Thursday, December 16, 2004

Nigeria signs communication satellite contract with China
From Tsokar Karls, Abuja

SCIENCE and Technology Minister, Professor Turner Isoun, has signed the contract for the design manufacture and launch of the Nigerian Communication Satelite-1 (NIGCOMSAT-1).

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The contract awarded to China Great Wall Industry Cooperation (CGWIC), was approved in November 2003 by the Federal Executive Council after the launch of Nigeriansat-1 into orbit, bearing in mind the commercial viability and socio-economic impact on the nation's development.

Isoun pointed out that the investment of the Federal Government in a national communication satellite would provide an opportunity for Nigeria to receive a sizeable portion of capital flow of $440 per annum paid by African countries for their international telephone traffic out of the projected US $1.2 trillion in the world telecommunication market.

He reiterated that studies had shown that the investment of government in this venture would not only translate to enormous socio-economic benefits for Nigeria and Africa, but also provide the much needed bridge to close the digital divide being experienced by African nations. According to the minister, it would also provide the enabling platform for Africa to be relevant in today's information age and digital economy.

Isoun pointed out that the target objective of NIGCOMSAT-1 project was to cover services requirements in the sector of intelligence, security and surveillance, agriculture, environment, banking, oil and gas, education, telecommunication, internet services, media and broadcasting and navigation amongst others.

He said through the provision of rural telephony, communities would be opened to various developments in the area of extensive farming, medicine and others.

He said with the expansion of university campuses to remote places where interactivity between the main and the satellite campuses could be achieved within real time, the launch would not only be timely but appropriate.

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Vice President, Mr. Hu Hong Fu, said his organisation would do its best to ensure that Nigeria's investment was not in vain. He also highlighted the past successes of the company in the area of satellite launch.

Hong fu said the intention was to build a satellite that would compete with that of the developed world.

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria who was also present, described Nigeria and his country as developing countries, which needed each other to be able to move ahead.

He said the satellite was to enhance the quality of telecommunication reception in Nigeria. Hong Fu assured that his company would provide the best satellite for Nigeria so as to boost further cooperation between the two countries.

Earlier, the Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency, Prof. R.A. Boroffice said vital points and other consideration were followed before the contract was awarded to the company.

The expected launch date is December 2006. It will provide coverage throughout Africa and Europe.`