The acquisition and deployment of NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B have reached an advanced stage, following the Federal Executive Council’s approval to purchase and deploy the two next-generation high-throughput communication satellites.

The satellites, to be deployed by Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), are designed to expand Nigeria’s satellite capacity and strengthen broadband, broadcasting, enterprise and critical communications services.

According to NIGCOMSAT Head of Corporate Affairs, Stephen Kwande, NIGCOMSAT will lead implementation under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

Kwande said in a statement at the weekend that the deployment is expected to expand connectivity to underserved, unserved and hard-to-reach communities, strengthen national communications resilience and increase Nigeria’s capacity to deliver satellite-enabled services.

He explained that the development forms part of the Federal Government’s broader investment in digital infrastructure and national connectivity, in line with the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking on the development, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT, Jane Nkechi Egerton–Idehen, said, “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. NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2 B will strengthen our 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 the additional satellite capacity would support high-capacity broadband, broadcasting, enterprise connectivity, government services, and other emerging digital applications.

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

She further explained that the deployment of NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2 B is expected to enable wider access to reliable connectivity, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.

“It will also support access to digital services across education, Healthcare, Agriculture, Financial Services, Broadcasting, Enterprise and Government Services, while improving the resilience of communications infrastructure across the country,” she added.

The NIGCOMSAT boss said, “NIGCOMSAT – 2A and NIGCOMSAT – 2B are also expected to strengthen secure and resilient communications for critical national requirements, including national security and Defence, while reducing excessive dependence on external satellite infrastructure.

“Beyond connectivity, the deployment is expected to create opportunities across Nigeria’s satellite and digital technology value chain, including telecommunications, broadcasting, ground infrastructure, systems integration, technical support, satellite terminals and other satellite -enabled services.

“It will also support indigenous capacity development through knowledge transfer, local manufacturing, professional development and the growth of specialised expertise in satellite engineering, network operations, cybersecurity and other emerging space technologies

“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.

“The satellites will be delivered by Thales Alenia Space of France and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), with NIGCOMSAT leading implementation in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and other relevant stakeholders.” (The Nation)