The Federal Government has advanced plans to acquire and deploy two additional communication satellites, NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B, as part of efforts to expand broadband access and strengthen Nigeria’s digital communications infrastructure.
The satellites are expected to improve connectivity in underserved and remote communities while supporting broadcasting, enterprise services, government operations and other critical communications across the country.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Acting Head of the Corporate Affairs Division of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Stephen Kwande.
According to the statement, the project is part of the government’s broader investment in digital infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT, Jane Egerton-Idehen, described the development as an important milestone for both the agency and the country.
She said the additional satellite capacity would strengthen Nigeria’s communications capabilities, widen connectivity and support essential services nationwide.
Egerton-Idehen added that NIGCOMSAT’s focus would be to ensure that the investment delivers tangible benefits to Nigerians while positioning the agency for greater participation in the global satellite and digital economy.
The new satellites are expected to provide high-capacity broadband and support services in broadcasting, enterprise connectivity, education, healthcare, agriculture, financial services and government operations.
They will also complement terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in areas where conventional broadband networks are difficult or expensive to establish.
Beyond improving internet access, the project is expected to enhance the resilience and security of Nigeria’s communications infrastructure, including systems supporting national security and defence.
The government also anticipates that the project will reduce the country’s reliance on foreign satellite infrastructure while creating opportunities across the domestic satellite and technology value chain.
These opportunities are expected to span telecommunications, broadcasting, satellite terminals, ground infrastructure, systems integration, technical support and other satellite-enabled services.
The project is also expected to promote local expertise through technology transfer, professional training and the development of specialised skills in satellite engineering, cybersecurity, network operations and other emerging space technologies.
Following approval by the Federal Executive Council, the project will now proceed to the implementation stage, including engagement with technology partners, contract finalisation, technical planning and other preparations for manufacturing, launching and deploying the satellites.
NIGCOMSAT will lead the implementation in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and other relevant stakeholders.
The satellites are to be supplied by Thales Alenia Space of France and Israel Aerospace Industries.
The Federal Government expects the investment to increase NIGCOMSAT’s service capacity, maximise the use of Nigeria’s satellite assets and contribute to the growth of a stronger and commercially sustainable local space and satellite industry.
