The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has granted approval for the acquisition and deployment of two next-generation High-Throughput Communication Satellites, NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B, in a major move to expand Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
The approval, announced by the acting head of corporate affairs at the Nigeria Communications Satellite Ltd. (NIGCOMSAT), Mr Stephen Kwande, signals the project’s progression to its implementation phase. The satellites are designed to significantly enhance the nation’s satellite capacity, strengthening broadband, broadcasting, enterprise and critical communications services.
Mr Kwande stated that the deployment would extend connectivity to underserved, unserved and hard-to-reach communities, bolster national communications resilience, and increase Nigeria’s capacity to deliver satellite-enabled services.
The Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, described the approval as a pivotal milestone for both the company and the nation. She lauded President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and unwavering support in advancing the project to this critical stage.
“NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B will strengthen our national satellite capacity, expand connectivity and support critical communications across the country,” Mrs Egerton-Idehen remarked. “Our priority is to translate this investment into measurable value for Nigerians and position NIGCOMSAT for stronger impact within the global satellite and digital economy.”
The additional capacity, she explained, would support high-capacity broadband, broadcasting, enterprise connectivity, government services and emerging digital applications. The satellites would also complement terrestrial broadband networks, particularly in areas where conventional infrastructure proves difficult or costly to deploy.
Expected benefits include improved access to digital services across education, healthcare, agriculture, financial services, broadcasting and government operations. The project would also enhance the resilience of communications infrastructure and provide secure communications for critical national requirements, including national security and defence.
Mrs Egerton-Idehen emphasised that the initiative would reduce Nigeria’s dependence on external satellite infrastructure while creating opportunities across the satellite and digital technology value chain—encompassing telecommunications, broadcasting, ground infrastructure, systems integration, technical support and satellite-enabled services.
Furthermore, the project would support indigenous capacity development through knowledge transfer, local manufacturing, professional development and specialised expertise in satellite engineering, network operations and cybersecurity.
With FEC approval secured, the next phase will involve formal engagement with technology partners, contract finalisation, technical planning and preparatory activities for the manufacture, launch and deployment of the satellites.
The satellites will be delivered by Thales Alenia Space of France and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). NIGCOMSAT will spearhead implementation in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and other relevant stakeholders.
NIGCOMSAT is a federal government-owned satellite communications company responsible for managing and commercialising Nigeria’s communications satellite assets.
