Hussaini Umar
The Federal Government has approved the acquisition and deployment of two next-generation communications satellites, NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B, to expand broadband access and strengthen the country’s communications infrastructure.
The Federal Executive Council approval moves the project into its next phase, with Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited, NIGCOMSAT, expected to lead implementation under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
NIGCOMSAT announced the development in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by Stephen Kwande, acting head of its Corporate Affairs Division.
The agency said the two high-throughput communication satellites would expand Nigeria’s satellite capacity and support broadband, broadcasting, enterprise communications and other critical services.
It said the satellites would help extend connectivity to underserved, unserved and hard-to-reach communities, particularly where terrestrial infrastructure is difficult or costly to deploy.
NIGCOMSAT’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, described the approval as a significant milestone for the company and the country.
“NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B will strengthen our national satellite capacity, expand connectivity and support critical communications across the country.”
She said the agency’s priority was to ensure that the investment delivers measurable benefits to Nigerians and strengthens NIGCOMSAT’s role in the global satellite and digital economy.
The additional capacity is expected to support high-capacity broadband, broadcasting, enterprise connectivity, government services and emerging digital applications.
The satellites will also complement terrestrial broadband networks by providing coverage in areas where conventional telecommunications infrastructure is unavailable, inadequate or too costly to deploy.
NIGCOMSAT said the project would support digital services in sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, financial services and government, while improving the resilience of communications infrastructure.
It added that the satellites would provide secure and resilient communications for critical national requirements, including national security and defence, while reducing dependence on foreign satellite infrastructure.
Beyond connectivity, the project is expected to create opportunities across Nigeria’s satellite and digital technology value chain, including telecommunications, broadcasting, ground infrastructure, systems integration and satellite-enabled services.
NIGCOMSAT said it would also support indigenous technical capacity through knowledge transfer and professional development in areas such as satellite engineering, network operations and cybersecurity.
With FEC approval secured, the acquisition and deployment process will now move to the next stage, including engagement with technology partners, contract finalisation and technical planning ahead of manufacture and launch.
The satellites will be delivered by Thales Alenia Space of France and Israel Aerospace Industries, with NIGCOMSAT coordinating implementation with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and other relevant stakeholders.
