The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) has disclosed its move to embark on a critical project to replace its aging communication satellite, NIGCOMSAT-1R, as it nears the end of its 15-year lifespan in 2026.
As a result, NIGCOMSAT is actively seeking international investors to support the project.
The satellite which has 15 years lifespan was launched in 2011 and is to reach its complete lifespan in 2026.
The satellite was launched with the hope that it would save Nigeria billions in foreign exchange by providing service for Nigerian telecom operators and broadcast stations.
It is to be recall, the former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT, Dr. Abimbola Alale during her tenure at a stakeholders forum themed: ‘NIGCOMSAT Ltd, The Present And The Future’, announced that the organisation will launch two new satellites, NigComSat-2 and NigComSat-3 in 2023 and 2025 respectively to replace the current NigComSat 1-R, which is expected to expire in 2026.
In a LinkedIn post on Sunday, the current Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs. Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen made the replacement call.
“You already know that Nigeria has a satellite in space, which has been operational since December 2011.
As it nears the end of its life, we are taking proactive steps to ensure a timely replacement and have officially begun the process of replacing the existing NIGCOMSAT-1R.
“Now, we are calling for collaborators and investors to ensure the successful execution of this project,” she said in a LinkedIn post.
Egerton-Idehen said the call for expression of interest has been published in the Global Satellite Operator’s Association newsletter, to seek participation from global investors.
A look at the published announcement in the Association’s newsletter showed that the country is planning to launch two satellites, NIGCOMSAT 2 and 3.
“NIGCOMSAT has announced a crucial milestone in its mission to enhance satellite communications with the development of NIGCOMSAT 2 & 3.
Also Read: FG Budgets N500.4 Million to Acquire NigComSat-2 in 2023
“The organization is calling for international collaborators and investors who share their vision to support this pivotal mission. This endeavour not only represents a leap forward for NIGCOMSAT but also holds the promise of transforming connectivity on a regional and global scale,” the announcement read.
NigComSat-1R Journey
On March 24, 2009, the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, NIGCOMSAT, Limited, and China Great Wall Industry Corporation, CGWIC, signed a contract for the in-orbit delivery of the NigComSat-1R satellite. It was a replacement for the failed NigComSat-1 which was launched on May 13, 2007.
Subsequently, on December 19, 2011, NigComSat-1R, paid for with the insurance policy on the de-orbited NigComSat-1 according to former President Goodluck Jonathan, was successfully launched into orbit by China in Xichang.
The satellite was designed to function in the areas of communications, internet services, health, agriculture, environmental protection, and national security before completing its 15-year lifespan.
In addition, NIGCOMSAT’s General Manager, Satellite Applications, Abdulrahman Adelajah also noted then that “NigcomSat-2 is designed to cover Nigeria, Middle East, China and other Asian countries, whilst NigComSat-3 will cover Nigeria, and the South and North America.
He said with the three satellites in orbit, the Nigerian telecommunications industry can dominate the African market in a period of five years of the satellites being launched.
According to Adelajah, the two satellites would be built by Nigeria’s long-term technical partner, the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), which built and designed Nigeria’s first satellite – NigComSat 1 as well as NigComSat-1R. The project which was meant to cost a total amount of $700 million in 2015.