Nigerian aerospace industry has reached another milestone by making Nigeria the first country in the Sub-Saharan Africa to join a foreign satellite program.
What happened
Nigerian Communication Satellite (NigComSat) Limited, a company under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Communication Technology, won a bid to provide in-orbit test (IOT) and carrier spectrum monitoring (CSM) services for Belintersat-1 satellite. This was announced in Abuja on December 30, 2015.
What is Belintersat-1
China Great Industries Corporation (CGWIC), a renowned satellite manufacturing company, is the supplier of the DFH-4 satellite platform to the Eastern European country of Belarus. The Chinese giant (CGWIC) expressed confidence in the Nigerian company, NigComSat, which eventually helped it to win the tender.
The Belarusian satellite will be launched on January 15, 2016, and is expected to operate in space for 15 years. Adebayo Shittu, the minister of communication, will be heading the Nigerian delegation to witness its the launch.
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Is it useful for Africa and for Nigeria?
The answer is yes. Firstly, the services of transponder leasing would generate revenue from the 15-year service provision to Belarus. Secondly, NigComSat would be able to provide more broadband services, enterprise solutions, secured communications and etc., over Nigeria and other 35 African countries, including Ghana, Cameroon, Mali and many more.
Finally, additional communication services may now be offered to the security agencies.
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