Reps back NigComSat on communications satellite launch

Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Communications Technology have thrown their weight behind the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited on the re-launch of the Nigerian communications Satellite (NigComSat-1 R).In a statement made available to our correspondent by NigComSat spokesman, Mr. Sonny Aragbaakpore, the lawmakers gave the position when the Managing Director of the firm, Mr. Ahmed Rufai, appeared before the committee.He also expressed optimism that the new satellite would bridge the gap in rural communities. A member of the committee Mr. Abiodun Akinlade from Ogun State, gave a vivid account of when the first communications satellite was de-orbited and how the National Assembly mandated his committee to travel to China for on the spot assessment and subsequent signing of the replacement contract which did not attract any cost to Nigeria. Akinlade said, "When the satellite was de-orbited the House graciously allowed the committee to accompany the agency to China to go and sign the replacement agreement. Thank God again in few weeks time now; Nigeria will be back in the orbit." Also contributing, Mr. Chris Azubogu from Anambra State, while expressing optimism on the re-launch, tasked NigComSat to collaborate with agencies especially radios and televisions to reach the remote parts of the country. Azubogu said, "NigComSat holds a very important position for Nigeria. We are driving towards agric economy. We planned to reach the remotest part of Nigeria with communication. I want you to look at the best way to collaborate with radio and television stations." He pledged that the National Assembly would assist the company to accomplish its tasks. The committee chairman, Dr. Ibrahim Shehu, also urged the Ministry of Communications Technology to address all issues relating to the satellite in order to ensure a hitch free launch in December. Making a presentation, the managing directed of NigComSat informed the committee that most of the projects for 2011 have been near completion or almost completed and that NigComSat 1R would be launch on December 19, 2011. He said by the time the satellite is launched, it would be a major backbone for the entire ICT requirements for both government and non-governmental institutions. According to Ahmed-Rufai, most of the bandwidths requirement particularly for the ICT industry, which is currently estimated at $500m per annum, justifies governments investment in the communications satellite.
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