The Management of NIGCOMSAT LTD has said it has no plans to launch any satellite in 2023 as being speculated by some section of the media.
A statement issued by Mr. Adamu Idris, General Manager, Corporate Affairs and Special Project, noted: “Our attention has been drawn to a report from a section of the media purported to have emanated from the welcome address of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT LTD, Dr Abimbola Alale, at the recent one-day Stakeholders’ Engagement meeting held in Lagos that NigComsat is launching a satellite in 2023, this is not true.
“The report, which claims that the NigComSat-2 Satellite would be launched into orbit by the first quarter of 2023 to enhance coverage, is a misrepresentation of the MD’s speech as nothing of such was said at the event,” he said.
According to the General Manager, the Managing Director’s speech was concise and unambiguous, merely reminded industry players that they are bound by common goals and interest, and should therefore, view the Stakeholders’ meeting as critical to the growth of the industry.
For the avoidance of doubt, these were the exact words of the MD/CEO that were apparently distorted, “In the course of our discussion, we will delve into 5G technology and satellite communication. We will also discuss satellite as a panacea for Nigeria’s security challenges.”
She further reiterated that the deliberation would stimulate ideas that will metamorphose into a strategic framework for a more robust industry.
The MD/CEO speech, which was widely circulated to the reporters present, at no time mentioned the launch of the satellite and neither did it give a particular time frame.
They have mentioned to tell the public that the govenment has signed a contract for the supply of a new satellite. Such an announcment was NEVE published for the public but finds are already flowing eastwards