…NIGCOMSAT to Lead Implementation of Next-Generation Satellites to Extend Connectivity to Underserved Areas
By Danjuma Amodu
The Federal Government has approved the next phase of the acquisition and deployment of NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B, two next-generation High-Throughput Communication Satellites, following approval by the Federal Executive Council, FEC.
This was made known in a press release issued by Stephen Kwande, Ag. Head, Corporate Affairs Division, Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited, NIGCOMSAT.
The satellites will be deployed by NIGCOMSAT to expand Nigeria’s sovereign satellite capacity and strengthen broadband, broadcasting, enterprise and critical communications services.
Mrs. Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, NIGCOMSAT Ltd
NIGCOMSAT will lead implementation under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. The deployment forms part of the Federal Government’s broader investment in digital infrastructure, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, described the approval as a major milestone for the country’s space and digital economy.
“This is a significant milestone for NIGCOMSAT and for Nigeria, and we commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the leadership and support that have enabled us to reach this stage.
NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B will strengthen our national satellite capacity, expand connectivity and support critical communications across the country. 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.”
— Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, MD/CEO, NIGCOMSAT
According to the statement, the deployment is expected to extend connectivity to underserved, unserved and hard-to-reach communities, strengthen national communications resilience and increase Nigeria’s capacity to deliver satellite-enabled services.
The additional satellite capacity will support high-capacity broadband, broadcasting, enterprise connectivity, government services and other emerging digital applications. It will also complement terrestrial broadband networks by providing wider coverage in locations where conventional infrastructure is difficult or costly to deploy.
NIGCOMSAT said the satellites will enable wider access to reliable connectivity, particularly in rural areas, and support access to digital services across education, healthcare, agriculture, financial services, broadcasting, enterprise and government. They are also expected to improve the resilience of communications infrastructure nationwide.
The satellites will further strengthen secure and resilient communications for critical national requirements, including national security and defence, while reducing excessive dependence on external 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, technical support, satellite terminals and other satellite-enabled services.
It will also support indigenous capacity development through knowledge transfer, local manufacturing, professional development and the growth of specialised expertise in satellite engineering, network operations, cybersecurity and other emerging space technologies.
With FEC approval secured, the acquisition and deployment process will now move into the next stage of implementation. This includes formal engagement with technology partners, contract finalisation, technical planning and other preparatory activities required for the manufacture, launch and eventual deployment of the satellites.
The satellites will be delivered by Thales Alenia Space of France and Israel Aerospace Industries, IAI. NIGCOMSAT will lead implementation in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and other relevant stakeholders.
Through this investment, NIGCOMSAT is expected to expand its service capacity, strengthen the utilisation of national satellite assets and support the development of a more commercially viable Nigerian satellite and space-sector ecosystem.
NIGCOMSAT is a Federal Government-owned satellite communications company responsible for managing and commercialising Nigeria’s communications satellite assets. The company provides satellite-enabled services supporting broadband connectivity, broadcasting, enterprise communications, government services and other strategic national requirements.
