China backs NigComSat’s Assimilation Centre plan

The Chinese Government has expressed its willingness to assist the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat) by facilitating the establishment of the Satellite’s Assimilation Centre in order to boost its commercial profile. The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Gu Xiao Jie, made this known during his official visit to NigComSat in Abuja, where he also noted that the Astranaut Launch by Nigeria, through the use of the Chinese Space, was still on-going. The Chinese envoy said that in view of the facts he had so far received about NigComSat from his official visit, as well as the routine facility tour he carried out concerning the agency’s Ground Station in Abuja, he would help strengthen the mutual relationship between the two countries.

He added that Nigeria remained a very strategic business partner of China in the African continent. The ambassador, in a statement by the Head of External Relations, NigComSat, Asmau Galadanchi, noted that NigComSat was the first to be launched by China, followed by the Federal Republic of Pakistan, with other countries trailing. Xiao Jie also expressed delight, saying that he was deeply touched by the complaint of NigComSat regarding the non-patronage of its services by the Chinese Embassy and other Chinese organisations in Nigeria.

However, the Managing Director and Chief Executive, NigComSat, Ms. Abimbola Alale, said that the agency would benefit much from the partnership between Nigeria and China, especially in the areas that affect satellite business, which, according to her, would also lead to exchange of ideas and ideals between the two countries. She further said that the relationship between the two nations would leverage on the plethora of business and full commercialisation opportunities already existing. The General Manager, Satellite Application and Development of the agency, Abdulrahim Adajah, had complained that the non-patronage of NigComSat services by the Chinese Embassy and other Chinese organisations in Nigeria was not helpful to Nigeria’s economy and also a serious concern to the agency in particular. The statement further stated that Mr. Tamunoibuomi F. Okujagu, the Senior Special Assistant to the NigComSat boss, noted that China’s allied institutions in the country, had, in the same vein, demonstrated lack-lustre business attitude towards the satellite. Okujagu, however, stressed the need for more enhanced trade and cultural ties between Nigeria and China.