FG Advances NigComSat-2A, 2B Deployment After FEC Approval

Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen
MD/CEO NIGCOMSAT 

"The two high-throughput satellites are expected to provide additional capacity for broadband, broadcasting, enterprise connectivity, government services and other emerging digital applications, while extending reliable communications to underserved, unserved and hard-to-reach communities." Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director/CEO NIGCOMSAT

The Federal Government has approved the next phase of the acquisition and deployment of two next-generation communication satellites, NigComSat-2A and NigComSat-2B.

This is a move that will expectedly, significantly expand Nigeria’s satellite capacity and improve broadband connectivity nationwide.

The approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) clears the way for Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) to proceed with the implementation of the satellite project under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

The two high-throughput satellites are expected to provide additional capacity for broadband, broadcasting, enterprise connectivity, government services and other emerging digital applications, while extending reliable communications to underserved, unserved and hard-to-reach communities.

Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT, while speaking on the development, described the approval as a significant milestone for the company and Nigeria.

“NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B will strengthen our national satellite capacity, expand connectivity and support critical communications across the country,” she said.

Egerton-Idehen said the company’s priority was to translate the investment into measurable value for Nigerians while positioning NIGCOMSAT for greater impact in the global satellite and digital economy.

According to the Federal Government, the additional satellite capacity will complement terrestrial broadband infrastructure, particularly in locations where conventional networks are difficult or costly to deploy.

The project is also expected to support digital services in critical sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, financial services, broadcasting, enterprise and government, while strengthening the resilience of Nigeria’s communications infrastructure.

Beyond connectivity, NigComSat-2A and 2B are expected to provide secure and resilient communications for critical national requirements, including national security and defence, and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on external satellite infrastructure.

The project will also create opportunities across the domestic satellite and digital technology value chain, covering telecommunications, broadcasting, ground infrastructure, systems integration, technical support, satellite terminals and other satellite-enabled services.

The government said the initiative would further promote indigenous capacity development through knowledge transfer, professional training, local manufacturing and the development of specialised expertise in satellite engineering, network operations, cybersecurity and emerging space technologies.

With FEC approval secured, NIGCOMSAT will proceed with formal engagement with technology partners, contract finalisation, technical planning and other preparatory activities ahead of the manufacture, launch and deployment of the satellites.

The satellites will be delivered by Thales Alenia Space of France and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), with NIGCOMSAT leading implementation in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and other relevant stakeholders.

The Federal Government said the investment is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and broader efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure, expand national connectivity and build a more commercially viable Nigerian satellite and space-sector ecosystem.

NIGCOMSAT, a Federal Government-owned satellite communications company, is responsible for managing and commercialising Nigeria’s communications satellite assets and providing satellite-enabled services for broadband, broadcasting, enterprise communications, government and other strategic national needs.