husband is an incredible support—calm, wise, and always helping me refocus on what really matters. I also have a “kitchen cabinet” of close friends I trust deeply. They offer honesty, encouragement, and a space to be vulnerable.
Mentors and coaches have played a huge role in my growth. No one succeeds alone; it truly takes a village.
What legacy do you hope to leave—not just in tech or business—but in the lives of young African girls who look up to you?
I always say that when you walk through a door, don’t shut it behind you. Too often, access is the barrier. My mission is to make room for others.
I want young people—especially girls—to see that they belong in boardrooms, policy circles, innovation hubs, and government roles. The best way to inspire is by showing up and doing the work. If I can walk into those spaces and leave the door open, then others will feel empowered to walk through as well.
That’s the legacy I want; a ripple effect of courage, access, and possibilities.
