Nigeria approves two new satellites

The Federal Executive Council approved the acquisition, manufacture, launch and deployment of two next‑generation high‑throughput communication satellites, NIGCOMSAT‑2A and NIGCOMSAT‑2B, moving the programme into its next implementation phase.

The approval was announced by Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) managing director and chief executive officer Jane Nkechi Egerton‑Idehen, who described it as ‘a major milestone for the agency and the country’s digital infrastructure ambitions’. She added that the satellites ‘represent more than an expansion of Nigeria’s satellite assets and are important to the country’s pursuit of greater digital sovereignty’.

The satellites, classified as next‑generation high‑throughput communication satellites, are intended to expand Nigeria’s satellite capacity, improve broadband connectivity and reduce reliance on foreign satellite infrastructure. Thales Alenia Space and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have been selected to deliver the satellites.

With the Federal Executive Council’s approval, the project has entered a phase that includes engaging technology partners, finalising contracts and completing technical preparations for manufacture, launch and deployment. NIGCOMSAT has filed International Telecommunication Union (ITU) notification filings for orbital slots at 9.5° W and 16° W and is undertaking spectrum preparation and management for the satellites. The agency targets a launch window in 2027/2028.

The satellite expansion forms part of NIGCOMSAT’s broader effort to improve broadband access across Nigeria. In collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the agency is supporting Project 774, which aims to extend reliable internet connectivity to all 774 local government council secretariats. NIGCOMSAT is also pursuing public‑private partnerships with Infratel Africa, Hotspot Network Limited, Dimension Data and INQ to support connectivity initiatives, particularly in underserved and rural communities.

Beyond broadband and commercial services, NIGCOMSAT provides satellite‑enabled communications to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Navy. The agency has also undertaken technical upgrades, including the restoration of dormant Ka‑, Ku‑ and C‑band frequencies, upgrades to teleport hubs using Newtec and iDirect technologies, and the deployment of modern customer‑relationship‑management and internal systems.

Egerton‑Idehen said the project places a significant responsibility on the NIGCOMSAT team to ensure that the investment produces tangible benefits for Nigeria, and that the next phase will focus not only on technical delivery but also on developing the capabilities required to operate the infrastructure and commercialise the resulting services.