The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) has defended the procurement process for the NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B satellite programme, rejecting allegations that the exercise was compromised or manipulated to favour certain bidders. The company, in a statement issued by its management, described reports questioning the integrity of the procurement process as……
The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) has defended the procurement process for the NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B satellite programme, rejecting allegations that the exercise was compromised or manipulated to favour certain bidders.
The company, in a statement issued by its management, described reports questioning the integrity of the procurement process as “misleading and inaccurate”, insisting that the exercise was conducted professionally, competitively and transparently in accordance with applicable procurement laws, guidelines and procedures of the Bureau of Public Procurement.
NIGCOMSAT said all participating bidders were subjected to the same technical, financial and compliance criteria during the evaluation process.
According to the company, the final selection was based on a comprehensive evaluation framework that considered technical responsiveness, financial compliance, delivery capacity, project risks, security requirements and long-term value to the Federal Government.
“The selection of successful bidders was based on the outcome of the full evaluation process and not on the influence or preference of any individual or interest group,” the company said.
NIGCOMSAT also clarified that previous contracts or business relationships with the organisation do not guarantee selection in subsequent procurement exercises.
On concerns relating to staff welfare and outstanding financial obligations, the company said the current management inherited a salary structure that had remained unchanged for 17 years.
It said management had commenced steps to review the structure through the appropriate government approval channels, while efforts were also underway to resolve outstanding obligations arising from official assignments.
The company added that it was improving its internal procedures for the authorisation and reimbursement of official expenses.
NIGCOMSAT acknowledged the media’s role in scrutinising public institutions and the management of public resources but urged journalists and media organisations to ensure that reports on the matter are based on accuracy, balance and proper context.
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The company said bidders and other interested parties with legitimate concerns have access to established statutory and procurement review mechanisms through which such issues can be addressed.
It also rejected what it described as attempts to use media campaigns to pressure the organisation into reversing a procurement decision reached through established procedures.
Addressing reports concerning the selection of Hughes Network Systems’ JUPITER platform, NIGCOMSAT said references to Chapter 11 proceedings involving a related entity were speculative and did not, by themselves, demonstrate any impairment of the company’s technical capacity, contractual obligations or ability to deliver the required ground infrastructure.
According to NIGCOMSAT, the NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B satellites form an important part of Nigeria’s future digital infrastructure, with the programme expected to strengthen communications resilience, expand broadband coverage and improve connectivity in underserved communities.
The company said the satellite programme would also support critical sectors including national security, education, healthcare, broadcasting and economic development.
NIGCOMSAT reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s strategic interests and ensuring that the project is implemented with appropriate technical, financial, legal and continuity safeguards.
“The company said it stands by the integrity and outcome of the procurement process and will continue to protect the programme from external pressure or attempts to undermine its implementation,” the statement added.
