NigComSat seeks satellite funds


By Content Nigeria reporter
July 26, 2019

News

Nigerian Communications Satellite (NigComSat) is looking for funding to launch two new satellites after it was revealed that its current satellite wold cease to operate in 2026.

Raji Kolawole

NigComSat-1R was launched at the end of 2011 to replace NigComSat-1, which was constructed by the China Great Wall Industry Corporation at a cost of US$400m and was de-orbited in 2008.

Speaking at a forum in Abuja, NigComSat executive director of engineering services Raji Kolawole outlined avenues the company could explore to purchase two new satellites, as directed by the government. It will look to private sector sources for the necessary funds.

“The present satellite has about seven years to the end of life. For business continuity, we are collaborating with the private sector to acquire two additional satellites,” Kolawole said.

“The reason the federal government declared NigComSat1R as a national priority project is because of the navigation overly on our satellite, which basically is for security purposes, to curb kidnapping, terrorism and the likes.

“We are working with security agencies to use the satellite to curb incessant kidnapping around the country.”

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