As Nigeria’s satellite, NIGCOMSAT-1R, nears the end of its 15-year operational life in 2026, the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) has launched an initiative to ensure its timely replacement.
This involves a global call for investors to participate in the development and launch of two new satellites, NIGCOMSAT-2 and NIGCOMSAT-3.
Launched in December 2011, NIGCOMSAT-1R has served Nigeria’s satellite communication needs for over a decade.
However, with its operational period ending in two years, NIGCOMSAT is planning its replacement to avoid any disruption in satellite services.
The satellite has been important in providing communications, internet services, health, agriculture, environmental protection, and national security support.
This call is intended to attract global participation in launching NIGCOMSAT-2 and NIGCOMSAT-3, which are slated to enhance and expand the current satellite services.
Former Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, had previously advocated for the acquisition of two new satellites to serve as backups.
He proposed a $550 million loan from China-Exim Bank, but this plan was met with resistance from stakeholders who questioned the profitability and utilisation of the existing satellite.
In 2021, NIGCOMSAT’s then Managing Director, Dr. Abimbola Alale, reiterated the need for new satellites at a stakeholder forum. Despite announcing plans to launch NIGCOMSAT-2 in 2023 and NIGCOMSAT-3 in 2025, these efforts did not materialise.
NIGCOMSAT-1R was itself a replacement for NIGCOMSAT-1, which failed after its launch in May 2007. The Nigerian government, through a contract with China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), secured the launch of NIGCOMSAT-1R on December 19, 2011.
The replacement was financed by the insurance payout from the failed NIGCOMSAT-1 and aimed to save Nigeria billions in foreign exchange by offering satellite services domestically. However, the satellite’s underutilisation has been a continuous issue, with many Nigerian businesses opting for foreign satellite services.
NIGCOMSAT’s current Managing Director, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, spoke on the importance of this project for Nigeria’s technological infrastructure.
The successful launch of NIGCOMSAT-2 and NIGCOMSAT-3 would boost satellite communications and connectivity within the region and beyond, transforming Nigeria into a big player in the global satellite market.
This will also help Nigeria to overcome past challenges and ensure the continuity and expansion of its satellite services, providing a solid foundation for future technological advancements and economic growth.
