- The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) has begun the process of replacing NIGCOMSAT-1R, a communications satellite, and is seeking support from investors and collaborators from across the globe to execute the project.
- The replacement move announced by the Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, comes as NIGCOMSAT-1R, operational since 2011, will complete its 15-year lifespan in 2026.
- According to the MD, as the satellite nears the end of its life, they are taking proactive steps to ensure a timely replacement.
The announcement has also been published in the Global Satellite Operators Association newsletter, under the “Member in the Spotlight” section. Per the newsletter, NIGCOMSAT has announced a significant move to enhance satellite communications with the development of NIGCOMSAT-2 and NIGCOMSAT-3.
“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 newsletter read.
NIGCOMSAT is focusing on upgrades and recently announced a partnership with Dimension Data. Under this agreement, NIGCOMSAT will provide Internet services via its NigComSat-1R network platform to Dimension Data for an initial one-year period.
The NigComSat-1R satellite, launched to replace the failed NigComSat-1 in 2007, is encountering challenges with low patronage. Former Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, previously advocated replacing the satellite and proposed securing a $550 million loan from China-Exim Bank to acquire two new satellites as backups.
In 2021, former Director of NIGCOMSAT, Dr Abimbola Alale, also announced that the company was about to acquire two more satellites between then and 2025.
In other space endeavours, the Nigerian government, in June 2024, announced plans to send the first citizen to space in a partnership between the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA). This comes almost six decades after the first humans landed there.
In March 2024, NASRDA had said it would not proceed with its plans to launch a satellite from Nigeria in 2025 due to insufficient funds to launch a satellite.
