The Federal Government has approved the procurement of two additional communication satellites to strengthen nationwide broadband access, improve digital inclusion, and support economic growth.
The decision, announced by Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani, follows approval by the Federal Executive Council.
The new satellites will complement and eventually replace NigComSat-1R, which has been extended beyond its original lifespan and is now expected to operate until 2028.
Nigeria remains the only West African nation with operational communication satellites.
The upcoming additions aim to close connectivity gaps in rural and remote areas, enhance high-speed internet services, improve broadcasting, support national security communications, and ensure data resilience for critical infrastructure.
"The president has approved the procurement of two new satellites," Tijani confirmed. The satellites will deliver high-throughput capacity and form part of a larger digital transformation agenda that includes laying up to 90,000 km of fiber-optic cables and installing 3,700 new telecom towers in underserved communities.
Officials expect the initiative to bring reliable internet and digital services to around 20 million more Nigerians, with visible improvements starting from 2027.
Fiber rollout is scheduled to begin in mid-to-late 2026, while the satellites are targeted for operational deployment the following year.
The project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of growing Nigeria’s economy to $1 trillion and positioning the country as a digital and space technology leader in Africa.
It is expected to create jobs, boost business productivity, and improve connectivity for households, government, and private sector users.
Details on satellite manufacturers, launch partners, and precise timelines remain under procurement processes and have not yet been disclosed.
The initiative builds on earlier plans by Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) to adopt advanced, high-throughput, and potentially software-defined satellite systems.
The government has assured citizens that the satellites will significantly enhance Nigeria’s communication infrastructure and promote inclusive digital access across the country.
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