Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited
NIGCOMSAT
About
Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited is a company under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. It was established to manage Nigeria's satellite communications programme and has overseen the launch and operation of the country's communications satellites. The company is responsible for NigComSat-1, Africa's first communications satellite, and its replacement NigComSat-1R, both developed in cooperation with Chinese partners.
History
NigComSat-1, a Nigerian satellite ordered and built in China in 2004, was Nigeria's second satellite and Africa's first communication satellite. It was launched on 13 May 2007 on a Chinese Long March 3B carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre. On 11 November 2008 it was de-orbited after running out of power due to an anomaly in its solar array. On 24 March 2009 the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, NIGCOMSAT Ltd. and CGWIC signed a contract for the in-orbit delivery of NigComSat-1R, which was launched from China in 2011, funded by insurance proceeds from the failed satellite. In 2018 Nigeria signed an agreement with China to purchase two additional communications satellites, with funds provided by the Export-Import Bank of China, in exchange for China receiving part ownership of Nigerian Communications Satellite.
Key Facts
Established
2006-04-04
Headquarters
Abuja, Nigeria
Managing Director
Jane Egerton-Idehen
Abbreviation
NIGCOMSAT
Website
nigcomsat.gov.ng