Nigeria To Build Two Next-Gen Satellites With Israeli, French Manufacturers

The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) are working with Israeli and French companies to develop two new communication satellites for the country.

NIGCOMSAT said on Saturday that Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and France’s Thales Alenia Space will manufacture the satellites, known as NigComSat-2A and NigComSat-2B.

The project has entered a new stage after the Federal Executive Council approved the acquisition and deployment of the satellites.

The next steps include negotiating with the technology companies, completing contracts and carrying out technical preparations before production, launch and deployment begin.

NIGCOMSAT Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, described the approval as an important achievement for both the company and Nigeria.

She said the new satellites would increase the country’s satellite capacity, improve connectivity and provide stronger communication services nationwide.

“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.

NIGCOMSAT Acting Head of Corporate Affairs, Stephen Kwande, said the satellite launches would take place in two stages.

“The process has just started, that is the approval. The launch will be in two phases, one hopefully end of 2028 and the second 2029 or 2030,” he said.

“There was discussion in March and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy is handling most aspects of the launch and discussions.

“We are under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. So the Ministry and NIGCOMSAT Ltd are engaging the manufacturer.”

The NIGCOMSAT said the satellites would be deployed under the supervision of the ministry.

“The additional satellite capacity will support high – capacity broadband, broadcasting, enterprise connectivity, Government services and other emerging digital applications,” the company said.

“It will also complement terrestrial broadband networks by providing wider coverage in locations where conventional infrastructure may be difficult or costly to deploy.” 

NIGCOMSAT said the project would support digital services in key sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, financial services, broadcasting and government.

The satellites are also expected to improve secure and reliable communications for critical national needs, including security and defence, while helping Nigeria reduce its reliance on foreign satellite systems.

The project could further create business and employment opportunities in telecommunications, broadcasting, ground infrastructure, systems integration, technical services and other satellite-related areas.

“With FEC approval secured, the acquisition and deployment process will now move into the next stage of implementation, including formal engagement with the technology partners, contract finalisation, technical planning and other preparatory activities required for the manufacture, launch and eventual deployment of the satellites,” NIGCOMSAT said.

The company also expects the project to strengthen local expertise through knowledge sharing, professional training and specialised skills in satellite engineering, network operations and cybersecurity.

ALSO READ: Nigerian Satellite TV Company, TSTV Loses Headquarters In Abuja Due To Inability To Pay Rent