Nigeria advances satellite plans with NIGCOMSAT-2A and 2B

Nigeria is moving ahead with a major expansion of its national satellite infrastructure after the Federal Executive Council approved the acquisition and deployment of two next-generation communications satellites, NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B

The new satellites are intended to increase Nigeria’s available satellite capacity, strengthen broadband connectivity and reduce dependence on overseas satellite infrastructure. The project is also expected to contribute to the country’s wider ambitions for digital sovereignty and greater control over critical communications infrastructure.

Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, welcomed the Federal Executive Council’s decision, describing it as an important step for both the agency and Nigeria’s digital infrastructure development.

Egerton-Idehen said the approval followed an extensive period of consultations, assessments and preparation by the NIGCOMSAT team. She said the project represents more than simply adding new satellites to Nigeria’s existing space assets, highlighting its importance to the country’s long-term digital independence.

The two spacecraft are classified as next-generation High-Throughput Communication Satellites (HTS). Once operational, they are expected to provide additional bandwidth to support broadband deployment, serve key economic sectors and create opportunities for new digital services. The programme could also enhance Nigeria’s participation in Africa’s expanding digital and space economy.

Thales Alenia Space and IAI – Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have been chosen as the technology providers for the satellites. Following the Federal Executive Council’s approval, NIGCOMSAT will proceed with the implementation stage, which involves working with technology partners, completing contractual arrangements and undertaking the technical work necessary ahead of satellite production, launch and deployment.

The acquisition process had already been initiated by NIGCOMSAT, with the agency targeting a launch timeframe of 2027/2028.

Preparations for the satellites have also extended to spectrum and orbital requirements. NIGCOMSAT has completed International Telecommunication Union (ITU) notification filings relating to orbital positions at 9.5°W and 16°W. The filings form part of the preparations required for the eventual deployment and operation of the new satellite assets.

The project forms part of NIGCOMSAT’s wider programme to improve internet availability throughout Nigeria. Working alongside the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the agency is contributing to Project 774, an initiative designed to bring dependable internet connectivity to the secretariats of all 774 Local Government Councils.

Several local government areas have already been connected through the programme, according to NIGCOMSAT, with satellite connectivity providing an important option for locations where terrestrial infrastructure remains limited.

The agency is also working with private-sector organisations to expand coverage and tackle connectivity gaps. Partnerships involving Infratel Africa, Hotspot Network Limited, Dimension Data and INQ are supporting efforts to bring communications services to underserved and rural communities.

NIGCOMSAT’s role extends beyond commercial broadband provision. Its satellite-based infrastructure also supports Nigeria’s security and defence requirements, providing communications and associated services to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence and Nigerian Navy. The agency is working alongside security-focused manufacturing partners in delivering these capabilities.

At the same time, NIGCOMSAT has been upgrading its existing technical and operational infrastructure as part of a broader transformation programme. Work has included bringing previously inactive Ka-, Ku- and C-band frequencies back into service, modernising teleport hubs with Newtec and iDirect technologies, and introducing updated customer relationship management and internal business systems.

Egerton-Idehen said the satellite programme brings with it a responsibility to ensure that the substantial investment delivers measurable value for Nigeria. As the project progresses, NIGCOMSAT will therefore need to develop not only the infrastructure itself but also the operational and commercial capabilities needed to manage the satellites and turn their capacity into practical services.

The planned deployment of NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B represents a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to build greater domestic satellite capability. By increasing available broadband capacity and supporting applications across commercial connectivity, public services and national security, the satellites are expected to become an important component of the country’s digital transformation strategy.

The programme could ultimately help Nigeria strengthen its technological resilience, widen access to digital services and reduce its dependence on external satellite resources, reinforcing satellite communications as a key element of the country’s drive towards greater digital autonomy.