The Federal Executive Council, FEC, has approved the acquisition and deployment of two new high-throughput communication satellites to expand broadband connectivity across Nigeria. The satellites, NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B, will be deployed by the Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited, NIGCOMSAT, as part of efforts to improve digital access and strengthen the country’s communications infrastructure.
The new capacity is expected to extend connectivity to underserved, unserved and hard-to-reach communities where conventional broadband infrastructure remains difficult or expensive to deploy.
NIGCOMSAT disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday, saying the approval has moved the satellite acquisition programme into its next implementation phase. The agency will lead the deployment under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
According to NIGCOMSAT, the new satellites will complement existing terrestrial broadband infrastructure by providing wider coverage across areas with limited connectivity.
The agency said the project would also strengthen national communications resilience and increase Nigeria’s capacity to provide satellite-enabled services. The additional capacity is expected to support sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, financial services, broadcasting, enterprise and government operations.
Beyond ordinary connectivity, the satellites are expected to provide more secure and resilient communication capabilities for critical national requirements, including national security and defence. The project could also reduce Nigeria’s reliance on external satellite infrastructure.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, described the approval as a significant milestone for both the agency and the country.
She commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the leadership and support that enabled the project to reach the current stage. Egerton-Idehen said the satellites would increase Nigeria’s national satellite capacity while expanding connectivity and supporting critical communication needs.
“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.”
The satellite programme is also expected to generate opportunities across Nigeria’s broader digital and satellite technology ecosystem.
NIGCOMSAT said potential areas of growth include telecommunications, broadcasting, ground infrastructure, systems integration, technical support and satellite terminal deployment. The agency said the project could therefore stimulate activity beyond the satellites themselves by supporting businesses and professionals operating throughout the digital technology value chain.
With FEC approval now secured, NIGCOMSAT is expected to proceed with discussions with technology partners, contract finalisation and technical preparations for the project. The next stages will cover the manufacture, launch and eventual deployment of the two satellites. The satellites are expected to be delivered by Thales Alenia Space of France and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
NIGCOMSAT said the project ultimately aims to strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, improve access to broadband services and position the country for greater participation in the global satellite and digital economy.
