Reps Urge FG to Protect Nigeria’s Orbital Slots to Prevent Potential $400m Loss

The Nigerian House of Representatives emphasized the urgent need for the Federal Government to protect the nation's orbital slots, warning of a potential $400 million loss if these valuable resources are not effectively managed.

This pressing issue was brought to light by Muktar Shagaya, who highlighted that only one out of Nigeria's three orbital slots is currently operational through NigComSat-1.

The remaining slots face the risk of reassignment due to "financial limitations, inadequate technical infrastructure, and policy delays."

The House has tasked its Committee on Digital and Communications Technology with a thorough review of the current utilization of these slots. They are expected to report their findings within two weeks, underscoring the urgency of the matter.

The representatives also urged Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) and the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to expedite efforts in satellite development and launch.

This call to action reflects a broader pattern of concern regarding the strategic management of space resources, which is crucial for maintaining Nigeria's position in the global telecommunications landscape.

To mitigate the risks associated with underutilized orbital slots, the Federal Government was advised to implement an oversight mechanism. This would ensure compliance with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) regulations and facilitate better monitoring of orbital slot usage.