Abuja anticipates N28b and 10,000 jobs over 15 years
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Abuja expects to earn N28 billion from the concession of a Research and Development of Satellite Internet Broadband Project over a period of 15 years, according to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
ICRC acting Media and Publicity Head Manji Yarling disclosed the project will also boost the fight against insecurity and create over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, mitigate the effects of climate change, aid in disaster relief, and improve healthcare delivery.
“It will also aid the transfer of technology to Nigerians in the area of communication equipment design and manufacturing,” he said.
The Full Business Case Compliance Certificate for the project was issued by ICRC Director General Michael Ohiani to Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Adeleke Mamora.
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PPP model
Ohiani said the concession will use the Design, Finance, Build, Operate and Transfer (DFBOT) PPP model and the preferred bidder is Messrs Gilat-Eleo Consortium (GO360), per Nairametrics.
He enthused that apart from ensuring internet penetration to rural areas, the project will create jobs, generate revenue, improve fixed-broadband penetration and support the fight against insecurity.
“In terms of broadband, we are expecting 10,000 direct and indirect jobs for the 15 years of the concession. The project will also bring revenue of N28 billion to the country,” Ohiani said.
The concession equally targets the deployment of over 7,000 Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSATs) all over Nigeria over the next two years.
Background
The Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) has announced plans to deploy 5G technology through its proposed NIGCOMSAT 2 satellite.
IGCOMSAT 2 will backhaul 5G services of telecom operators, meaning getting data to a point that could be distributed via optic fibre or network.
Telcos will be able to use the satellite to cover areas where their 5G network cannot reach.
Abuja plans to provide 70 per cent broadband by 2025 and says NIGCOMSAT will keep working with other technology providers to deliver broadband services.