Nigeria’s House of Representatives has encouraged the federal government to fully utilize the country’s assigned orbital slots by December 6, 2024, to prevent a $400 million loss.
Honorable Muktar Tolani Shagaya, representing the Ilorin West/Asa Constituency, introduced the motion titled “Need to Safeguard Nigeria’s Orbital Slots to Prevent Potential Financial Loss of $400 Million to Nigeria” on Tuesday.
The motion said that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) had given Nigeria three orbital slots, which are required for satellite installation in a geostationary orbit.
During the plenary, which was virtually monitored by Nairametrics, Shagaya stated that the three slots are vital for telecommunications, broadcasting, weather monitoring, and national defense purposes.
He noted that currently, only one of these slots is utilized through NigComSat-1, leaving the other two vulnerable to reassignment if they remain unused by the December 6, 2024, deadline.
He emphasized that each slot is worth $200 million, meaning the country would lose $400 million if it fails to utilize them.
“The expense of acquiring a new orbital slot is approximately $200 million, and the loss of these slots would not only result in a significant financial loss but also impede Nigeria’s technological progress and economic development.”
“Numerous factors contribute to the underutilization of these slots, such as financial limitations, inadequate technical infrastructure, and delays in policy implementation.”
“The critical significance of these orbital slots goes beyond technological progress to include national security, disaster response, connectivity, and navigation capabilities,” the motion partly read.
The lawmaker expressed concern over Nigeria’s increasing competition with other countries for orbital slots, driven by the rising global demand for satellite services, which could lead to the permanent forfeiture of Nigeria’s assigned positions.
He urged the House to expedite satellite development processes, secure necessary funding, and explore partnerships with private companies and international space agencies to fully utilize these orbital slots.
He stressed that protecting Nigeria’s orbital slots is crucial for national security, economic empowerment, and global standing.
