NIGCOMSAT- 1: A Welcome Development

The whole world could not but applaud what definitely passed as the consummation of Nigeria's steady progress in the field of science and technology when a couple of weeks ago in China, her admirers and critics alike watched her launch her first satellite into the orbit; the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa.

Even as die-hard critics argue that the huge investment on the project was a misplaced priority considering the fact that the Federal Government committed over US$15 million on a project tagged 'grandiose', which would make little or no impact on the living standard of her citizenry, the fact of the matter is that the satellite has the potentials to practically contribute to the overall development of the nation's economy.

Any attempt therefore, to criticize this project is to say the least cynical and myopic.
NIGCOMSAT Limited, the managers of the Communication Satellite succinctly captured the essence of the project when it said in its mission statement “it will manage and exploit the commercial viability of the satellite for the socio-economic benefit of Nigeria as well as become the leading satellite operator and service provider in Africa”.

By this, it aims to provide a modern and comprehensive satellite based communications system not only for the country but for other surrounding African countries through digital or analogue system, operating either a fixed or mobile satellite, direct broadcast satellite services as well as engaging in transponder leasing.

With the goal to providing coverage over Africa, the Middle East and some parts of Europe, communication access that will force down the cost of telecommunications in the country especially in the area of Internet and mobile communication, will improve.

No doubt NIGCOMSAT I is coming at a time Nigeria, like other technologically backward nations of the world are bracing up to the challenges posed by the communication epidemic known as digital divide. NIGCOMSAT - I will to a greater extent, address the telecommunication, broadcasting and broadband needs of most African countries thus placing Nigeria on a leading role in the telecommunications market of those areas.

NIGCOMSAT - I would enhance better, clearer and cheaper services for both operators and end users. It is expected to attract for the country huge revenue as it is said to be a $15 billion per year business in addition to being the largest and most successful of all commercial space enterprises.
One greater benefit of the communication satellite to Nigeria is that the rural areas in the country that have lacked basic communication facilities over the years, would by this launching, expect an explosion in communication services. The new technology will enhance access to telephony, Internet, broadcasting and other communication services in the rural areas.

This magazine salutes the courage of both the government and people of Nigeria for embarking on such a laudable programme that will impact on virtually every aspect of the country's economy. Efforts at modernising governance through eGovernment, eHealth, telemedicine, eEducation and others like that would definitely be boosted by this development. This is quite commendable.
There is no gainsaying the truth that this singular project is one of the greatest legacies of the eight years of the Obasanjo administration. What is left now is for government to ensure that it did not take time for Nigerians to begin to savour the fruits of this gigantic venture so that it can turn out to be a testimony to critics of this project that indeed this was not a misplaced priority after all.
ICT Today joins other Nigerians the world over to welcome this novel venture.