FG hopes on new satellite, NigComSat-2 to revive economy

Although, Egerton-Idehen who was represented by the Assistant General Manager, Communications, Aisha Bantam, did not share the timeline of the satellite launch, she did assure that it will happen within the shortest possible time.

She disclosed that the satellite will significantly enhance NIGCOMSAT’s capacity to deliver robust, high-speed communication services across Nigeria and beyond.

She said: “NigComSat-2 will support a wide range of applications, including broadband internet, telemedicine, and e-learning, among others.

“This new satellite will also enable us to better serve critical sectors such as agriculture, security, health, and education, driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for Nigerians.”

The sad story of Nigeria’s satellite journey

The story of Nigeria’s satellite journey is quite a sad one. On May 13, 2007, the Nigerian government made and investment of $340 million which amounted to N40 billion then, in communications satellite, building NigComSat-1.

Unfortunately, 18 months after it was launched, the satellite developed faults and was subsequently de-orbited in November 2008, following failed attempts by NIGCOMSAT engineers and the satellite manufacturer, China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) to rescue it.

On March 24, 2009, the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, the Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd, NIGCOMSAT and China Great Wall Industry Corporation, CGWIC, signed a contract for the in-orbit delivery of a replacement satellite tagged NigComSat-1R satellite

Subsequently, on December 19, 2011, NigComSat-1R, leveraging the insurance policy on the de-orbited NigComSat-1 was successfully launched into orbit by CGWIC in Xichang China.

The satellite, designed to function in the areas of communications, internet services, health, agriculture, environmental protection and national security before completing its 15-year lifespan is due to run full course in 2026.

Satellite builders Josttle for contract

Ironically, immediately after the launch of the replacement satellite in 2011, different satellite builders and service providers across the world started polishing their briefcases ready to storm Nigeria to slug it out for who grabs the contract to build the country’s second communications satellite. They got the whiff that the process of getting the second and possibly third satellites off ground would begin immediately after the launch of NigComSat-1R.

The country would not risk leaving one satellite in the orbit again, without a back-up.

However, almost 13 years after, that has not happened, apparently for lack of political will.

Instead, lack of faith in the existing NigComSat-1R has left Nigeria’s satellite story a sour taste in the mouth.

How Govt agencies shun NigComSat-1 patronage

With the replacement satellite, it was hoped that businesses such as mobile operators and telecommunication companies that need satellite services would patronise the NigComSat-1R.

Sadly, many of those businesses, and even government agencies, have shunned the satellite, resulting in acute low patronage.

An Agency like the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC which should have leveraged the services of the indigenous satellite, ditched it in preference of a foreign Eutelsat.

However, from the statement of Egerten-Idehen, it appears the country has realised that those going into the business of communications satellite must provide back-ups against any eventuality. This is particularly, when it has become obvious that a communication satellite would help a country like Nigeria, in strengthening broadcast operations, boost broadband development, monitor and track railway, sea and air haulages, on different routes, just as it would equally help in controlling national security issues.

She revealed a new vigour with which her company is approaching satellite business in the country and happiness that government is responding positively to the need to use satellite business stabilize the Nigerian economy.

She also expressed gratitude to the media for their continued partnership and support in promoting the company’s activities and the broader satellite communication industry, emphasizing that the critical role the media plays in shaping public perception, driving awareness, and educating the public on issues impacting Nigeria’s socio-economic development cannot be overemphasised.

By Prince Osuagwu

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/08/fg-hopes-on-new-satellite-nigcomsat-2-to-revive-economy/