Nigeria is set to expand its orbital footprint following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of two new communication satellites: NIGCOMSAT 2A and 2B.
Jane Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, announced the milestone on Monday during the opening of Nigerian Satellite Week 2026 in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme “Harnessing Space Technology for an Extraordinary Nigeria,” she emphasized that the new hardware will be a cornerstone in bolstering the nation’s space program and digital infrastructure.
“This approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s recognition of space as a driver of national development and sovereignty,” Egerton-Idehen said.
“Twenty years ago, Nigeria declared its readiness to participate and shape one of the most consequential industries of this century. That declaration was not abstract, it was a commitment to build capacity, institutions, and credibility in the global space economy,” she added.
The NIGCOMSAT chief further noted: “We invest in space because we are investing in education, bringing broadband to schools across Nigeria.
“We invest in space because we are investing in healthcare, connecting remote clinics to modern medical resources.
“We invest in space because we are investing in security and commerce, ensuring that every Nigerian community can participate in the digital economy.”
Expressing strong optimism, Egerton-Idehen remarked: “It took us two decades to reach this point, and the journey was not a straight line. But today, as we prepare the groundwork for the satellites that will succeed our current fleet, we do so with confidence knowing that our direction is clear and our partnerships strong.”
This milestone announcement coincides with NIGCOMSAT celebrating its 20th anniversary. The organisation has transformed from operating a single satellite into a comprehensive multi-service provider.
Nigeria now commands nearly 20 percent of Africa’s satellite capacity, while more than eight government agencies are actively involved in various space-related initiatives.
Egerton-Idehen also revealed that the company’s accelerator programme, introduced this year, will become a permanent fixture to support emerging space-focused enterprises, alongside efforts such as the 774 Local Government Area Connectivity project.
She reiterated that the work of advancing Nigeria’s space future is being carried out by the institutions, innovators, investors, policymakers, and stakeholders participating in the event.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, who addressed the Day 1 theme titled “The Space Race: The Convergence of Technology, Government, and Opportunities,” lauded the presidential approval and reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to growing satellite infrastructure.
“When a community gains the opportunity to connect, it transforms how businesses operate and how people live. Satellite technology allows us to extend connectivity to places where other infrastructure cannot reach. It also provides resilience, innovation, and strengthens our digital economy,” Tijjani said.
Stressing the need for more than just hardware, he added:“Already, we see startups testing ideas, conversations around policy and investment, and new partnerships emerging.
“This is how we grow the ecosystem, and this ecosystem is required for Nigeria to create solutions from satellite technology. We need to see more Nigerian solutions for agriculture, education, commerce, and for security.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s unique position on the continent, the minister declared: “Nigeria’s leadership in satellite technology is not just for Nigeria. It is for Africa. We must build talent that understands both the technology and its applications. We must create room for businesses to grow in this space. And we must collaborate more across the continent.”
To drive innovation, Tijjani announced the launch of a N12 billion Research Cluster Fund that will actively engage 36 professors along with nearly 200 postgraduate and PhD researchers.
Universities will play a pivotal role in these clusters to forge stronger connections between academic research and industrial applications.
The minister emphasised that Nigeria remains the only African nation with operational communication satellites, describing its leadership as a continental responsibility.
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