Nigeria'ssatellite at risk after $11.4M debt to China

Nigeria's NigComSat-1R satellite faces potential loss of control due to a $11.4 million unpaid debt to China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) for technical support services dating back to 2019. The satellite has been controlled from CGWIC's Kashgar Ground Station in China since 2018 after Nigeria's Abuja facility was destroyed by lightning. CGWIC states it has not received payment for services that maintain the satellite's orbital position and prevent drift. While NIGCOMSAT claims full strategic control, the commercial dispute raises concerns about national infrastructure vulnerability. The satellite remains operational but at risk of service disruption if support ceases. Nigeria entered space cooperation with China in 2007, launching NigComSat-1 in 2007 and its replacement in 2011. The current satellite supports 90% broadcast utilization but has 90% of its Ka-band capacity unused due to commercial challenges.

SOURCE: https://techcabal.com/2026/03/25/a-11-4m-debt-puts-nigerias-space-ambitions-at-risk/