By Ogaga Ariemu
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Pantami on Thursday said the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) has the capacity to provide navigation overlay and others services to the 54 African countries.
According to Pantami, the NIGCOMSAT is fully operational, functional, and capable of supporting the deployment of the Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) not just in Nigeria, but throughout the entire continent.
The Minister spoke at a two-day workshop on SBAS adoption in Africa.
“NigComSat-1, is a federal government investment which is a high-breed satellite. So, being a high breed satellite, can provide navigation over overlay services which is key to the implementation of Satellite Based Augumentation System (SBAS) globally. The satellite is operational and functional and based on our assessment, it covers the whole of Africa which is a minimum of 30,370,000.
“In addition to that, the satellite cover
The satellite covers part of the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean, it covers parts of Asia and Europe . Our satellite here in Nigeria has the capacity to provide the navigation overlay services. The Nigerian Communications Satellite has the capacity to support the implementation of the Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS not only in Nigeria but in the whole of Africa with 54 countries, urged African nations to consider the Nigerian Communication Satellite when the need arises.
Pantami explained that the deployment of SBAS will significantly improve accuracy of signal, its availability and integrity.
“This shows that communication and digital technology is the key enablers of all other sectors as of security, defence, health, Agriculture, education and the aviation sectors depend on digital technology. “ he noted.
He further directed the NIGCOMSAT to collaborate and reach out to the aviation sector to ensure successful implementation of SBAS in Africa
Also speaking, Minister Of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, said that the SBAS flight demonstration and workshop could not have come a better time than now when the aviation industry is desperately seeking for safe, efficient and cost effective ways of recovering from the devastating effect of the covid-19 pandemic, as well as how to survive the prevailing global economic and security challenges.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, he said:“To support the aviation industry to attain full recover strategic measures must be implemented to enhance safety, efficien,y, effectiveness, interoperability, seamlessness, access and equity environmental sustainability.
“The necessity for the implementation of SBAS in the African region cannot be overemphasized especially in view of the high cost of Installing, maintaining and calibrating ground navigational facilities at less busy airports. The implementation of SBAS will enhance accuracy, integrity, reliability, availability and continuity of air navigation service in continental, remote continental and oceanic airspaces.”