Telecom
NIGCOMSAT to Launch 2 Satellites to Replace NigComSat 1-R Satellite
Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), will launch two new satellites, NigComSat-2 and NigComSat-3 in 2023 and 2025 respectively to replace the current NigComSat 1-R, which is expected to expire in 2026, according to Dr. Abimbola Alale, managing director and chief executive officer of NIGCOMSAT.
Alale stated this at a stakeholders’ forum in Lagos, organised recently by NIGCOMSAT.
The forum, with the theme: ‘NIGCOMSAT Ltd, The Present And The Future’, which was hosted by Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, minister of Communications and Digital Economy, was attended by industry stakeholders, civil society organisations, and the military.
NigComSat-2 and NigComSat-3, when launched as scheduled, will replace NigComSat 1-R, which was launched in 2011.
NigComSat 1-R, which has a life span of 15 years, is expected to expire in 2026, hence the need for a replacement.
Alale, in her opening remarks, said: “l am pleased to inform stakeholders of our desire to acquire more satellites between now and 2025 with the NigComSat-2 (Hight Throughput Satellite) due for launch in 2023 while NigComSat-3 will be launched in 2025.
This will not only inspire confidence in our customers and channel partners but will also place NIGCOMSAT Ltd in the front line of communication satellite operators with fleet of satellites in the orbit.”
Alma Okpalefe, legal adviser and company secretary of NIGCOMSAT, said the planned launch of the two satellites in 2023 and 2025, would help NIGCOMSAT meet up with its mandate to commercialise satellite resources in the country, and provide quality and cheap satellite services to Nigerians.
According to Okpalefe, the first satellite, NigComSat-1, was launched in 2006, but was later de-orbited, when it failed after it was launched. She further explained that the failure of NigComSat-1led to the relaunch of the satellite in 2011 as a replacement of NigComSat-1, which was called NigComSat 1-R.
Alale called on Nigerians to expect better quality of satellite services and ubiquitous broadband services, when the two satellites are eventually lainched in 2023 and 2025.
“NIGCOMSAT, in its bid to achieve its ambition to be the leading satellite communication solutions provider in Nigeria and Africa, obtained approval early 2020 to form two subsidiary
companies (SUBCOs) the Satellite Infrastructure Company SIC to provide satellite upstream services such as Transponder leasing, and In-Orbit-(IOT) services, Carrier Spectrum Management (CSM) services, among other, and the Satellite Broadcasting and Broadband Company (SBBC) to provide satellite downstream services such as broadband internet services,Broadcasting (DTH) services, among others.
“The SUBCOs were formed to carryout commercial businesses on behalf of NIGCOMSAT with strategic partners and expand its business operations.
NIGCOMSAT realises the need to strategically position its subsidiaries for potential opportunities and risks, and has put in place operational structures to facilitate its business aspirations,” Alale said.
According to her, Pantami gave NIGCOMDAT a set of KPIs that were linked to the development of a strategic document, which identifies the key market opportunities and risks in the Nigerian market as well as to define the SUBCO’s operational framework.
Alale said based on the task given it, the Special Project Office of NIGCOMSAT Ltd has successfully deployed modest and ubiquitous services to the health sector by providing an e-platform for automation of work process at National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) offices across the country.
“Also last year, NIGCOMSAT Ltd provided satellite connectivity services via NigComSat-1R for the live broadcast of the virtual commissioning of the Ajaokuta, Kaduna and Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline by President Muhammadu Buhari. In September 2020, NIGCOMSAT collaborated with Thales Alenia Space of France, and Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA), to provide a Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) using NigComSat-1R Navigational services for the first time over Africa and Indian Ocean. The demonstration of real SBAS flight in Lome (Togo) using fixed wing Aircraft and Duoala (Cameroun), using Rotor Aircraft. Demonstration was also done in Brazzaville (Congo),” Alale said.
She explained that the stakeholders’ forum was part of efforts to rub minds with Nigerians on areas they may need the services of NIGCOMSAT, in line with its core mandate and core values, adding that NIGCOMSAT has acquired the latest DIALOG HUB with 5IF for the satellite broadband Ka services as well as building a stronger relationship with channel partners, in order to serve Nigerians better.
Stakeholders and the military, who were present at the forum, commencded NIGCOMSAT for its services to organisatons, government institutions and the general public.
Telecom
Celebrating African Creativity: Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ Returns for Its Fifth Year
The “Made by Africa, Loved by the World” campaign is back for its fifth year, celebrating African creativity and global influence. This year’s theme, “Where Culture Meets Connection,” highlights how social media fosters conversations around cultural moments worldwide.
The campaign features three cinematic films premiering on the Meta Africa page, showcasing the groundbreaking work and personal stories of six dynamic African creatives.
These artists, from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa, represent diverse disciplines, including rap, animation, dance, photography, fashion, and videography.
Here are some of the featured talents:
- Ladipoe (Nigeria) – A BET-nominated rapper known for blending global hip-hop with African rhythms.
- Fatboy Animations (Kenya) – An animation studio founded by Michael Muthiga, recognized by Forbes for its original African storytelling.
- Lisa Quama (Ghana) – A dancer who gained fame after appearing in Beyoncé’s “Already” music video.
- Gilbert Asante (Ghana) – A photographer and creative director featured in GQ and Glam Africa.
- David Tlale (South Africa) – A fashion designer whose bold designs have been showcased at major fashion events, including the Met Gala.
- Ofentse Mwase (South Africa) – A filmmaker with over 24 international awards for his unique visual storytelling.
Kezia Anim-Addo, Communications Director for Africa, Middle East & Turkey, emphasized that the campaign not only celebrates individual success stories but also showcases how culture and social media drive meaningful connections and inspiration.
Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), has raised the alarm over a diesel supply crisis caused by an ongoing strike by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
Mr Tony Emoekpere, president, ATCON in a statement said that the fuel supply disruption is critically affecting telecom base stations, pushing them to the brink of a shutdown and threatening millions of mobile and internet users in the region.
“This strike, which stems from the persistent harassment of tanker and petroleum product drivers by police officers in Lagos State, has effectively halted all truck loading operations and fuel movements,” Emoekpere stated.
He explained that diesel supply to telecom infrastructure has been severely impacted, leaving critical sites with dangerously low fuel levels.
According to him, if urgent measures are not taken, the situation could escalate into a full-blown network blackout, disrupting essential services, including mobile and internet access, business operations, emergency response systems, and daily communications.
ATCON has called on the governors of Lagos and Ogun states to intervene immediately by facilitating the release of diesel from depots to telecom operators to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
“This is not just a telecom issue—it is a national emergency that could cripple economic activities and compromise public safety,” Emoekpere stressed.
The association also appealed to security agencies and petroleum unions to resolve the crisis swiftly to safeguard Nigeria’s connectivity and economic stability.
ATCON emphasised that a prolonged disruption in fuel supply to telecom infrastructure could have far-reaching consequences for both businesses and individuals who rely on stable communication networks for daily operations.
In 2023, Nigerians spent a total of about ₦5.3 trillion on telecommunications services, which includes calls, data, SMS, and other telecom services, according to the Leadership.
Specifically for voice calls, Nigerians made approximately 408.5 billion minutes of local calls, generating around ₦3.28 trillion from outgoing calls and ₦3.23 trillion from incoming calls, totaling about ₦6.51 trillion in call-related revenue according to projections based on 2023 call volumes and tariff data.
However, the ₦5.3 trillion figure represents the overall telecom sector revenue, with voice calls being a major component but also including data and other services.
For individual spending, MTN subscribers spent an average of ₦2,508 monthly on voice calls in 2023, showing a 14.4% increase from 2022, while Airtel customers spent about ₦1,694 monthly on voice calls.
Total telecom spending (calls, data, SMS, etc.): ₦5.3 trillion in 2023
Estimated revenue from voice calls alone: around ₦6.5 trillion based on call minutes and tariffs
Average monthly spending on calls per subscriber: ₦1,694 to ₦2,508 depending on the network
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