Nigeria commissioned the Chinese company to design and build the satellite and to launch it into orbit at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China's southwestern Sichuan Province in May 2007.

Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua sent his special envoy, Gana Kingibe, secretary to the Nigerian government, to address the handover ceremony and announced the commencement of commercial activities by the Nigcomsat Limited, the operator of the satellite.

The formal operation of NIGCOMSAT-1 would considerably improve the country's telecommunications, broadcasting, the Internet, multimedia, real time monitoring and navigation services, which could in turn create a visible multiplier effect on other sectors of the economy, said the envoy.

He said the operation will signal Nigerian people's determination to be a significant player in today's fast globalized and knowledge and technology-driven world.

He commended the CGWIC's contribution and said "Our appreciation also goes to the government and people of the People's Republic of China."

Other Nigerian government officials, Chinese diplomats and company officials of both sides attended the ceremony.