The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) says the procurement process for six new satellites approved by the Federal Government is 95 per cent complete, with agreements involving foreign technical partners expected in November.
NASRDA Director-General, Professor Matthew Adepoju, disclosed this in Abuja on Friday, saying the programme would strengthen Nigeria’s space capabilities and replace ageing satellite infrastructure.
The programme is estimated at about $2 billion. The completion figure relates to procurement, rather than the manufacture, delivery or launch of the satellites.
Contract agreements expected in November
Adepoju said Nigeria was scheduled to sign a Memorandum of Understanding and contractual agreements with foreign technical partners at the African Space Economic Conference in November.
The programme covers three optical Earth-observation satellites, one Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite and two communications satellites, identified as NigComSat-2A and NigComSat-2B.
According to him, the new assets would improve Earth-observation resolution and strengthen communications capabilities, supporting national development and security requirements.
The importance of reliable environmental monitoring is illustrated by The Bureau Journal’s coverage of NiHSA’s monitoring of rising river levels and flood risks across 15 states. That monitoring programme is separate from the satellite procurement.
Communications and geographic information
The proposed satellites would expand Nigeria’s capacity to collect Earth-observation information and provide communications services.
Geographic information also features in other public infrastructure initiatives. The Bureau Journal previously examined Nigeria’s planned GIS-enabled digital postcode system, which is designed to identify individual buildings.
For the communications component, NIGCOMSAT has identified NigComSat-2A and NigComSat-2B as part of the acquisition programme following Federal Executive Council approval.
Radio Nigeria’s earlier report identified Israel Aerospace Industries and France’s Thales Alenia Space as delivery partners.
Satellite assembly and testing laboratory planned
Adepoju also announced plans for an Assembly, Integration and Testing Laboratory in Nigeria.
He said the facility would provide capacity to assemble, integrate and test satellites locally, with completion expected within 18 months of the signing of its contract.
The emphasis on specialised facilities and technical training has parallels in other science programmes. The Bureau Journal previously reported on the renewable energy college and research facilities inaugurated in Kogi State.
Opportunities for Nigerian professionals
Adepoju said the satellite investment would create opportunities for Nigerian professionals and young people to develop expertise in space science, satellite engineering and related technologies.
Developing the workforce for technology-intensive sectors remains a wider concern. The Bureau Journal has covered a youth technology fellowship providing digital training in Kogi and MTN Nigeria’s recruitment across technology, engineering and digital-services roles. Those initiatives are separate from NASRDA’s programme.
The next milestone outlined by NASRDA is the signing of agreements with foreign technical partners in November.
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