NIGCOMSAT rejects satellite procurement allegations, threatens legal action
NIGCOMSAT has denied allegations of irregularities in the procurement process for its NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B satellite programme, calling the claims false and misleading. In an Abuja-based statement, the agency stated the procurement followed competitive bidding under the Public Procurement Act and BPP guidelines, with bidders evaluated on technical responsiveness, financial compliance, delivery capability, project risk, security, and long-term government value.
NIGCOMSAT emphasized that participation doesn't guarantee selection and prior relationships don't confer entitlement to awards. It rejected references to Hughes Network Systems' Chapter 11 proceedings as irrelevant to technical capacity assessments. The agency also addressed staff welfare concerns, noting it inherited a salary structure unchanged for 17 years and has initiated a review through proper government channels while addressing outstanding obligations.
NIGCOMSAT warned it would pursue legal action against those responsible for what it described as defamatory claims orchestrated by disappointed bidders. The NIGCOMSAT-2A and 2B satellites, approved by FEC in August 2026, are set to replace the ageing NIGCOMSAT-1R (launched December 2011) with launches scheduled for 2028 and 2029 respectively. Revenue grew from N650 million in 2023 to over N2 billion in 2025. Will this transparent procurement process restore confidence in Nigeria's satellite ambitions as the country seeks to expand broadband connectivity where terrestrial infrastructure falls short?