Ahead of the 2011 general elections, the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited has developed an electronic system, that has the capacity to produce a biometric-based voter register before December.


The company showcased a prototype of the product when the Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Mohammed Abubakar, inspected the facilities of the organisation in Abuja on Monday.


During the visit, Abubakar said that after the launch of Nigeria’s second earth observation satellite and the replacement of the Nigeria Communications Satellite (NigComSat-1), the focus would be to inaugurate satellites locally rather than asking foreigners to handle the assignment.


The minister said, “Based on what I have seen here today, I am highly impressed and confident to say that my ministry has developed a comprehensive solution, an electronic voting system that will ensure that every vote counts.


“I will bring this to the attention of Mr. President and the Independent National Electoral Commission for appropriate action. With what the young engineers here have developed, a biometric-based voter register can be produced before December.


“The same solution is applicable to National Identity Card, credit and debit cards, tax identity, National Health Insurance Scheme and vehicle registration database.


“This is exciting and encouraging, realising that we can now export technological solutions to other countries rather than being consumers in every facet of the economy.”


On satellites, the minister said after the acquisition of three satellites from Britain and China, the nation can no longer afford to launch another satellite made abroad.


He tasked NigComSat and the National Space Research and Development Agency to work on the launch of a satellite from Nigeria, adding that they have demonstrated the capacity for innovation in their activities.


While briefing the minister, Managing Director of the company, Mr. Ahmed Rufai, said NigComSat was ready to accept whatever challenge the Federal Government may give to it on the production of the EVS, in terms of number and deadline.


He also disclosed that work on the replacement of the Nigerian Communications Satellite that failed in orbit in November 2008 had an reached advanced stage.

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