One Satellite Not Enough For Nigeria, Kicks Against Privatization Of NigComSat -Minister:

THE Minister of Communications Technology, Mr Adebayo Shittu, has decried the fact that Nigeria has only one Satellite in the orbit while also kicking against rumors of privatization of NigComSat.

The Minister who stated this when he visited the Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited (NigComSat), said Nigeria currently has only one satellite in the orbit and one satellite is certainly not enough.

Adebayo Shittu noted that " risk and the danger it poses is enormous having one satellite is dangerous and Nigeria could be stuck one day.

NIGCOMSAT Limited is responsible for the operation and management of Nigerian Communications Satellites starting with NIGCOMSAT-1 which was launched in May 2007 and de-orbited after 11 months.

According to Shittu the need for Nigeria to have more than one satellite in the orbit is paramount so that all other countries, agencies, and companies who patronize us by paying money for satellite services will rest assured that their investment is reliable and safe.

“It is for this reason since we came on board, we’ve been trying to ensure that we get foreign financiers to assist with loan to build a second and possibly a third satellite in orbit so that we can be rest assured that we have enough capacity to host the entire world in regards to satellite information provision” the minister said.

On the issues surrounding the privatisation of NigComSat , the minister said that the private sector itself has the freedom to pool resources together and to establish a satellite if they feel they need it, adding that “this is one national treasure which I don’t believe the country is not ready to ceded to the private sector” he said.