The Federal Government is preparing to launch the second satellite (Sat 2) into orbit, aimed at bolstering the nation’s satellite communications capacity, as revealed by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami.
During a one-day working visit and interactions with Nigerian Satellite Communications staff in Abuja, Pantami disclosed that he has secured President Mohammadu Buhari’s approval for the satellite’s procurement, which has also been included in the 2022 Budget following efforts to lobby the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed.
The existing Sat1R, launched in 2011 with a 15-year life span, is set to expire in the next four years. The Federal Government has allocated N2.5billion for the satellite 2 project in the 2022 budget estimate.
“Since 2019, I have been dedicated to NIGCOMSAT’s success, starting with the suspension of its privatization. In fact, I have secured the President’s approval for the purchase of another satellite and lobbied the Finance Minister to ensure its inclusion in the 2022 budget. I have also approved the establishment of some NIGCOMSAT subsidiaries to revitalize the company and drive innovation and productivity,” he stated.
Reviving NIGCOMSAT is a challenging but necessary task, and it is an obligation for all the staff,” he added.