The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) has rejected allegations of irregularities in the procurement process for the NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B satellite programme.
In a statement, the agency described claims contained in a September 18, 2026 report by Daily Post as misleading, saying the procurement exercise was conducted professionally, competitively and transparently in accordance with applicable procurement laws and guidelines of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
NIGCOMSAT said all participating bidders were assessed against the same technical, financial and compliance requirements.
The agency disputed suggestions that the procurement process was compromised or designed to favour particular bidders.
According to NIGCOMSAT, the overall outcome was determined by a comprehensive evaluation rather than performance in individual areas.
It said the assessment considered factors including technical responsiveness, financial compliance, delivery capability, project risk, security considerations and long-term value to the Federal Government.
“Performance in selective areas, however, does not determine the overall outcome of a procurement exercise,” the agency said.
NIGCOMSAT also rejected suggestions that the non-selection of a particular bidder could be interpreted as evidence of wrongdoing, noting that previous relationships or performance under earlier contracts do not guarantee selection in a subsequent competitive procurement process.
The agency said participation in a procurement exercise does not confer an entitlement to be selected.
Staff Welfare Concerns
NIGCOMSAT also responded to concerns raised in the report regarding staff welfare and outstanding obligations.
It said the current management inherited a salary structure that had not been reviewed for 17 years and had initiated steps towards a review through the required government approval processes.
Management, it added, was also addressing outstanding obligations relating to official assignments while strengthening internal procedures for authorisation and reimbursement.
The satellite company acknowledged the media’s role in scrutinising public institutions and public expenditure but said such scrutiny should be based on accurate information, balance and proper context.
It added that bidders or other interested parties with legitimate concerns have access to established statutory procurement review mechanisms.
NIGCOMSAT cautioned against using media reports as an alternative to formal procurement review procedures or as a means of exerting pressure on public institutions to alter procurement outcomes.
Hughes Network Systems
The agency also addressed concerns surrounding the selection of the Hughes Network Systems JUPITER platform for the programme.
NIGCOMSAT said references in the report to reported Chapter 11 proceedings involving Hughes Satellite Systems did not, by themselves, establish that Hughes Network Systems lacked the technical capacity or financial and contractual ability to deliver the required ground infrastructure.
According to the agency, a corporate or financial development involving a related entity does not automatically demonstrate that a procurement decision is defective.
It said technical assessment, contractual due diligence and verified facts should form the basis for evaluating the suitability of a contractor.
NIGCOMSAT described NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B as critical components of Nigeria’s future digital infrastructure.
The agency said the satellites are expected to strengthen national communications resilience, expand broadband coverage and improve connectivity in underserved communities.
It added that the programme is also expected to support sectors including national security, education, healthcare, broadcasting and economic development.
NIGCOMSAT said it remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s strategic interests and that the programme is being implemented with technical, financial, legal and project-continuity safeguards appropriate to its scale.
The agency maintained that the procurement process was conducted according to established procedures and said it would not allow external pressure or commercial interests to undermine the outcome.
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