Nigeria Approves NIGCOMSAT-2A, 2B Satellites to Boost Broadband and Digital Sovereignty

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 satellite capacity, improve broadband connectivity and reduce the country’s 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.

Egerton-Idehen said the approval followed months of meetings, reviews, preparation and work by the NIGCOMSAT team. She noted that the two satellites, which are classified as next-generation High-Throughput Communication Satellites (HTS), represent more than an expansion of Nigeria’s satellite assets and are important to the country’s pursuit of greater digital sovereignty.

The satellites are expected to provide additional capacity for broadband expansion, support critical sectors of the economy, unlock new digital opportunities and strengthen Nigeria’s role in Africa’s emerging digital and space economy. Thales Alenia Space and IAI – Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have been selected to deliver the satellites.

With the Federal Executive Council approval secured, the project has entered its next implementation phase. This includes engaging technology partners, finalising contracts and completing the technical preparations required for the manufacture, launch and deployment of the satellites. NIGCOMSAT has previously commenced the acquisition process, with a targeted launch window of 2027/2028.

The agency has also undertaken spectrum preparations for the project, including International Telecommunication Union (ITU) notification filings for orbital slots at 9.5°W and 16°W. These preparations are intended to support the future deployment and operation of the satellites.

The satellite expansion is part of NIGCOMSAT’s broader efforts to improve broadband access across Nigeria. In collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the agency is supporting Project 774, which seeks to extend reliable internet connectivity to all 774 Local Government Council secretariats. NIGCOMSAT said a number of local government areas have already been connected under the initiative.

NIGCOMSAT is also pursuing public-private partnerships to extend connectivity and address the digital divide. Its partnerships with Infratel Africa, Hotspot Network Limited, Dimension Data and INQ are aimed at supporting connectivity initiatives, particularly in underserved and rural communities.

Beyond broadband and commercial services, NIGCOMSAT’s satellite infrastructure is being used to support Nigeria’s national security and defence capabilities. The agency provides satellite-enabled communications and related services to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence and Nigerian Navy, alongside security-focused manufacturing partners.

NIGCOMSAT has also implemented a series of technical and operational upgrades as part of its transformation programme. These include the restoration of previously dormant Ka-, Ku- and C-band frequencies, upgrades to teleport hubs using Newtec and iDirect technologies, and the deployment of modern customer relationship management and internal systems.

Egerton-Idehen said the satellite project also places a significant responsibility on the NIGCOMSAT team to ensure that the investment produces tangible benefits for Nigeria. The next phase will therefore focus not only on the technical delivery of the satellites but also on developing the capabilities required to operate the infrastructure and commercialise the resulting services.

The approval of NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic satellite capacity and support the country’s broader digital transformation agenda. Through increased broadband capacity, private-sector partnerships and applications spanning connectivity and national security, the project could further position satellite infrastructure as an important pillar of Nigeria’s digital autonomy and technological resilience.