“NigComSat Will Enhance Economic Growth When Supported” – MD

The Managing Director, Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat), Mrs. Abimbola Alale, says the company will boost economic growth and provide broadband link to people who could not be reached with fibre cables when supported by the Federal Government and patronized by local and foreign organisations.

Mrs. Abimbola has called for collaboration between the body and the Independent National Electoral Commission. She also stated that Nigerian engineers were fully in charge of NigComSat-1R and that beyond the traditional services it renders to various institutions including universities, banks, security agencies, and the Republic of Gabon for the tracking of its rail system, NigComSat-1R facilities could also be deployed to perfect the country’s e-voting system ahead of the 2019 general elections.

According to a statement on Friday by the Head of Public Affairs of the agency, Mr. Adamu Idris, the MD said NigComSat-1 was built with radiation-hardened technology, high reliability, on-board software re-programme ability, fault tolerance and redundant amplifiers.

The Minister of Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, noted that the government will not privatise NigComSat and that in the current Communications Sector Roadmap for 2016-2019, satellite resources owned by Nigeria will play a critical role in catalyzing broadband growth and addressing infrastructure deficit in the ICT sector.

He said these resources would be put into full usage to the benefit of the country’s economic growth, from its current 10 per cent broadband penetration.

He added, “From broadband penetration to last mile-fibre-optic-connectivity, this infrastructure deficit is preventing all Nigerians from gaining affordable and reliable access to ICT services.  Lack of affordability, due in part, to the proliferation of taxes, fees and levies and associated costs further inhibit investments in infrastructure.