Nigeria approves two new communications satellites

Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council has approved the acquisition and deployment of two next-generation communications satellites, NigComSat-2A and NigComSat-2B. The project aims to expand national broadband, broadcasting, and government communication capacities while addressing existing digital infrastructure gaps.

To diversify its technological dependencies, Nigeria has selected Israel Aerospace Industries and France’s Thales Alenia Space as suppliers. This move follows a recent dispute with China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) regarding an outstanding US$11.44 million debt for services related to the existing NigComSat-1R satellite. The shift toward Israeli and French partners is seen as a way to rebalance geopolitical risk and reduce concentrated counterparty exposure in the country’s space-based communications.

The first satellite is projected to launch by the end of 2028, with the second expected between 2029 and 2030. Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) will lead the execution of the program alongside the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.