Nigeria: NigComSat Going Down the Drain?

The $311 million (about 32 billion) that Nigeria spent in launching the country's communication satellite two years ago may have gone into the drains. At the time of going to press, there were no sure indications that the satellite, which has been reported 'missing' in orbit was recoverable. Both the management of NigComSat and the Chinese agency that launched the communication satellite on May 14, 2007 have admitted that the satellite has failed, even though their separate admissions are couched differently..

What is clear is that the satellite is currently not functioning. NigComSat officials believe the satellite is recoverable. The boisterous Managing Director of NigComSat, Ahmed Rufai and his team, are hoping to invoke the terms of the satellite insurance cover to recover (replace?) the satellite. The Chinese who should know better have not shared this view.

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