Nigeria is advancing plans to strengthen its digital and communications infrastructure following the Federal Executive Council’s approval for the acquisition and deployment of two next-generation communication satellites, NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B.
The satellites are expected to expand Nigeria’s domestic satellite capacity, improve broadband connectivity and reduce reliance on foreign satellite infrastructure. Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen described the approval as a major milestone for the agency and the country’s digital infrastructure ambitions.
The two satellites are classified as next-generation High-Throughput Communication Satellites (HTS) and are expected to provide additional capacity for broadband expansion, support critical economic sectors and unlock new digital opportunities. Thales Alenia Space and IAI – Israel Aerospace Industries have been selected to deliver the satellites.
The project is also positioned as part of Nigeria’s broader pursuit of digital sovereignty, with the new infrastructure expected to strengthen domestic control over satellite capacity while supporting the country’s growing digital and space economy.
Following Federal Executive Council approval, the project has entered its next implementation phase. This includes engaging technology partners, finalising contracts and completing technical preparations for satellite manufacturing, launch and deployment. NIGCOMSAT has targeted a launch window of 2027/2028.
Spectrum preparations are also underway, including International Telecommunication Union notification filings for orbital positions at 9.5°W and 16°W to support the future deployment and operation of the satellites.
The expansion forms part of NIGCOMSAT’s wider efforts to improve broadband access across Nigeria. In partnership 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 said several local government areas have already been connected under the initiative.
The agency is also pursuing public-private partnerships with organisations including Infratel Africa, Hotspot Network Limited, Dimension Data and INQ to expand connectivity, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
Beyond broadband, NIGCOMSAT’s satellite infrastructure supports national security and defence operations by providing satellite-enabled communications and related services to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence and Nigerian Navy.
The agency has also undertaken technical and operational upgrades, including the restoration of dormant Ka-, Ku- and C-band frequencies, modernisation of teleport hubs using Newtec and iDirect technologies, and deployment of updated customer relationship management and internal systems.
Egerton-Idehen said the approval places an important responsibility on NIGCOMSAT to ensure the investment delivers tangible benefits for Nigeria. The next phase will therefore focus not only on manufacturing and deploying the satellites, but also on developing the operational and commercial capabilities required to maximise their value.
The approval of NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B represents a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to expand domestic satellite capacity and strengthen digital resilience. Increased broadband capacity, stronger private-sector partnerships and applications spanning connectivity and national security could make satellite infrastructure an increasingly important pillar of Nigeria’s digital transformation and technological autonomy.
