NigComSat Incorporated: To be or not to be

Rufai, NigComSat Managing Director

Following the recent bill presented to the National Assembly in order to incorporate the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NigComSat) Limited as a government corporation, stakeholders gathered to discuss the pros and the cons of the proposed bill.

In his opening remark at a Stakeholders’ Forum to discuss the NigComSat Incorporation Bill, the Managing Director of NigComSat Limited, Engr. Ahmed Rufai made known that the bill which was drafted for the future of the country was accepted by the National Assembly on presentation and that no member is against the bill.

According to him, the bill was been put together by a renowned lawyer, former President, Nigeria Bar Association, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), in the interest of the nation. Engr. Rufai said the bill would prepare the company for global competitiveness as it would give the company a sense of legality.

The bill seeks to position NigComSat to be more decisive and effective in the highly competitive communication satellite terrain. NigComSat would also be empowered to engage in, purchase or otherwise acquire, or take over, all or any of the assets, business, company, firm or person in furtherance of any business relating to the satellite communications industry.

With the bill NigComSat would be able to enforce regulatory measures regarding to the general control of the satellite communications sector.

The President, Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Engr. Lanre Ajayi commended the effort of the administration of the former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for establishing the nation’s satellite company.

“If we must develop broadband, we must develop satellite technology,” Engr. Ajayi said that government needs to continue in supporting the development of satellite technology. He is of the opinion that incorporating the company is not a condition for government intervention, that government’s business should be regulation.

He also urged NigComSat to stress herself to the limited for productivity.

Supporting the view that government’s business is regulation and providing an enabling environment is Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Chairman, Teledom International and Engr. Bayo Banjo, President, Nigeria Internet Group (NIG).

Representing Olisa Agbakoba, Victor Nwakasi said there is need to apply law to development process in Nigeria as a developing nation. “You can’t not develop without the law,” he said emphasizing that emerging issues needs law application before they go wrong.

The Stakeholders’ forum was jointly organized by ICT Publishers Alliance and the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited in order to bring to the public consciousness industry issue to encourage participatory engagements of all stakeholders.

The chairman, ICT Publishers Alliance, Aaron Ukodie said there are certain things in the bill that needs strengthening in getting a healthy bill that would serve the interest of the nation and the ICT industry.

Ukodie also noted that the NigComSat incorporation bill doesn’t overlap into the statutory functions of the National Broadcasting Commission nor that of the Nigerian Communications Commission with respect to allocation and management of frequency.

As a satellite operator, Ukodie said NigComSat’s activities are expected to be under the guidance of the extant laws of the satellite industry. 

Some other present stakeholders believe that NigComSat needs the bill to operate in an highly competitive and vibrant global communication satellite industry which requires a fast-pace decision making processes.

Yinka Awosanya
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