The Federal Government has fixed 2028 and 2029 for the launch of two communication satellites, NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B, as part of efforts to strengthen security and expand digital connectivity.
The Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Mrs Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, disclosed this on Monday at the second Nigerian Satellite Week in Abuja, noting that the projects have moved beyond procurement to the execution stage.
She said the satellites are designed to enhance intelligence gathering, surveillance, and connectivity across Nigeria and neighbouring countries, particularly in support of security operations.
“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.
Also speaking, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said the satellite programme forms part of a broader government strategy to deepen digital infrastructure nationwide.
According to him, the initiative complements ongoing investments in fibre-optic expansion and telecommunications infrastructure, while extending connectivity beyond Nigeria’s borders.
“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.
“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,” he said.
The government expects the satellites to play a key role in improving national security architecture, bridging connectivity gaps in underserved areas, and supporting economic activities across sectors.
The Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Shaibu, said space technology has become central to Nigeria’s security and development, stressing its role in intelligence gathering, surveillance, communication, and disaster response.
Represented by the Commander of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Maj Gen Kennedy Osemwegie, he noted that the military is increasingly integrating space-based capabilities into its operations.
He said the Nigerian Army remains committed to leveraging space assets to improve situational awareness, decision-making, and coordination across theatres of operation.
The army chief added that collaboration among the military, government agencies, research institutions, the private sector, and international partners has strengthened Nigeria’s capacity in satellite-based intelligence, remote sensing, and communications support.
He noted that such partnerships are critical in addressing emerging threats, including terrorism, insurgency, climate-related disasters, and cross-border crimes, which require real-time intelligence enabled by space technology.
The PUNCH earlier reported that the Federal Government proposed a budgetary allocation of N420.97m for the NigComSat-2 Project in the 2026 fiscal year, signalling a scaled-down but sustained push to advance Nigeria’s next-generation satellite communications programme.
Details from the 2026 Appropriation Bill show that the allocation to Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited represents a decline from the N601.39m provided for the same project in the 2025 budget, translating to a year-on-year reduction of about N180.42m, or nearly 30 per cent.
Despite the cut, the project remains listed as ongoing, showing the government’s intention to keep the planned satellite replacement and expansion effort alive. The NigComSat-2 Project forms part of Nigeria’s broader plan to replace the ageing NigComSat-1R satellite and expand national capacity for broadband, broadcasting, and secure communications.
The proposed satellite is expected to support services such as satellite broadband, direct-to-home broadcasting, rural connectivity, tele-education, and telemedicine, while also strengthening the country’s digital and security infrastructure.
