The Defence Space Administration (DSA) has once again showered praise on Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Ltd for the outstanding services it has received through its communications satellite, NigComSat-1R.
Chief of Defence Space Administration, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Shinkafi gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the managing director, Engr. Tukur Mohammed Tukur and his senior management team at the NIGCOMSAT ground control site in Abuja.
During the meeting, the DSA chief expressed a keen interest in securing an ‘independent transponder’ on the upcoming NigComSat 2&3 satellites. He particularly highlighted the importance of the L-band payload, which he described as “very dear to their heart” and requested DSA’s involvement in the design of NigComSat 2&3.
The CDSA lauded NIGCOMSAT Ltd for its broadband services and called for enhanced collaboration between the civilian satellite operator and the military operator. He also expressed gratitude to NIGCOMSAT Ltd and its engineers for their continuous training of DSA staff.
The managing director and chief executive officer of NIGCOMSAT Ltd, Engr. Tukur Mohammed Lawal responded with optimism, expressing his commitment to strengthen the existing relationship and encouraging more collaborations. He congratulated AVM Ahmed Shinkafi, the new helmsman at the Defence Space Administration, for choosing NIGCOMSAT Ltd as his first point of contact upon assuming his duties.
Lawal assured the new CDSA that NIGCOMSAT Ltd is fully willing to contribute to the promotion of Space administration in the country and pledged to provide training to the Defence Space Administration staff whenever the need arises. He also assured the CDSA that the transponder payload matter is already settled and proposed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) next month to solidify the agreement.
Navy Commodore Chris Anuge (Rtd) also added to the discussion, informing the attendees that the Defence Space Administration has successfully launched its satellite, NSAT-1. He urged NIGCOMSAT Ltd to take advantage of the military satellite as part of their collaborative efforts.
The meeting ended on a positive note, with both parties expressing enthusiasm for future partnerships and the advancement of Space administration in the country. The fruitful collaboration between the Defence Space Administration and NIGCOMSAT Ltd holds promise for greater achievements in the field of satellite communications and broader benefits for the nation.
