Minister for Communications, Barr. Abdur-Adebayo Shittu has canvassed for more communications satellites to enable NigComSat-1R better serve Nigeria in the areas of telecommunications services and broadband penetration.
In a statement sent to Daily Champion yesterday in Abuja, signed by the Head of Media Relations Unit, Stephen Kwande,
the Minister stated this at the National Assembly (House of Representative) special sectoral debate on the diversification of the Nigerian economy.
Shittu noted with concern that NIGCOMSAT Ltd which presently operates only one satellite (NigComSat-1R) needs to improve its fleet to enhance customer confidence and enable the company effectively compete in this strategic sector.
“The National Assembly debate which was to showcase the impact of all ministries on the Nigerian economy was informed by the Minister of Communications that NIGCOMSAT Ltd patronage by ministries and agencies of government is yet to improve significantly as would be desired because it operates a lone satellite as these MDAs utilise foreign satellites at huge cost to the country,” he said.
The Minister further stated that Nigerians and business interests in the country patronise foreign satellite operators who own multiple satellites in the orbit.
Shittu reiterated the need for the National Assembly to make laws that will assist the agency play the critical role in contributing to national socio-economic development and growth especially in the ICT sector. Improvement in the fleet, he said, will assist and ensure that agencies of government, Nigerians and the International business concerns will also patronise the satellite.
He also regretted that broadcasting agencies in the country both privately and government owned rely on foreign satellites for the broadcasting of their programmes. This can be achieved by NIGCOMSAT Ltd and more so, with an improve fleet, the Minister emphasised.
In his contribution, the House Committee Chairman on ICT, Hon Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo also expressed concern on the need for more utilisation of Nigerian own communications satellite and urged the Hon. Minister to prioritise the launching of more communications satellites in the interest of the nation.