The Federal Executive Council, FEC, has approved two new NIGCOMSAT satellites to expand broadband coverage and strengthen critical communications infrastructure across Nigeria.
The satellites, designated NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B, will be deployed by Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited, NIGCOMSAT, under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. The agency said the NIGCOMSAT satellites are expected to extend connectivity to underserved, unserved and hard-to-reach communities where conventional broadband infrastructure may be difficult or expensive to deploy.
According to NIGCOMSAT, the additional satellite capacity will complement existing terrestrial networks while supporting broadcasting, enterprise connectivity and government services. The agency said the project would also strengthen Nigeria’s communications resilience and expand access to satellite-enabled services.
Beyond broadband expansion, the new NIGCOMSAT satellites are expected to support digital services across several sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, financial services, broadcasting and government operations. They are also expected to provide more resilient communications for critical national requirements, including national security and defence.
NIGCOMSAT said the investment could reduce excessive dependence on external satellite infrastructure while strengthening Nigeria’s position within the global digital economy. Speaking on the approval, NIGCOMSAT Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, described the development as a major milestone for the agency and the country.
She said the satellites would strengthen Nigeria’s national satellite capacity, expand connectivity and support critical communications nationwide. Egerton-Idehen added that NIGCOMSAT’s priority was to translate the investment into measurable benefits for Nigerians while increasing the organisation’s impact in the global satellite and digital technology space.
With FEC approval secured, NIGCOMSAT is expected to proceed with technology-partner engagements, contract finalisation and technical planning ahead of the manufacture and launch of the satellites. The agency said the project would also generate opportunities across the satellite technology value chain, including telecommunications, broadcasting, ground infrastructure, systems integration, technical support and satellite terminals.
The satellites are expected to be delivered by Thales Alenia Space of France and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The deployment of the NIGCOMSAT satellites is therefore being positioned as part of Nigeria’s broader effort to close the digital connectivity gap and strengthen the resilience of its communications infrastructure.
