The Federal Government has moved the acquisition and deployment of NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B to the next phase following approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). The two next-generation High-Throughput Communication Satellites are expected to expand Nigeria’s satellite capacity, improve broadband connectivity and strengthen broadcasting, enterprise and critical communication services across……
The Federal Government has moved the acquisition and deployment of NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B to the next phase following approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
The two next-generation High-Throughput Communication Satellites are expected to expand Nigeria’s satellite capacity, improve broadband connectivity and strengthen broadcasting, enterprise and critical communication services across the country.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Head of the Corporate Affairs Division of Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Stephen KwandeAg.
NIGCOMSAT will lead the implementation of the project under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
According to the statement, the satellites will extend connectivity to underserved, unserved and hard-to-reach communities while improving the resilience of Nigeria’s communications infrastructure.
The additional satellite capacity is also expected to support high-capacity broadband, broadcasting, enterprise connectivity, government services and other emerging digital applications.
Speaking on the development, NIGCOMSAT Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, described the FEC approval as a major milestone for the company and the country.
“This is a significant milestone for NIGCOMSAT and for Nigeria, and we commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the leadership and support that have enabled us to reach this stage,” she said.
Egerton-Idehen said the satellites would strengthen Nigeria’s national satellite capacity and expand connectivity while supporting critical communications nationwide.
“NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B will strengthen our national satellite capacity, expand connectivity and support critical communications across the country,” she added.
She said the company’s priority was to ensure that the investment translates into tangible benefits for Nigerians while positioning NIGCOMSAT for greater participation in the global satellite and digital economy.
“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.
The government said the satellites would complement terrestrial broadband networks by providing coverage in areas where conventional infrastructure is difficult or expensive to deploy.
The project is also expected to improve access to digital services in sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, financial services, broadcasting, enterprise and government.
Beyond connectivity, the satellites are expected to strengthen secure communications for critical national requirements, including national security and defence, while reducing Nigeria’s reliance on external satellite infrastructure.
The project is also expected to create opportunities across the country’s satellite and digital technology value chain, including telecommunications, broadcasting, ground infrastructure, systems integration, technical support and satellite-enabled services.
According to NIGCOMSAT, the deployment will further support indigenous capacity development through knowledge transfer, local manufacturing, professional training and the development of expertise in satellite engineering, network operations, cybersecurity and emerging space technologies.
With FEC approval secured, the acquisition and deployment process will proceed to the next stage, including engagement with technology partners, contract finalisation and technical planning 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 responsible for 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 its broader digital infrastructure and national connectivity drive under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
NIGCOMSAT, a Federal Government-owned satellite communications company, manages and commercialises Nigeria’s communications satellite assets and provides satellite-enabled services for broadband, broadcasting, enterprise communications, government services and other strategic national needs.
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