NIGCOMSAT denies procurement wrongdoing over satellite programme
Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited has rejected allegations of irregularities in the procurement of its NIGCOMSAT-2A and 2B programme. The agency said the process followed procurement rules and that bidders were assessed on technical, financial, security and delivery criteria. It also addressed staff welfare and concerns about the selected Hughes platform.
The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited has rejected allegations that the procurement of the NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B satellite programme was irregular. In a statement reported by Channels Television, the agency described claims in a September 18, 2026 Daily Post report as misleading. NIGCOMSAT said the exercise was conducted competitively and transparently under applicable procurement laws and guidelines issued by the Bureau of Public Procurement.
The agency said all bidders were assessed against the same technical, financial and compliance requirements. It said the final decision took account of technical responsiveness, financial compliance, delivery capability, project risk, security and long-term value, rather than performance in any single area. NIGCOMSAT added that participation or previous contractual relationships did not guarantee selection.
NIGCOMSAT also rejected suggestions that references to reported Chapter 11 proceedings involving a related Hughes entity demonstrated that Hughes Network Systems lacked the ability to deliver the selected JUPITER ground infrastructure. It said suitability should be assessed through technical review, contractual due diligence and verified facts. The agency said the satellite programme is intended to improve communications resilience, broadband coverage and connectivity in underserved communities, while supporting national security, education, healthcare, broadcasting and economic development.
NIGCOMSAT said management was pursuing approval to review a salary structure that had not changed for 17 years and was addressing outstanding official-assignment obligations.
This independently written report is based on information supplied by the named publisher. Vertrix News has not independently verified the source report.