The federal government has engaged Israeli and French aerospace manufacturers for the production of two next-generation communication satellites as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and strengthen connectivity across the country.
The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the Nigeria Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited are engaging Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and France’s Thales Alenia Space to manufacture NigComSat-2A and NigComSat-2B.
The project has received Federal Executive Council approval, paving the way for formal engagement with the technology partners, contract finalisation and technical planning ahead of the manufacture, launch and deployment of the satellites.
Managing director and chief executive officer of NIGCOMSAT, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, described the approval as a significant milestone for Nigeria and the company.
She said the satellites would strengthen Nigeria’s 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,” Egerton-Idehen said.
According to NIGCOMSAT, the additional satellite capacity will support high-capacity broadband, broadcasting, enterprise connectivity, government services and other emerging digital applications.
The company said the satellites would also complement terrestrial broadband networks by providing wider coverage in locations where conventional infrastructure may be difficult or costly to deploy.
NIGCOMSAT added that the project would support digital services in education, healthcare, agriculture, financial services and broadcasting, while strengthening secure and resilient communications for critical national requirements, including national security and defence.
Acting Head of the Corporate Affairs Division at NIGCOMSAT, Stephen Kwande, said the satellites would be launched in phases, with the first expected by the end of 2028 and the second in 2029 or 2030.
He explained that the process had just begun following the FEC approval, with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and NIGCOMSAT handling engagements with the manufacturers.
The satellite project is also expected to create opportunities across telecommunications, broadcasting, ground infrastructure, systems integration, technical support and satellite-enabled services.
NIGCOMSAT said the programme would support indigenous capacity development through knowledge transfer, professional development and specialised expertise in satellite engineering, network operations and cybersecurity.
With FEC approval secured, the project will now proceed to formal engagement with the technology partners, contract finalisation, technical planning and other preparatory activities required for the manufacture, launch and eventual deployment of the two satellites.
