THE Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) have begun engaging Israeli and French manufacturers for the production of two next-generation communication satellites for Nigeria, with the first launch expected by the end of 2028.
News Point Nigeria reports that the two satellites, NigComSat-2A and NigComSat-2B, are expected to be delivered by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and France’s Thales Alenia Space, following approval by the Federal Executive Council for their acquisition and deployment.
NIGCOMSAT disclosed in a statement on Saturday that the project has entered its next phase, involving formal engagement with the technology partners, contract finalisation and technical planning ahead of the manufacture, launch and eventual deployment of the satellites.
Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT, described the approval as a significant milestone for both the company and Nigeria.
She said the satellites would strengthen Nigeria’s national satellite capacity, expand connectivity and support critical communications across the country.
“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.
Speaking on the expected launch timetable, Stephen Kwande, Acting Head of the Corporate Affairs Division at NIGCOMSAT, said the launches would take place in two phases, with the first tentatively scheduled for the end of 2028.
“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,” Kwande told TheCable.
He added, “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.”
According to NIGCOMSAT, the satellites will be deployed under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
“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.”
The company said the project is expected to support the expansion of digital services across critical sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, financial services, broadcasting and government.
NIGCOMSAT added that the satellites would strengthen secure and resilient communications for critical national requirements, including national security and defence, while reducing Nigeria’s dependence on external satellite infrastructure.
The project is also expected to create opportunities across telecommunications, broadcasting, ground infrastructure, systems integration, technical support and satellite-enabled services.
“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 further stated that the project would support indigenous capacity development through knowledge transfer, professional development and the development of specialised expertise in satellite engineering, network operations and cybersecurity.