The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) has defended the integrity of the procurement process for the NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B satellite programme. In a statement, the company maintained that the procurement was conducted competitively and transparently, in compliance with the Public Procurement Act and the guidelines of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). This response follows a report by Daily Post on September 18, 2026, which raised questions about the satellite procurement.
NIGCOMSAT explained that all bidders were assessed using the same predetermined criteria, covering technical responsiveness, financial compliance, delivery capability, project risk, security considerations, and long-term value to the Federal Government. The company stated that the outcome was based on a comprehensive assessment of the competing bids rather than performance in any isolated area. According to NIGCOMSAT, performance in selected areas does not determine the overall outcome in a procurement of this magnitude and complexity.
The company dismissed the suggestion that the non-selection of a bidder amounted to evidence of wrongdoing. NIGCOMSAT stated that participation in a competitive procurement process did not guarantee selection, and previous relationships or performance under an earlier contract could not guarantee success in a fresh procurement exercise. This was in response to allegations that the company had unfairly selected Hughes Network Systems’ JUPITER platform for the satellite programme.
NIGCOMSAT also addressed concerns about Hughes Network Systems, stating that a report’s reference to Chapter 11 proceedings involving Hughes Satellite Systems was speculative. The company noted that the publication failed to establish any connection between the corporate development and Hughes Network Systems’ technical capacity or ability to deliver the required ground infrastructure. NIGCOMSAT emphasized that conjecture cannot supplant technical evaluation and contractual due diligence.
On staff welfare, NIGCOMSAT management explained that it inherited a salary structure that had not been reviewed for 17 years. The company disclosed that a review had since been initiated through the required government approval processes. Additionally, outstanding obligations relating to official assignments were being addressed, alongside efforts to strengthen internal procedures for authorisation and reimbursement.
NIGCOMSAT accused vested interests and lobbyists who lost out in the procurement process of attempting to use the media to pressure the organisation. The company alleged that the report formed part of a “clandestine and orchestrated move”, with unnamed sources allegedly being used to circulate unverified claims. Despite criticism of the publication, NIGCOMSAT stressed that it welcomed legitimate scrutiny of its activities.
The organisation urged anyone with concerns about the procurement to use the appropriate statutory and procurement review channels. NIGCOMSAT's Legal Department is reviewing the publication and its “defamatory imputations”. The company warned that appropriate legal action would be taken against the sponsors and purveyors of what it described as falsehoods. The NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B programme remains critical to Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, national security, and socio-economic development.
Key points
- NIGCOMSAT denies allegations of irregularities and blackmail in the procurement process for the NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B satellite programme.
- The company maintains that the procurement was conducted competitively and transparently, in compliance with relevant laws and guidelines.
- NIGCOMSAT is taking legal action against the publication and those involved in spreading what it describes as falsehoods.
