By Yinka Kolawole, with agency report
The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and Nigeria Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited have commenced engagement with Israeli and French manufacturers for the production of two next-generation communications satellites for Nigeria
NIGCOMSAT said the satellites, NigComSat-2A and NigComSat-2B, would be delivered by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Thales Alenia Space of France
The company said the project had entered its next phase following Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval for the acquisition and deployment of the satellites
In a statement, NIGCOMSAT said the next stage involves formal engagement with the technology partners, contract finalisation and technical planning ahead of the manufacture, launch and deployment of the satellites
Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT, described the approval as a significant milestone for the company and the country
She said the satellites would strengthen Nigeria’s national satellite capacity, expand connectivity and support critical communications services 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
Stephen Kwande, Acting Head of the Corporate Affairs Division at NIGCOMSAT, said the launch would take place in two phases, with the first expected by the end of 2028 and the second in 2029 or 2030
He said the process had just commenced following the FEC approval, adding that the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and NIGCOMSAT were handling engagements with the manufacturers
NIGCOMSAT said the satellites would be deployed under the supervision of the ministry and would provide additional capacity for high-capacity broadband, broadcasting, enterprise connectivity, government services and emerging digital applications
The company said the satellite capacity would also complement terrestrial broadband networks by extending coverage to locations where conventional infrastructure could be difficult or costly to deploy
According to NIGCOMSAT, the project is expected to support digital services across key sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, financial services, broadcasting and government
The satellites are also expected to strengthen Nigeria’s communications infrastructure and broaden access to digital services, particularly in areas where terrestrial networks remain limited
The project forms part of the government’s broader efforts to expand Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and strengthen the country’s position in the growing global satellite and digital economy