Saudi Arabian Govt To Launch Four TV Channels With NigComSat
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
The Saudi Arabian government has commenced discussions with the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) to host four television channels on the NigComSat-1R satellite.
This was contained in a statement signed on Monday by NigComSat’s Head, Corporate Affairs Department, Aisha Bantam.
According to the statement, the proposed hosting is expected to facilitate improved access to diverse content for audiences in Nigeria and beyond and also strengthen cultural ties between both countries.
The visit to the NIGCOMSAT Ground Control Station was led by the Saudi Arabian Head of Media, Mohammed Alsahabi, and were received by the Executive Director of Technical Services, Engr. Abiodun Attah, who represented the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen.
The meeting underscored the commitment of both parties to enhance media collaboration and expand broadcasting capabilities through advanced satellite technology.
Alsahabi expressed the Saudi Arabian Embassy’s enthusiasm for leveraging NIGCOMSAT’s state-of-the-art satellite infrastructure to deliver high-quality programming.
He emphasised the importance of this initiative in promoting cultural exchange and providing valuable information to viewers.
“There is a significant historical connection between the people of Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, culturally, religiously, and more. Unfortunately, Saudi Arabia is primarily known for Hajj,”.
Egerton-Idehen, highlighted NIGCOMSAT’s commitment to fostering partnerships that enhance communication and connectivity across Africa.
She noted that hosting international channels on NigComSat-1R aligns with NIGCOMSAT’s vision of becoming a leading satellite service provider in the region.
The collaboration is anticipated to not only benefit the broadcasting landscape but also contribute to the economic growth of the media sector in Nigeria. By utilising NigComSat-1R, the Saudi Arabian channels will gain access to a robust platform that ensures reliable transmission and broad coverage.
Both parties agreed to continue discussions to finalise the technical and operational aspects of the partnership, with the aim of launching the channels in the near future.
This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing media diversity and accessibility in Nigeria, paving the way for more international collaborations in the telecommunications sector.
