The federal government has set 2028 and 2029 as the timeline for the deployment of two new satellites, NIGCOMSAT-2A and 2B.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), Jane Egerton-Idehen, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the Nigerian Satellite Week 2026, themed, “Harnessing Space Technology for an Extraordinary Nigeria.”
She noted that the development is expected to boost military intelligence, surveillance, and regional connectivity.
She said: “For 2A and 2B, we have started the process. We have closed the tender and are now back into the financing and implementation stage. 2A is built to come up in 2028, and 2B for 2029.
“When they are up and running, they are expected to provide security within the borders and neighbouring countries. They will support the security agencies because data collection and intelligence in real time is important. Satellites like communication satellites allow that, irrespective of where they are.” she said.
Egerton-Idehen said this development underscores Nigeria’s commitment to expanding her presence in the global space economy.
According to her, the event coincides with NIGCOMSAT’s 20th anniversary, marking two decades since Nigeria entered the satellite industry.
“This approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s recognition of space as a driver of national development and sovereignty.
“Twenty years ago, Nigeria declared its readiness to participate and shape one of the most consequential industries of this century. That declaration was not abstract, it was a commitment to build capacity, institutions, and credibility in the global space economy.”
The MD said NIGCOMSAT has grown from a single satellite operator into a multi-service provider emphasising that Nigeria’s space investments are about more than technology.
“Today, Nigeria accounts for nearly 20% of Africa’s satellite capacity. Over eight government agencies are now actively engaged in space-related programmes.
“We invest in space because we are investing in education, bringing broadband to schools across Nigeria. We invest in space because we are investing in healthcare, connecting remote clinics to modern medical resources. We invest in space because we are investing in security and commerce, ensuring that every Nigerian community can participate in the digital economy.”
In his remarks, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said the satellites form part of the nation’s strategy to strengthen digital infrastructure.
Tijani explained that the satellites will complement ongoing investments in 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable and nearly 4,000 telecom towers, which are being rolled out nationwide and extended to neighbouring countries, including Cameroon, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and the Republic of Benin.
He stressed that satellite technology is critical for national development, affecting education, agriculture, business, and emergency response.
According to him, “The president’s approval of NIGCOMSAT-2A and 2B demonstrates a clear commitment to building the future. These satellites will enhance security, connect remote communities, and extend our fibre-optic network into neighbouring countries,” he said.
“Some of these neighbouring countries pay up to ten times more for internet capacity than Lagos. Extending our fibre network will not only improve connectivity but also enhance border security and regional collaboration.
“Satellite technology affects everything, from how a child in a rural community accesses the internet to how farmers make critical decisions and how businesses operate across distance.”
