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Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen |
"The satellites will be deployed by the Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy." NIGCOMSAT
The Federal Government has approved the next phase of the acquisition and deployment of two next-generation communication satellites, NigComSat-2A and NigComSat-2B.
The approval by the Federal Executive Council is expected to boost Nigeria’s satellite capacity, expand broadband coverage and improve access to digital services across underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
The satellites will be deployed by the Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
The project is designed to provide additional capacity for broadband, broadcasting, enterprise connectivity, government services and other emerging digital applications.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, described the development as a major milestone for the company and the country.
"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.” She said.
Egerton-Idehen said the company would focus on translating the investment into measurable value for Nigerians and positioning NIGCOMSAT for greater impact in the global satellite and digital economy.
According to the Federal Government, the additional satellite capacity will complement terrestrial broadband networks, especially in areas where conventional infrastructure is difficult or expensive to deploy.
It said the satellites would support digital services in education, healthcare, agriculture, financial services, broadcasting, enterprise and government, while strengthening the resilience of the country's communications infrastructure.
The project is also expected to enhance secure communications for critical national requirements, including national security and defence, while reducing Nigeria's reliance on external satellite infrastructure.
The government said the deployment would create opportunities across the satellite and digital technology value chain, including telecommunications, broadcasting, ground infrastructure, systems integration, satellite terminals and technical support.
It added that the project would promote indigenous capacity through knowledge transfer, local manufacturing, professional development and specialised expertise in satellite engineering, network operations, cybersecurity and other emerging space technologies.
Following the FEC approval, NIGCOMSAT will commence the next stage of implementation, including engagement with technology partners, contract finalisation and technical planning ahead of the manufacture, launch and deployment of the satellites.
The satellites will be delivered by Thales Alenia Space of France and Israel Aerospace Industries, with NIGCOMSAT leading the implementation in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and other stakeholders.
The government said the investment formed part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and its broader efforts to expand digital infrastructure and national connectivity.
NIGCOMSAT is a Federal Government-owned satellite communications company responsible for managing and commercialising Nigeria's communications satellite assets and providing satellite-enabled services for broadband, broadcasting, enterprise communications and government services.
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Stephen Kwande, Ag. Head, Corporate Affairs Division, NIGCOMSAT.
Reviewed by NewBuzz
on
August 22, 2026
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