By Dele Ogbodo
The National Council on Communications and Digital Economy (NCCDE) has called for the launching of high-throughput satellite NigComSat-2
and NigComSat-3 communication satellites for continuity of services as NigComSAT-1R is fast approaching its end of life.
The Council took the step in accordance with the position presented to it by the NIGCOMSAT Ltd team led by the Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abimbola Alale, through deliberations and syndicate group scrutiny, evaluation and ratification of all issues presented to them.
The GM, Public Affairs of the Company, Mr. Adamu Idris, in a statement made available to the Media, said the meeting with the theme: ‘Leveraging digital economy policies and strategies for economic recovery in a COVID-19 era and beyond’ which was chaired by the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Ibrahim Pantami, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Musa Fuktur Istifanus.
It would be recalled that Council gave approval for the full commercialization of NIGCOMSAT Ltd during the 7th national meeting held in Gombe in 2019 for optimum productivity and profitability.
Recall that in 2018, the Council recommended amongst other things, the extension of budgetary allocation to NIGCOMSAT Ltd to complete the required upgrade and acquisition of additional satellites for smooth operations of NIGCOMSAT Ltd.
Amongst other things considered by the Council 2020 meeting include the adoption of new digital infrastructure in the country through the collaboration of the ministry, state governments and private sector should be fast-tracked.
Also considered imperative is the collaboration between states and the federal government for the annual celebration of the Digital Nigeria Day.
Out of 110 memoranda received, 93 were considered while 17 were stepped down.