A Chinese state owned aerospace company has given Nigeria a 30 day deadline to settle more than $11 million in unpaid fees for the operation of the country’s communications satellite.
In a letter sent to the managing director of Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited and copied to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) said Nigeria owes $11,442,335.89 for operational support services provided for the NigComSat-1R satellite.
The company said the debt covers Telemetry, Tracking and Command services delivered from its ground control facility in Kashi, China.
According to the letter, the outstanding balance was calculated as of 31 December 2025.CGWIC said it had continued providing the services for seven years despite not receiving payment.
However, it stated that it can no longer delay debt recovery because of internal audit requirements and pressure from subcontractors.The company warned that if the outstanding payment is not settled within 30 days it may deactivate the satellite’s active transponders, adding that the satellite’s performance could no longer be guaranteed.
NigComSat was also advised to notify its customers about the possibility of service disruptions that could affect broadcasting, internet connectivity and defence communications that rely on the satellite.
The dispute comes as the NigComSat-1R satellite approaches the end of its expected operational life.
The spacecraft was launched in 2011 and is projected to reach the end of its service lifespan by late 2026.
NigComSat-1R has faced operational challenges in the past. In 2019, CGWIC entered a management agreement with the Nigerian government to stabilise the satellite’s orbit and maintain its systems.
Responding to the notice, NigComSat’s head of corporate communications, Stephen Kwande, confirmed that the agency had received the letter and said it was currently reviewing the matter.
He added that an official response would be issued.
Analysts say the dispute could highlight vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s satellite infrastructure at a time when reliable communications systems remain critical for national security, broadcasting and digital connectivity across Africa’s largest economy.