The House of Representatives has charged the federal government to ensure the optimization of the country’s orbital slots before the deadline.
The House also tasked the government on ensuring timely registration and renewal of the country’s orbital slots, as well as putting measures in place to ensure compliance with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) regulations.
Additionally, the Green Chamber urged the Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) and the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to intensify efforts at developing and launching satellites that will occupy the country’s slots to prevent their forfeiture.
The House mandated its Committees on Digital and Communications Technology and Legislative Compliance to undertake a thorough review of the current utilization of the country’s orbital slots, and ensure compliance with the motion.
The joint Committee is expected to report back to the House within two weeks for further legislative actions.
This followed the adoption of a motion by Muktar Shagaya, on the “need to safeguard Nigeria’s orbital slots to prevent potential financial loss of $400 million to the country.”
Shagaya, in his motion, informed the House that the country was granted three orbital slots by the ITU for satellite placement, explaining that these slots are vital for telecommunication, broadcasting, weather monitoring, and national defence purposes.
The lawmaker, however, agonized that only one of the three slots is utilised through NigComSat-1.
According to him, that has left the other two “vulnerable to reassignment if left unused by the deadline of December 6, 2024.”
Shagaya, who stated that acquiring a new orbital slot is approximately $200 million USD, argued that the loss of slots “would not only result in a significant financial loss but also impede Nigeria’s technological progress and economic development. ”
He added: “Numerous factors contribute to the underutilisation of these slots, such as financial limitations, inadequate technical infrastructure and delays in policy implementation.
“The significance of these orbital slots goes beyond technological progress to include national security, disaster response, connectivity, and navigation capabilities.
“It is imperative for Nigeria to expedite satellite development processes, secure necessary funding and explore partnerships with private companies and international space agencies to fully utilise these orbital slots.”
